Neighborhood remodelling for improved safety for women
The pilot project in Bairro Padre Cruz, Carnide, Lisbon, is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing women's safety in public spaces and improving access to public transport. Launched in June 2024, this project stems from extensive consultations with local women to address their specific security concerns (Ref1). It involves strategic interventions like better lighting and the relocation of bus stops to safer areas, ensuring a more secure environment for women (Ref4). A key element of the project is the greening of the area through tree planting and the creation of more harmonised public spaces, contributing to a more pleasant and welcoming neighbourhood (Ref2). Funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), this initiative aims to foster greater inclusivity and safety in urban design, with completion expected by 2025 (Ref4).
Recovery plan of the Juan Angola Channel
The Juan Angola River is an urban channel included in the system of rivers and channels of Cartagena, and it connects the Ciénaga de la Virgen wetland and the Bay of Cartagena, facing similar issues as the Cienaga de la Virgen such as illegal occupation of its shores, illegal waste dumping, deforestation of mangroves, and pollution. The recovery plan for the Juan Angola River is led by the EPA Cartagena (Environmental Protection Agency), with the support of other institutions, aiming to restore the Juan Angola’s ecosystem. This includes targeting the mangrove forest, dredging the natural channel, and delineating buffer zones with urban infrastructure to create public recreational spaces. The activities involve relocating people illegalling cupping informal settlements from the river shore, moving an existing bridge (the Benjamín Herrera bridge) which obstructs the current, recovering the low tide and riverbed areas, building pedestrian paths, clean the riverbank, recover mangrove areas and establish programs of education and environmental awareness (ref 1 and 2).
Renovation of the Eucalyptus Garden
The "Jardim do Eucaliptal" (Eucalyptus Garden) in Benfica is undergoing extensive renovations to improve its facilities and usability. Over time, the intensive urbanization of this neighbourhood has not left many traces of the historic eucalyptus forest typical of this area, but this urban park actively protects and maintains these old and heavy-trunk eucalyptus trees, growing amidst the park's more recent vegetation (Ref. 3). In the last few years, several trees have fallen, causing considerable damages to buildings and vehicles in the nearby area (July 2023), and leading to residents demanding financial compensations for damages and for the Lisbon City Council (CML) to take action for mitigating future problems (Ref. 5).
The renovation project implementation, expected to last six months, includes refurbishing the children's playground, sports field, toilets, and amphitheatre, along with introducing a dog park and outdoor exercise equipment (Ref 1). The park, originally part of the Quinta das Palmeiras de Guerreiro Galla forest, remains a crucial green space in the area despite extensive urbanization (Ref 2). These renovations, with a budget of 180,000 euros, also address the maintenance of public street furniture, the pavement, and lighting infrastructure, ensuring that the park meets the growing needs of the local community (Ref 3). These activities aim to meet the growing needs of the local population and improve these urban green spaces so that the community can enjoy them to the fullest. (Ref. 4).
The renovation project implementation, expected to last six months, includes refurbishing the children's playground, sports field, toilets, and amphitheatre, along with introducing a dog park and outdoor exercise equipment (Ref 1). The park, originally part of the Quinta das Palmeiras de Guerreiro Galla forest, remains a crucial green space in the area despite extensive urbanization (Ref 2). These renovations, with a budget of 180,000 euros, also address the maintenance of public street furniture, the pavement, and lighting infrastructure, ensuring that the park meets the growing needs of the local community (Ref 3). These activities aim to meet the growing needs of the local population and improve these urban green spaces so that the community can enjoy them to the fullest. (Ref. 4).
Independencia's Green Belt
The Cinturón Verde de Independencia initiative is a pilot intervention that seeks to plant an urban forest in the lower middle-class district of Independencia (1) in the northern part of the urban territory (3). Here, 19% of the population lives in high-risk conditions, settled on steep slopes, and threatened by landslides (3).
It is part of a broader planning strategy that involves proposals engaging different levels of government (4). This project seeks to afforest the district's hillsides to improve the environment, reduce air pollution, improve the quality of life of its inhabitants, manage waste, regulate shade, control erosion, increase wild biodiversity, and provide spaces for environmental education (2). The Independence Green Belt is linked to a wide range of plans, projects, and decrees that have been developed by actors at different levels of government since 2016 (4). It works hand in hand with the EBA Lomas programme and seeks to create a green belt along the Lomas-city interface, which acts as a buffer zone for this sensitive ecosystem and creates a protective boundary against the expansion of irregular human settlements while providing a space for environmental awareness (2).
