Poor community engagement

Chandler Park, a historic park in Detroit constructed in the 1800s, underwent multiple expansions from 1922 to 1950 to include amenities such as a pool (later converted into a water park), a golf course, and public green spaces. In 2013, an expert panel recommended constructing a 2.5-million-gallon marshland within the park to provide a unique recreational and educational feature and incorporate green infrastructure principles for improved stormwater management. Completed in December 2019, the Chandler Park marshland was a collaborative project between The Greening of Detroit and the Chandler Park Conservancy, designed to enhance Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) across 200 acres.
The marshland manages 2.5 million gallons of stormwater, substantially reducing the load on Detroit’s combined sewer system and minimizing basement flooding during heavy rains. Engineered with rain gardens, bioswales, and a pump system circulating up to 4 feet of water, the marshland fosters a balanced ecosystem with higher oxygen levels, benefiting local flora and fauna.
With 4,500 native plants, the marshland supports diverse wildlife, including migrating birds, turtles, frogs, pollinators like bees and butterflies, and natural mosquito predators. This project not only contributes to flood mitigation but also improves water quality by capturing stormwater and allowing pollutants to settle.
Additionally, the marshland provides a foundation for future environmental education, with plans to add an outdoor classroom and public learning spaces. The use of native plants ensures low maintenance and sustainability, requiring minimal water and fertilizers. By creating new habitats and recreational areas, the Chandler Park Marshland promotes biodiversity, environmental education, and community engagement, while alleviating urban runoff’s impact on Detroit’s sewer system.
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Rinia Park has been a significant social and recreational area in the center of Tirana since the 1950s. Over the years, it has undergone several phases of development and restructuring, each linked to the socio-political regime of the time (Ref. 1). Its most recent rehabilitation was driven by the need to revitalize public spaces and improve the quality and accessibility of urban green areas. In 2019, extensive work on enhancing the park’s infrastructure and amenities began. By June 2020, installations were completed, including new and diverse playgrounds for children, improved lighting and drainage systems, expanded walking paths as well as designated chess and dog areas (Ref. 1,2,6). Both children and the elderly benefit from these new features, which promote social interaction and make the park more inclusive for different age groups (Ref. 2).
To protect the Independence Monument from vandalism, a surrounding water feature was added. An additional benefit of the the new lighting installation is the extended access of the park well into the evening (Ref. 1,6).
Given the park’s profound history, it stands as a symbol of urban renewal and continues to serve as a central gathering spot for people and cultural events (Ref. 7).

In 2015, The Greening of Detroit and the Joy-Southfield Community Development Corporation collaboratively installed a bioswale in Stein Park, Detroit, as part of a broader effort to mitigate flooding in the Cody Rouge neighborhood. The area, particularly affected by heavy rains and flooding due to its proximity to the Rouge River, suffered significantly during the 2014 Great Flood, highlighting the need for improved stormwater management. The bioswale, a Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) feature, was designed to capture and infiltrate up to 6,000 gallons of stormwater, diverting it from the city’s aging combined sewer system. By reducing the risk of sewer overflows, this installation also decreases the flow of untreated water into local waterways.

Funded by an $83,000 Kresge Foundation grant, the bioswale incorporates a mixture of native plants, prairie wildflowers, and ornamental grasses to filter sediment and pollutants. In addition to stormwater management, the project aims to enhance community engagement and economic revitalization. Students from Cody DIT High School's Green Team participated in the planting and design process, learning valuable skills in landscape architecture and green infrastructure. The project also ties into the Joy-Southfield CDC's vision of establishing a "green zone" to promote community safety, economic growth, and environmental stewardship.

Future plans include further green infrastructure development, such as additional bioswales and a parking lot with pervious pavers, contributing to Cody Rouge’s transformation into a model neighborhood for green development. This project not only addresses urgent environmental concerns but also fosters community pride, safety, and economic opportunities, positioning the neighborhood as a leader in Detroit’s green infrastructure movement.
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This initiative was launched by the local government of La Paz, focusing on afforestation of the Mallasa landfill, which was closed in 2004 (1-4 & 6-10). While some plantations were established in the area when the landfill was closed, the overall plan aimed to manage the waste until the site was sufficiently clean for new projects—a process expected to take at least a decade (6). By 2021, signs of biodiversity, including flora and fauna, had begun to return to the former landfill. In response, the municipality of La Paz implemented a project to plant 6,000 native tree species, along with other shrub species, to further enhance biodiversity regeneration and establish a second urban forest in the city (3 & 4 & 7 & 8).

