Most of the project goals were achieved

The Lightning Point Restoration Project focuses on protecting Bayou La Batre, one of the Gulf Coast’s few remaining working waterfronts. The community relies on fishing and seafood industries but faces increasing hazards from shoreline erosion, storm surge, hurricanes, and tropical storms. Past events such as Hurricane Katrina (2005) and oil spill (2010) caused major damage to infrastructure and livelihoods, highlighting the need for greater coastal resilience
Led by The Nature Conservancy and partners, the project combines engineered and natural approaches to safeguard the shoreline while supporting local livelihoods. Core activities include constructing approximately 1–1.5 miles of segmented breakwaters and jetties at the mouth of the Bayou La Batre River, and creating about 28–40 acres of coastal marsh, tidal creeks, and upland habitats using beneficially reused dredged material. Native planting and long-term monitoring support habitat performance and adaptive management.
These solutions aim to reduce wave energy, limit erosion, buffer storm surge, and maintain navigation, while restored marshes provide habitat for fish, shellfish, and birds. Designed to withstand nearly one foot of projected sea-level rise over the next 25 years, the project enhances shoreline protection, restores critical coastal habitats, and helps secure a resilient waterfront for Bayou La Batre’s economy and community (Ref. 1 - 4).

The Eagle Reef Project was launched to restore the health of Mobile Bay in response to habitat loss and declining fish populations due to the degradation of oyster and seagrass beds [REF 1, REF 6]. Originally planned in 2022 as an Eagle Scout service project by John Shell of Boy Scout Troop 147, the project has grown into a regional environmental initiative supported by Partners for Environmental Progress (PEP), the University of South Alabama’s Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, and municipalities such as the City of Fairhope [REF 3, REF 4, REF 7].
The project deploys preassembled mini reefs—constructed from plastic and PVC—beneath docks and piers across Mobile and Baldwin counties. These reefs, once colonised by filter feeders like oysters and barnacles, can filter up to 20,000 gallons of water daily and serve as habitats for fish, shrimp, and crabs [REF 1, REF 4]. The initiative aims to improve water quality, sequester nutrients, reduce algae, and restore marine biodiversity [REF 1, REF 6].
The Eagle Reef Project addresses critical coastal hazards, including water pollution, fish habitat loss, and the legacy of environmental disasters such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill [REF 4]. It combines scientific monitoring, civic engagement, and scalable design to enhance the region’s climate resilience and ecological health [REF 1, REF 6, REF 7].

Launched in 2022, the Murphy High School Farm-to-Table Program in Mobile is an initiative aimed at addressing urban food deserts and promoting community health through education and sustainable farming practices [Ref 1; Ref 4]. Funded by Spire as part of its “Connected Through Cooking” initiative, the program transforms 28 acres of school grounds into a teaching farm where students learn to grow and cook nutritious food [Ref 1; Ref 6].
The project integrates science, math, and culinary arts into hands-on learning, engaging students in planning, planting, and harvesting crops, as well as developing healthy recipes [Ref 1; Ref 4]. Activities include constructing greenhouses, building raised beds, and installing irrigation systems—33 raised beds and an 800 sq. ft. greenhouse were completed in the first year [Ref 1; Ref 2]. The program also supports nearby food-insecure neighbourhoods by distributing produce and recipe tips, helping address poor access to fresh food in Mobile [Ref 3; Ref 4]. Younger students from local schools are included through farm-based learning, broadening the program’s educational reach [Ref 1; Ref 5].
Key actors include Murphy educators, Spire staff, and community partners such as Jones Valley Teaching Farm and Auburn University [Ref 4]. Outcomes include improved STEM education, increased food literacy, and stronger community ties through urban agriculture [Ref 1; Ref 4].

