Municipal / city level environmental plan or programme

Lisbon is facing an increasing threat linked to climate change due to its geographical location and climate (6), which has had a negative impact on health and quality of life in the city (5). Its average annual precipitation is decreasing, although the city experiences more winter precipitation. This results in longer droughts and more seasonal flooding, which reduces water retention and soil conservation (6). Average temperatures are increasing by 14°C per year, with maximum temperatures up to 5°C higher (6).
As an adaptation measure to these challenges, the LIFE LUNGS project aims to increase Lisbon's resilience by implementing green infrastructure and promoting related ecosystem services (1, 3, 5, 6). Thus, it focuses on measures aimed at coping with temperature increase, mitigating the effects of heat waves and water scarcity, which are expected to become more frequent, being in line with the climate policies adopted by the municipality. The project runs from 2019/2020 to 2024/2025 (1, 5, 6). It aims to address cross-cutting issues such as climate, water and biodiversity (3). The project expects to work hand in hand with the City of Malaga, which has been developing projects aimed at adapting the city to climate change. It is expected to replicate the work in Malaga and post-project to 2 national territories, and 1 in the EU (4). It is also intended to transfer the project work to be implemented in private areas that are part of Lisbon's green infrastructure, and to disseminate and technically train municipalities of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area and other municipalities committed to climate change adaptation (4).

Sri Lanka, particularly its low-lying coastal areas, faces recurring flooding challenges exacerbated by climate change, coastal erosion, and urbanization (1). Wetlands have emerged as crucial ecosystems in mitigating these risks, acting as natural sponges during heavy rainfall and releasing water gradually as flood levels subside (1). Beyond flood control, wetlands play a vital role in environmental quality. Their biodiversity helps filter pollutants and chemicals from the air and water, creating a healthier environment for both humans and wildlife (1). In 2018, Colombo was designated as a Global Wetland City under the Ramsar Convention, becoming the first and only capital city to receive this recognition (1). Recognizing the significance of wetlands as nature-based solutions, international institutions have prioritized their conservation through financing programs (1), and the city has developed projects to raise awareness and involve its citizens in their protection (1). These efforts have resulted in the creation of four wetland parks in the city, that comparing to a wetland, the wetland parks have more human intervention. Thus, they are focused on different topics and activities (2): Diyasaru Park, Beddagana Wetland Park (managed by the Urban Development Authority), Kotte Rampart Wetland Park (managed by the Urban Development Authority), and the Gothatuwa Wetland Park (managed by the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation) (2). Gothatuwa Park is the newest wetland park and it is located in the flood-prone Gothatuwa neighbourhood (1). Inaugurated in 2024, It has a recreational focus, with trails for cyclists and hikers, and together with the other wetland complex, this park is designed to make the wetlands a cornerstone of local people's lives (1). Currently, environmental education activities are carried out in the park, focusing on managing aquatic invasive plants, tree planting and solid waste collection (3).

The Waliwa project, launched in 2017 by the municipality of Sainte-Luce, is a collaborative effort dedicated to restoring marine biodiversity, enhancing the ecological balance of the bay area, revitalizing the local ecosystem and supporting sustainable economic activities. By focusing on marine biodiversity conservation, Waliwa addresses several critical environmental challenges. The project helps mitigate coastline erosion, support the blue economy through artisanal fishing and tourism, and foster an environmentally friendly culture among the local community.
So far, the Waliwa project has implemented three initiatives: it restored the Gros Raisin backshore to address erosion and provide nesting sea turtles with protected space (Ref 4). The project also intervened to restore the Pont Café pond, which was covered in Salvinia Molesta, preventing the intake of oxygen and hampering its role as a water filter, habitat for species and flood regulator .
Furthermore, the project has conducted studies and raised awareness about the challenges posed by wastewater management on the health of municipal water bodies. Through these efforts, Waliwa is working to create a more sustainable and resilient marine environment for future generations. (Ref 4, 5, 6; 12)