The afforestation efforts took place between 2021 and 2022, coordinated through "forestry brigades" made up of diverse volunteer groups. These groups included members from public institutions, private company representatives, NGOs (both environmental and non-environmental), universities, religious organizations, and local citizen groups (8-10). A total of 12 hectares were reforested out of the 33-hectare area (1 & 7). Following this, the area was closed to the public and is expected to become a biodiversity sanctuary within ten years, with ongoing monitoring by the municipal environmental agency (7). Among the trees planted, some were chosen to attract birds with their fruit, others to support the pollination of hummingbirds and bees, while others were intended to enrich the soil with nutrients—all species being native to the region (3 & 7).

Additional goals of the initiative include raising awareness about climate change, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship through community engagement, and advancing the municipality's decarbonization plans (3 & 9). Some of the seedlings and saplings were purchased by the municipality at a cost of 6,160 euros, with private companies also contributing financial support to the initiative (1 & 7).

Kungsgärdet Byaodling is an urban farm set up by local farming association Kungsbacka Tillsammansodling, in Kungsbacka south of Gothenburg. Since 2023, the project has been funded by a 78 000 EUR grant via the non-profit organisation Lokalt ledd utveckling Halland (locally led development) using funds from the EU and the Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket) [Ref. 1, 2, 4]. The goal is to grow food in a sustainable and circular way, building soil health and promoting biodiversity. Using a total area of 4500 m2 on former unused grassland, the urban farm includes: 1100 m2 of effective growing area, 1000 m2 of flowering meadows, fruit and berry trees and bushes, and functional and social areas. The meadows and trees are intended to contribute to biodiversity, while social areas are meant to create a sense of community and benefit the well-being of the people active at the farm [Ref. 1, 3]. The farming association has been around for a few years, but the project funds will allow them to expand and develop the farm over three years, invest in new equipment and arrange free lectures for the public about sustainable farming practices [Ref. 1, 4]. The grant will also allow them to take in more members without anyone having to pay anything, promoting social inclusion.

Tirana's urban development has set a new record in 2022, when more than 1.8 million square meters of new buildings were constructed (Ref. 5). This rapid development increased the need for accessible urban green areas. At the Tulla Urban Farm, a wide audience is trained to create those green areas in their yards, balconies and roofs with the added benefit of growing produce for their own needs (Ref. 1,2,5). This practice of food autonomy is deeply rooted in Albanian culture but has been lost in urban settings where concrete has taken over the city (Ref. 1). Tulla Urban Farm addresses this issue by providing an inclusive space for people of diverse backgrounds to come together and experience urban gardening first hand under the guidance of professionals from the Agricultural University of Tirana (Ref. 2,3). In these "urban agricultural schools", workshops, seminars and discussions are held to re-cultivate traditional agro-cultural practices and knowledge that will benefit the participants, many of which are from marginalised backgrounds (Ref. 1, 4). All these activities are facilitated through the rooftop greenhouse of the Tulla Cultural Center, which harbours over 300 plants (Ref.1). As such, Tulla Urban Farm not only provides a space for experiencing and learning about plants but also for social interaction and building a community that also addresses more serious issues such as mental health in a society that faces high rates of unemployment (Ref. 1).
The project had received inital funding from the German GIZ in 2022 and won the Cultures of Resistance Award through which it financed the first two years of its programme and enabled free participation at the urban agricultural school for all participants (Ref. 2,4).