This program was developed by a consortium of multiple private, public, national, and international parties with strong community support (3). In two phases, an urban forest park of 4,800 of native trees irrigated with treated wastewater has been planted. During the first phase, PREDES planted 3,300 trees with USAID support in 2015, and another 1,500 were recently planted by PERIFERIA (consultants) (3).
The Independencia Green Belt occupies the hill areas of the district of the same name and relates to a possible metropolitan-scale buffer belt.
Its boundaries take advantage of the seven Sustainable Ecotourism Forest Parks (PFES) in the District Municipality of Independencia (MDI), as well as 115 hectares of the Amancaes Lomas (4). It aims to conserve 400 hectares (4).
It is part of a broader planning strategy that involves proposals engaging different levels of government (4). This project seeks to afforest the district's hillsides to improve the environment, reduce air pollution, improve the quality of life of its inhabitants, manage waste, regulate shade, control erosion, increase wild biodiversity, and provide spaces for environmental education (2). The Independence Green Belt is linked to a wide range of plans, projects, and decrees that have been developed by actors at different levels of government since 2016 (4). It works hand in hand with the EBA Lomas programme and seeks to create a green belt along the Lomas-city interface, which acts as a buffer zone for this sensitive ecosystem and creates a protective boundary against the expansion of irregular human settlements while providing a space for environmental awareness (2).
This program was developed by a consortium of multiple private, public, national, and international parties with strong community support (3). In two phases, an urban forest park of 4,800 of native trees irrigated with treated wastewater has been planted. During the first phase, PREDES planted 3,300 trees with USAID support in 2015, and another 1,500 were recently planted by PERIFERIA (consultants) (3).
The Independencia Green Belt occupies the hill areas of the district of the same name and relates to a possible metropolitan-scale buffer belt.
Its boundaries take advantage of the seven Sustainable Ecotourism Forest Parks (PFES) in the District Municipality of Independencia (MDI), as well as 115 hectares of the Amancaes Lomas (4). It aims to conserve 400 hectares (4).
American Forests’ Tree Equity Pledge
Phoenix faces substantial challenges related to extreme heat, air quality, and social inequity (1-11). The Phoenix Tree Equity Pledge, launched in 2021, is a comprehensive city-wide initiative focused on addressing urban tree inequity and reducing the effects of extreme heat, especially in communities most vulnerable to these conditions (1-12). Partnering with American Forests, the country’s oldest conservation nonprofit, the initiative aims to achieve “tree equity” by 2030, ensuring all neighborhoods receive the benefits trees offer (1).
To reach this goal, the city will focus on enhancing tree coverage in underserved neighborhoods through the development of a Residential Tree Equity Accelerator, which plans to plant 20,000 trees across 25 neighborhoods by 2030 (1-12). By utilizing the Tree Equity Score developed by American Forests, the city can monitor progress, identify areas of need, and measure the impact of these projects (2-4, 9, 11).
To foster public engagement, the initiative will collaborate with residents, businesses, and local organizations to support tree-related projects, raise awareness of the benefits of trees, and promote tree stewardship (1, 4, 15). Additionally, the project aims to create green opportunities within the community by establishing supportive policies and regulations for tree planting and care and by creating pathways to green jobs (1, 7-9, 13-14). Recognizing that heat affects communities unequally, the Tree Equity Pledge seeks to increase canopy coverage in targeted neighborhoods, improving air quality, reducing the urban heat island effect, and enhancing overall community health (1, 7-9, 13-14).
To reach this goal, the city will focus on enhancing tree coverage in underserved neighborhoods through the development of a Residential Tree Equity Accelerator, which plans to plant 20,000 trees across 25 neighborhoods by 2030 (1-12). By utilizing the Tree Equity Score developed by American Forests, the city can monitor progress, identify areas of need, and measure the impact of these projects (2-4, 9, 11).
To foster public engagement, the initiative will collaborate with residents, businesses, and local organizations to support tree-related projects, raise awareness of the benefits of trees, and promote tree stewardship (1, 4, 15). Additionally, the project aims to create green opportunities within the community by establishing supportive policies and regulations for tree planting and care and by creating pathways to green jobs (1, 7-9, 13-14). Recognizing that heat affects communities unequally, the Tree Equity Pledge seeks to increase canopy coverage in targeted neighborhoods, improving air quality, reducing the urban heat island effect, and enhancing overall community health (1, 7-9, 13-14).