For thousands of years the Rio Salado, also known as the Salt River, and its larger mainstem, the Gila River, served as an important perennial source of life and growth for indigenous people residing in central Arizona, including the Akimel and Piipaash (3). Today, the Salt River is an ephemeral river corridor connecting diverse urban communities across an expansive and growing Maricopa County (3). While the river is now typically defined by intermittent flow as a function of water conservation and distribution in an arid urban climate, it also has powerful flows during the Arizona monsoon season providing a diverse and unique ecosystem for the region (3). To foster the health of the River, a regional multi-decade project was initiated in 2018 called Rio Reimagined, which includes six cities and two tribal communities (1). Rio Reimagined is a planning initiative in a very early concept stage, centered around the mission to support and enhance this treasured river corridor (3). The goals of Rio Reimagined consist of connecting communities, Equitable & Sustainable Development, and Restoring and Revitalizing Healthy Rivers (3). As part of the Rio Reimagined, the City of Phoenix founded a collaborative project called Rio PHX that will help promote a 20-mile Rio Salado (Salt River) corridor as a local and regional destination that attracts positive investment for the benefit of existing/future businesses, residents, and tourists (1). The final aim with this project is to improve health outcomes for existing and future residents by address outstanding needs in the area and create opportunities for housing, employment, recreation, art, and ecological restoration (1). From May 2024 to May 2025 Rio PHX will engage in creating a community profile, an existing conditions assessment, community engagement & visioning, developing implementation strategies and drafting the master plan (1). Public hearings and final plan adoption are set to take place in fall 2025 (1).

The "Ventanilla Wetlands" Regional Conservation Area (ACR) is an area of 275.45 hectares protected and administered by the Regional Management of Natural Resources and Environmental Management of the Regional Government of Callao (1, 2). It was established on December 20, 2006, by Supreme Decree No. 074-2006-AG, to conserve a representative sample of the coastal wetlands of the Subtropical Pacific Desert (2). With an ecosystem shaped by various hydrological and ecological processes, the "Ventanilla Wetlands" ACR is home to 126 bird species and 27 native plant species, making it an ideal area for ecotourism, recreational, educational, scientific, and cultural activities, thanks to its landscapes and biodiversity (2). However, the Ventanilla Wetlands face several challenges due to urban growth, water pollution, waste, traffic and plane overflights from the National Police and Navy, leading to a decline in bird populations due to noise exposure (5).
This area is fed by the hydrological system of the Chillón River, by surface waters from the Sedapal oxidation ponds, and by water seepage from nearby human settlements and populations adjacent to the wetland. The Ventanilla Wetlands are also influenced by the marine system, especially in the northwest zone. This gives the ACR area lagoon-like characteristics, meaning that its waters are slightly brackish despite being separated from the sea. The internal hydrological system supports the growth of species such as cattails, bulrushes, and reeds. In total, there are 27 native plant species, which serve the function of filtering and purifying the wetland's water. Additionally, the flora provides protection and food for various fauna species, particularly birds, with 126 species recorded, including resident and migratory birds from the Andes, local areas, and the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Moreover, this protected natural area is home to five reptile species, including endemic species from Lima that are endangered (3).

Pollinators—including bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, sunbirds, and bats, all found in the Sonoran Desert—play a vital role in plant reproduction, contributing to the production of fruits, vegetables, and seeds. However, these essential species face growing challenges, such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change.
In 2023, the Rio Reimagined project, a two-year regional river revitalization initiative, received a grant from the Society for Ecological Restoration’s Standards-based Restoration in Action program, in collaboration with Microsoft. This grant is funding the creation of a riparian pollinator garden designed by ASU students at the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center, situated on the banks of the Salt River in Phoenix. With strong support from the City of Phoenix, Microsoft’s Community Environmental Sustainability (CES) program, and planting expertise from the Tiger Mountain Foundation, a one-acre garden was restored in 2024 to establish a thriving pollinator habitat.
This restored garden includes interpretive signage and programming designed to educate visitors on the importance of riparian ecosystems. More than one hundred volunteers planted native species along the Rio Salado to attract and support pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds. The garden is specifically designed to be climate-resilient and drought-tolerant, enhancing the biodiversity of the Salt River.
This initiative not only revitalizes the Rio Salado Audubon Center but also cultivates native plants, supports pollinator populations, and benefits the broader community through increased environmental awareness and sustainability. (1-3)