In 2021-2022, the fenced grassy area beside the Ballyfermot Community Civic Centre was transformed into a welcoming 'people’s park'—an open green space for the community (2). Designed by Dublin City Council’s Parks, Biodiversity, and Landscape Services, the park reflects ideas from local residents gathered over eight months of on-site conversations and two community consultation events.
The new park features a winding perimeter path, earth mounds planted with a variety of trees and plants for seasonal color, and infrastructure to support small community gatherings. An open pergola and a designated market space for food, plant, and craft markets provide inviting spots for social events. Along the park’s edge, a movement trail with playable elements for exercise and play adds a dynamic feature to the space.
Furthermore, a Jackstraws See-Saw is ideal for older children to play in groups and learn about movement whilst also being a tremendous informal seating area for them to gather and chat. Trees cover the See-Saw, offering shade and shelter from the weather, making it a great social space all year round. A Rope Course provides a physical challenge for older children to climb and balance at height while exploring the area. Informal play opportunities are found throughout the park to, with trees, fallen logs, benches and planting that create sensory, imaginative and physical play experiences. (5-7)
Additionally, an edible garden is planned to be developed collaboratively with local residents over the next 2-3 years (4).

Minimizing heat stress is a top priority for Phoenix, the hottest major city in the U.S. In 2023, extreme heat contributed to at least 359 deaths across Maricopa County. Phoenix is particularly vulnerable to climate change, with extensive concrete and asphalt, increased pollution, higher population densities, and concentrated infrastructure that exacerbate the urban heat island effect, drought, and extreme weather. Moreover, the heat disproportionately impacts lower-income and Hispanic neighborhoods, which tend to have less tree canopy and fewer resources to cope with rising temperatures.
To address these challenges and promote tree equity in underserved neighborhoods, the City of Phoenix, along with the Office of Heat Response and Mitigation, launched the Community Canopy Grant Program in 2023. The concept of tree equity refers to identifying areas with low tree coverage and high social need, then prioritizing investments in these areas. By improving tree equity, the program aims to assist neighborhood associations and community members in areas that need it most.
The Community Canopy Grant Program targets neighborhoods within Qualifying Census Tracts across Phoenix, and one of the first neighborhoods to benefit was Westwood. In early 2024, community members gathered to plant 200 box trees for residents who received grants, marking the largest City-sponsored neighborhood tree planting event of the season. These tree plantings aim to provide much-needed shade for homes while fostering community engagement, helping to mitigate heat stress and build stronger, more resilient neighborhoods. (1-5)

The intervention in the Sant'Elia neighborhood, which opened in 2018, created a new green area of approximately 2,600 square meters designed to enhance the urban environment and improve the quality of life for residents. This space includes an olive grove and an orchard, featuring pathways and landscaping that integrate local plant species.
Along the side facing Via Utzeri, olive trees and a small grassy area have been planted, complemented by stabilized gravel paths for walking. The orchard contains 28 fruit trees, including citrus, pomegranate, quince, and fig trees, along with Mediterranean shrubs, allowing residents to freely enjoy the fruits for their own consumption.
The entire area is equipped with an automated drip irrigation system, while the grassy sections utilize sub-irrigation. Additionally, a central roundabout in Piazza Giovanni da Verrazzano has been adorned with a lawn, palms, and vibrant rose beds.
Commemorative plaques honor tenor Piero Schiavazzi and local resident Samuele Utzeri, who tragically passed away in Kosovo. The area also features signs encouraging respectful harvesting of fruits and permits dogs, provided they are kept on a leash (Refs. 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5).

The "Tree Plantation Month" is an annual national initiative in Romania, organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Forests through the National Directorate of Forests. This initiative focuses on afforestation, forest regeneration, and raising awareness about the ecological benefits of forests, while promoting sustainable behaviors (4, 9, 10). Having been in place for 60 years, the program has recently aligned with the principles outlined in the 1991 Paris Declaration on the Sustainable Development of Forests (10). At the national level, the initiative is regulated with overarching goals aimed at protecting and sustainably managing Romania's forests (9). The program allows for the involvement of various actors, including public institutions, municipalities, NGOs, and schools, who collaborate with regional forestry directorates to implement local activities (4).
In 2019, as part of this initiative in Iași, the Asociația Tineretul Ortodox Român Iași (ATOR), a youth-led religious association, actively participated in one of the campaigns . They planted 1,000 tree saplings in the Moara de Vânt district, an area that had suffered from deforestation and was prone to landslides (1, 2). The afforestation efforts were designed to address these environmental challenges by stabilizing the soil, reducing the risk of overflow and flooding, maintaining soil moisture, and regulating extreme temperatures (1). To ensure long-term success, the saplings were regularly monitored, and restoration efforts were carried out in cases where the trees were affected by fires or drought (3).