Recovery project for La Cienaga de la Virgen
The Ciénaga de la Virgen is a coastal wetland (cienaga) located on the north side of the border of the city of Cartagena, separated from the sea by La Boquilla's sandy beach. It has a maximum width of 4.5 km, a length of approximately 7 km, a water body area of about 22.5 km², and depths of up to 1.6 m. It is connected to the city's canal system (ref 1). The recovery project of la Cienaga de la Virgen, led by EPA Cartagena, is proposed as a strategy to address the issues affecting the water body, local communities, the economic activities that depend on it, and the ecosystems that regulate the water cycle and provide multiple services, many of them essential, with an integrated and global management approach based on the basin as the unit for planning and resource management (ref 14). Some of the main problems of the wetland are related to illegal settlements on its shore, as well as illicit dumping of waste, pollution by wastewater from the illegal settlements and deforestation of mangroves (ref 4). Key activities include stopping illegal occupation by relocating established families, improving roads, promoting reforestation, encouraging social participation, managing wastewater, and enhancing tidal systems (ref. 1 and 15).
Alonside the EPA, other stakeholders involved include the regional authority "Regional Autonomous Corporation of the Canal del Dique" (Cardique), with jurisdiction in the rural area, and Cartagena Mayor's Office, and the local community, involved in all the stages of the plan thanks to the “mesas de governance” or "governance tables", discussion spaces where different actors participate in the decision-making (ref 2).
Alonside the EPA, other stakeholders involved include the regional authority "Regional Autonomous Corporation of the Canal del Dique" (Cardique), with jurisdiction in the rural area, and Cartagena Mayor's Office, and the local community, involved in all the stages of the plan thanks to the “mesas de governance” or "governance tables", discussion spaces where different actors participate in the decision-making (ref 2).
National Botanical Garden
Peru is classified as one of the 17 most biodiverse countries in the world, so biodiversity and its conservation are important national aspects (2, 3, 4). However, one-third of the native flora currently assessed is threatened (3, 4). Thus, the creation of the Botanical Garden represents the opening of a space to learn about, study and conserve the national flora by strengthening Peruvian society's awareness of its value (4, 5).
The Botanical Garden is in its early stages of development and is not open to the public yet, but its development and implementation have the support of several associations such as the British Council, Concytec, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Culture, the British Embassy and the Asociación Pro Jardín Botánico Nacional de Lima (1). The initiative has been incorporated as part of the Bicentennial City project of the Ministry of Environment in Ancon (6).
The implementation began in 2021 on a 10-hectare plot of land donated by the Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina (UNALM) in Lima (3), and it will be carried out in several stages. An Inter-Institutional Committee has been established to oversee its development (3). In addition, it is planned to extend the idea of botanical gardens to other regions of the country, creating a network that will allow the conservation and study of flora in different contexts (4, 5), as the purpose of its development is to condense in one place all the biological richness of the country (7).
With this project, they aim to strengthen the conservation of plant species, the generation of inputs for education, and as a source of cultural spaces and for the well-being of its citizens, among others (1, 2). The Botanical Garden is intended to house a select sample of the more than 25,000 species in Peru, emphasising those that are endemic, threatened and of social, cultural and economic relevance (8).
The Botanical Garden is in its early stages of development and is not open to the public yet, but its development and implementation have the support of several associations such as the British Council, Concytec, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Culture, the British Embassy and the Asociación Pro Jardín Botánico Nacional de Lima (1). The initiative has been incorporated as part of the Bicentennial City project of the Ministry of Environment in Ancon (6).
The implementation began in 2021 on a 10-hectare plot of land donated by the Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina (UNALM) in Lima (3), and it will be carried out in several stages. An Inter-Institutional Committee has been established to oversee its development (3). In addition, it is planned to extend the idea of botanical gardens to other regions of the country, creating a network that will allow the conservation and study of flora in different contexts (4, 5), as the purpose of its development is to condense in one place all the biological richness of the country (7).
With this project, they aim to strengthen the conservation of plant species, the generation of inputs for education, and as a source of cultural spaces and for the well-being of its citizens, among others (1, 2). The Botanical Garden is intended to house a select sample of the more than 25,000 species in Peru, emphasising those that are endemic, threatened and of social, cultural and economic relevance (8).
Mangrove Protection Project for Etang Z’Abricots Marina
Trade winds from the east over the Bay of Fort-de-France increase agitation at the "Étang Z’Abricots" marina, reducing user comfort and raising maintenance costs for port equipment and vessels. Climate change worsen these problems, increasing the risks of coastline erosion, extreme weather events, and rising sea levels, which may diminish the protective effect of "Pointe des Sables," leaving the marina more exposed to the winds (Ref 1; 2).