The Liberties is one of the most recognizable urban areas in Dublin and Ireland, strongly associated with old Dublin, working-class communities, and the brewing and distilling industries. While rich in history, cultural significance, and local stories, The Liberties faces numerous placemaking and quality-of-life challenges. The area continues to experience significant dereliction, a fragmented urban fabric, and a shortage of high-quality green spaces. For instance, tree coverage in The Liberties is sparse, with good-quality street trees only found in a few small areas, such as Gray St. and Reginald St., along the South Quays, Cornmarket, and near the fountain on James St. The area has approximately 1,200 trees, amounting to less than 5% canopy coverage.
In response to these challenges, Dublin City Council enacted The Liberties Greening Strategy in 2015. Building on the Liberties' Local Area Plan, this strategy aims to develop a network of new urban parks, improve access to heritage green spaces, and refurbish existing parks and play areas. It addresses multiple goals, including ecological connectivity, water management, flood risk reduction, air quality improvement, social cohesion, environmental education, and public health. This strategy is an initiative of the Parks and Landscape Services Division of Dublin City Council, in collaboration with the South Central Area Office and with input from Áit Urbanism + Landscape and Mary Tubridy & Associates.
Since its implementation in 2015, the strategy has resulted in the development of two new community parks, enhancements to several green spaces, and the greening of public spaces. It has also introduced measures to support food production in community gardens and allotments, revitalize ecosystems, strengthen water management, improve air quality, boost carbon sequestration through tree planting, divert water from the local sewer network, prevent flooding, and regulate heat. (1, 2, 3)

The likely impacts of climate change in South Dublin County include an increased risk of flooding, more frequent summer droughts, deteriorating air and water quality, and biodiversity loss (1). To address these climate challenges, the county developed the County Development Plan 2016-2022 as part of the South Dublin Climate Action Plan, aiming to establish a comprehensive legislative and policy framework for green infrastructure (GI) planning (1).
The plan outlines various objectives, including creating a coherent, integrated, and adaptable GI network across South Dublin County. One key initiative is the establishment of native mini woodlands throughout the city, designed to form strategic links and integrate the GI Strategy’s objectives into all relevant land-use plans and development across the county (1).
The purpose of these mini woodlands is to connect green spaces across the city (minimum size of 100 sq m), sequester carbon, and promote biodiversity in suitable locations, such as built-up areas, low-grade parkland, and other zoned areas deemed appropriate (1). Given the long time required for tree growth, the project employs the Miyawaki method, planting a high density of diverse native species to create mature forests up to ten times faster than traditional plantations (2). These forests are estimated to host 20 to 100 times more biodiversity and absorb carbon up to 40 times more effectively, without the use of chemicals or fertilizers; key factors include ground preparation, planting density, and species diversity (2).
In 2022, the project held a planting day for the mini woodlands initiative on Mill Lane, where 1,200 native trees and shrubs were planted with the help of volunteers from local schools, the community, a corporate group, and the Mayor of South Dublin, Councillor Emma Murphy (2).

Over the past century, vast portions of the world’s oldest forests have been lost to clear-cutting and managed forestry (1). Arboretum Detroit is working to counter this trend by reforesting Detroit’s urban landscape, transforming abandoned city blocks into thriving groves of trees (1). Each parcel of land features trees that showcase the unique contours and characteristics of specific species, creating a diverse urban forest mosaic across the city (1). These "forest patches" are protected, designed to mature safely for generations, offering a space of tranquility and natural beauty for all Detroiters (1).
Arboretum Detroit’s main goal is to cultivate environmental consciousness, inspiring the community to consider our interconnectedness with nature and our impact on it (1). Through their reforestation mission, they demonstrate the ecological, cultural, aesthetic, and economic value of trees, both locally and globally (1). Trees alter our environment by using their leaves to filter the air we breathe by removing dust and other particles. Deciduous shade trees cool homes in the summer and allow the winter sun to heat homes when they lose their leaves. Trees can serve as a windbreak. The more compact the foliage on the group of trees the more effective the windbreak. Their pilot project, launched on Earth Day 2019, brought these values to life. Volunteers and members planted 21 trees across the site, including species like Princeton Sentry Ginkgo, Redpoint Red Maple, Paper Birch, Cedar, Yew, and understory trees like Kousa Dogwood and Forest Pansy Redbud, enhancing the habitat for local pollinators and birds (2). The trees were arranged in trios, interspersed with native seeds, soil, compost, and glacial boulders to create a healthy and engaging environment for all (2).