The Kikås dump is a landfill in Mölndal, south of Gothenburg, where an area has been permanently covered with a sealing layer and inert material. This project aimed to utilise the area to increase biodiversity by establishing flowering meadows and an insect hotel, creating a habitat for wild bees, butterflies and birds [Ref. 1-3]. The City of Mölndal initated the project and sowed meadow flowers, established sand beds for burrowing insects, an uneven, rocky terrain and a large insect hotel [Ref. 1, 3]. The area is also meant to be a destination for recreation and learning about biodiversity. The Insect Hotel is marketed as the largest in Sweden, and it includes information signs and an outdoor classroom. The project is meant to raise awareness about biodiversity and ecosystem services such as pollination [Ref. 1, 4-6]. The area borders natural areas such as forests and wetlands and is meant to have positive ecological effects in the border zones. The project will contribute to the environmental goals of the city, in particular, "a rich plant and animal life" [Ref. 3]

The revitalization and environmental recovery initiative in the Almirante Colón neighborhood of Cartagena focused on transforming green spaces and addressing environmental hazards posed by improper waste disposal and urban degradation. The primary goals of the project were to enhance urban green spaces, improve community well-being, and mitigate environmental hazards such as pollution and improper waste management (ref 1,2). The initiative involved multiple stakeholders, including the local government, community leaders, and private sector actors. The Gerencia de Espacio Público y Movilidad led the revitalization of three parks, focusing on cleaning up waste, maintaining green areas, and upgrading recreational facilities. Parallelly, Veolia, a private sector partner, worked with community leaders to recover neglected areas that were previously used for dumping mixed waste and beutify the environment. These efforts included planting activities, installation of solar lamps, and community education on proper waste disposal practices​ (ref 1,2). The revitalization of the parks benefited over 400 families, providing them with safe and clean recreational spaces. The project also successfully eliminated a significant dumping site, reducing pollution and enhancing the neighborhood's aesthetic appeal. Moreover, the initiative fostered a stronger sense of community ownership and responsibility towards maintaining the improved environment​ (ref 1,2).

The increasing volume of solid waste, driven by Nairobi's growing population, has become one of the city's major challenges (Ref 1, 2). To address this issue and promote better environmental practices, authorities plan to convert all reclaimed illegal dumpsites into recreational and green spaces. The transformation of the former Kangemi Cemetery, abandoned for over 20 years and used as an illegal dumpsite, was the first initiative in this effort.
Led by Nairobi's Governor, H.E. Mike Sonko, and supported by the City County, the project was completed in 2018 and serves as a key example of these transformative measures (Ref 1, 2, 3). Previously, Kangemi Cemetery contained over 500 loads of illegal waste, but following a successful clean-up, it has been rehabilitated into a children's playground with recreational area, now named Kangemi Cemetery Memorial Park (Ref 3).

The project to redevelop Archipelagos Square in Cagliari aims to transform this key urban space, which serves as a gateway between the city and its coastal areas, into a more functional and aesthetically pleasing environment. Currently, the area lacks cohesive design, leading to unregulated use and its transformation into an informal parking lot. The redevelopment will address these issues by enhancing the pedestrian experience and reducing vehicular traffic. Improvements in public comfort and safety will include better rainwater drainage, the removal of architectural barriers, and the creation of accessible pathways for all.
This project emphasizes environmental sustainability and the preservation of the local landscape. Key interventions include revitalizing green spaces, safeguarding native vegetation, and removing invasive species. Integrating walking and cycling paths will improve connectivity between the city, Marina Piccola, and Poetto beach, fostering outdoor recreational activities. A designated eco-system filter will recreate the natural dune environment, blending pedestrian areas with the surrounding landscape.
Funded by the Fondo Sviluppo e Coesione (FSC), the project has a total budget of 3 million euros, with construction lasting 10 months starting in October 2023. The redevelopment reflects the broader goals of Cagliari’s administration to promote sustainable urban mobility and improve the public realm, contributing to the city's vision of becoming a hub for nautical sports while enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and visitors (Refs. 1, 2, 3 & 4).