The Z’AB project aims to address these challenges by creating a protective barrier for the port by using mangroves. This involves installing lightweight, reversible devices to elevate the sea floor and accumulate sediments, encouraging the natural colonization of mangroves south of Pointe des Sables. Natural colonization refers to the growth of mangroves through processes like seed dispersal and sediment buildup. Once established, the mangrove will act as a natural buffer, protecting the marina from rough seas and adapting to rising sea levels. The project also includes educational efforts to raise awareness about the importance of mangroves for the region’s environmental issues and biodiversity (Ref 1).
Although the Z’AB project has been in planning since 2018, in 2021, a separate project to extend the marina, costing 7 million euros, was approved by the water park authorities (Ref 5). The extension will add 77 new vessel spaces (Ref 7), but it threatens portions of the mangrove and a strictly protected coral species, Oculina Diffusa, found in the area (Ref 6, p.17). While the marina extension project aims to offset the loss of coral and mangrove with various solutions, "Projet Z'AB" is not explicitly mentioned as a compensation mechanism (Ref 6, p.24). However, stakeholders involved in Projet Z'AB are also participating in the development of the marina extension (Ref 6). It remains unclear to what extent Projet Z'AB will be used to mitigate the environmental impact of the extension.
The Z’AB project aims to address these challenges by creating a protective barrier for the port by using mangroves. This involves installing lightweight, reversible devices to elevate the sea floor and accumulate sediments, encouraging the natural colonization of mangroves south of Pointe des Sables. Natural colonization refers to the growth of mangroves through processes like seed dispersal and sediment buildup. Once established, the mangrove will act as a natural buffer, protecting the marina from rough seas and adapting to rising sea levels. The project also includes educational efforts to raise awareness about the importance of mangroves for the region’s environmental issues and biodiversity (Ref 1).
Although the Z’AB project has been in planning since 2018, in 2021, a separate project to extend the marina, costing 7 million euros, was approved by the water park authorities (Ref 5). The extension will add 77 new vessel spaces (Ref 7), but it threatens portions of the mangrove and a strictly protected coral species, Oculina Diffusa, found in the area (Ref 6, p.17). While the marina extension project aims to offset the loss of coral and mangrove with various solutions, "Projet Z'AB" is not explicitly mentioned as a compensation mechanism (Ref 6, p.24). However, stakeholders involved in Projet Z'AB are also participating in the development of the marina extension (Ref 6). It remains unclear to what extent Projet Z'AB will be used to mitigate the environmental impact of the extension.
Detroit Alley Activation
Detroit’s neighborhoods grapple with a dual challenge: neglect and flooding. When the city stopped maintaining alleys in the late 1980s, responsibility shifted to residents. However, with limited resources and a declining population, many of these alleys fell into disrepair, becoming symbols of urban decay. This neglect is further compounded by the increasing frequency and intensity of severe storms, which have exposed the city's vulnerabilities in stormwater management, leading to regular flooding.
To address these challenges, the "Alley Activation" project, launched in 2020 by a team of researchers at the UM-Dearborn in partnership with local residents and organizations, seeks to transform neglected alleys into vibrant greenways, rain gardens, and pollinator habitats. The project focuses on cleaning and greening alleys located in 2 neighborhoods namely Littlefield and McNichols. The activated alleys are bounded by Littlefield, Hartwell, McNichols and Outer Drive roads. These roads enclose an area of 141,436 square meters, located in the Bethune community and the Hubbell Puritan neighborhoods. Alley Activation involves clearing blocked alleyways and turning them into inviting, productive spaces that support sustainability goals. These revitalized alleys serve as a "green capillary system," contributing to the city's environmental, cultural, and social well-being. As these spaces are cleared, they offer a fresh opportunity to re-imagine their role and potential within the community. (1,2,3,4,5)
To address these challenges, the "Alley Activation" project, launched in 2020 by a team of researchers at the UM-Dearborn in partnership with local residents and organizations, seeks to transform neglected alleys into vibrant greenways, rain gardens, and pollinator habitats. The project focuses on cleaning and greening alleys located in 2 neighborhoods namely Littlefield and McNichols. The activated alleys are bounded by Littlefield, Hartwell, McNichols and Outer Drive roads. These roads enclose an area of 141,436 square meters, located in the Bethune community and the Hubbell Puritan neighborhoods. Alley Activation involves clearing blocked alleyways and turning them into inviting, productive spaces that support sustainability goals. These revitalized alleys serve as a "green capillary system," contributing to the city's environmental, cultural, and social well-being. As these spaces are cleared, they offer a fresh opportunity to re-imagine their role and potential within the community. (1,2,3,4,5)