The Mediterranean climate in Lisbon, already characterised by low precipitation, has been further exacerbated by climate change. The city faces challenges related to biodiversity loss, urban loneliness, and climate anxiety (1). To address these issues, Lisbon's urban development plans have prioritised the re-naturalisation of urban spaces and the integration of ecological networks. Urban nature is now a central component of the city's Master Plan (2012) and other strategic agendas (1).
It is being developed by the LISGREEN project, which aims to enhance ecological connectivity and mitigate the effects of urban heat islands in Lisbon. By establishing nature-based solutions, it aims to restore forests within the city (1, 2, 3). This project encompasses different strategies, such as the RENATURA pilot project. It is a collaboration with the NGO URBEM and involves active public participation in tree planting and forest maintenance. This initiative aims to educate the community about nature, promote well-being, and mitigate extreme climate events (1), through the creation of urban forests.
The main strategy is to create fast forests using the Miyawaki method, which involves dense planting of native trees, removal of invasive plants, and intensive initial care. This approach accelerates the growth of natural forests within a short period, using native species and reducing the need for watering (1)
The first fast forest was developed in Parque Casal Vistoso within Bela Vista Park, within the Eastern Green Corridor of Lisbon. The park is being underutilised because of the lack of shade (1). Thus, this initiative encouraged volunteers to participate in tree planting and forest maintenance activities (3). The NbS intervention began with a 300m² experimental plot near the Vale da Montanha pedestrian bridge and has since expanded to a new 1,500m² plot on the opposite side of the bridge (2). Over 500 volunteers joined the effort, planting more than 3,800 trees (1)

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 Thalangama wetlands are part of a network of wetland ecosystems around Colombo city that spread over 20 km2 and provide critical life support to the city. These ecosystems keep people safe from floods, cool the air, filter polluted water, provide food and medicines, and fight climate change (10). These wetlands have become an environmental protection area and a biodiversity hotspot in a rapidly urbanising environment, as they host an array of plants and animals, including the endangered fishing cat and otter (5, 10). In 2007, Thalangama Lake and its surroundings were declared an Environmental Protection Area (EPA) under the National Environmental Act (4, 5). This protected area covers approximately 118 hectares (4) and includes two man-made reservoirs: Thalangama Tank (11 ha) and Averihena Tank (3.2 ha), located just 300 meters apart (5). The area hosts floating and rooted plants, scrublands, and trees that provide habitat to up to 100 species of migratory, resident, and endemic birds throughout the year. In addition, the area supports 30 species of dragonflies, 12 species of reptiles, 10 species of mammals, and 15 species of freshwater fish (1, 4). Since the lakes and their surroundings were declared an EPA, only limited uses are permitted, such as traditional fishing and rice cultivation (4, 5). The lakes are also important for floodwater retention and have high scenic and aesthetic value, attracting many visitors, and scientific and educational activities (5, 13).
However, due to the area's rapid urbanisation, land values have increased significantly, leading to excessive landfilling and the reclamation of paddy lands for housing. This is compounded by the indiscriminate disposal of garbage and construction waste and the spread of invasive species (5). These challenges have also led to the engagement of surrounding communities in managing and maintaining it (11).

In 2018, the City of Detroit implemented a drainage charge to help cover the costs of capturing, conveying, pumping, treating, and safely returning combined sewage to the Detroit and Rouge Rivers (1). The charge is calculated based on each parcel’s impact on the sewer system, particularly by measuring impervious acreage (1). Since then, this fee has posed significant challenges for one group in particular: Detroit’s houses of worship (2). Churches, with their large roofs and parking lots, face higher monthly drainage charges, creating financial strain for many faith leaders (2).
To support these institutions, Sacred Grounds has been providing grants, labor, and design assistance to install projects that reduce water bills and drainage fees (2). Sacred Grounds collaborates with the National Wildlife Federation, Friends of the Rouge, and Sierra Club of Michigan to implement these projects through the city’s green credit program (2). A recent initiative involved installing four rain gardens located on the perimeter of St. Suzanne Our Lady Gate of Heaven Church (3). These bioretention gardens, funded by several private and public actors and led by Detroit Future City, diverts water from 20 large downspouts, redirecting an estimated 500,000 gallons of runoff annually away from the municipal sewer system (3, 4).
In addition to managing water, the gardens foster a thriving habitat for pollinators and adds beauty to the area (3). St. Suzanne’s commitment to environmental education includes engaging over 130 youth and adults in training programs that build pathways to STEAM careers and opportunities where local residents are often underrepresented (4). The church also features an innovative, eco-friendly outdoor classroom developed by students, further supporting their sustainability mission (4).