Most of the project goals were achieved

In Sjöhåla, west of Kungälv, an abandoned pasture on a wet meadow by the coast was restored by reintroducing grazing, clearing bushes and reeds, digging ponds and renovating stone walls. The aim was to increase biodiversity in the area and to promote the production of local organic meat. Additionally, the project made it easier for visitors to pass through the area for recreational purposes. The project was carried out by the municipality of Kungälv and the non-profit organisation Omställning Kungälv, and involved other local associations, farmers and citizens. It was funded through the "Local nature conservation investment" by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. As a result of the project, the area is more accessible, and many species of plants, insects, and birds have been found. [Ref. 1-3]

The John Michuki Memorial Park was transformed from a vast dumpsite in 2008 and established in honor of John Michuki, the Environment Minister during the Kibaki administration, in 2012. Michuki garnered admiration and accolades for his enthusiasm and determination to clean and preserve the environment (Ref 1, 2). Situated along the Nairobi River, the park serves as a historically rich recreational facility (Ref 3).
However, several issues arose after the park was transferred to the county administration in 2013 (Ref 2). A section of the Nairobi River flowing through the park experienced severe environmental degradation due to illegal discharges and poor waste management, negatively impacting the riparian ecosystem and biodiversity (Ref 4). Additionally, the park became a refuge for drug users, street children, and thieves, with stray dogs posing safety threats in the area (Ref 1, 2).
As the first project within the Cleaning Up Kenya Campaign, the restoration of Michuki Memorial Park was launched in 2020 by the government (Ref 5). The park is now managed by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) following a directive from the national government (ibid.). With funds from the treasury, a perimeter fence was erected, a 2.4 km walkway was constructed, and 4,200 seedlings and 6,357 indigenous trees were planted, along with the establishment of a nursery (Ref 1, 6). A total of 20,000 tons of solid waste were removed (Ref 6). Additionally, a community forest association was formed to ensure community engagement (Ref 2).

The riparian forest of Montgérald, through which the “Monsieur” River flows, is located within Fort-de-France and boasts rich biodiversity, featuring around 100 species of shrubs and trees and about 30 animal species, including 16 types of birds. It is one of the last remnants of the mesophilic forest type and the only example in a French peri-urban setting. This unique ecosystem is recognized as a Natural Area of Ecological, Faunal, and Floral Interest (ZNIEFF) and a Classified Wooded Area (EBC), underscoring the need for conservation efforts.
Covering nearly 21 hectares, this site offers ecological benefits like air quality improvement and temperature regulation, providing a "fresh air island" near the city center. However, it faces significant challenges, including flooding caused by climate change and heavy rains, which exacerbate erosion along the Monsieur River. The area is also threatened by invasive alien species, making conservation measures even more crucial.
Since 2015, the municipality of Fort-de-France, along with project partners, has been working on developing this natural space for both conservation and public engagement purposes. The most recent actions occurred in 2020, including riverbank restoration, clearing invasive species, and creating walking paths and educational installations. Additionally, the project features an awareness campaign targeting local schools. The ongoing initiative aims to merge biodiversity conservation with community recreational use and environmental education, ensuring the resilience of this vital ecosystem against the impacts of climate change. (Refs. 1, 2, 3)

The Ballymun City Farm project began as a grassroots initiative when local residents envisioned turning an underutilized green space into a vibrant community resource. Though initially rejected by the City Council, the project’s supporters recognized its potential to contribute to Ballymun’s environmental, social, and economic regeneration. With a vision to create something unique for the area, the farm was designed to foster community engagement, environmental education, and local sustainability. Over time, it has grown into more than just a recreational space—it has become a symbol of community resilience, offering people of all backgrounds and abilities a place to connect, learn, and grow together (4).
Situated on 6.6 acres provided by Dublin City Council, the farm aims to strengthen community bonds, enhance civic involvement, and combat social exclusion and isolation. It serves as both an educational and recreational space, providing opportunities for people of all abilities and backgrounds to engage with environmental topics, organic food production, native breed conservation, and traditional crafts. It is envisioned that the farm will include a designated ornamental garden, consisting of shrubs, flowers, grasses and bulbs, which will become a focal point for community activities/gatherings. In addition, we plan to install raised vegetable beds, fruit bushes.
Through urban food production and community gardens—effective tools for educating schoolchildren and engaging youth—the farm addresses the gap between food production and consumption, helping to increase appreciation for local food. Investments in green infrastructure like Ballymun City Farm also support urban and regional development, including the creation of jobs. (1, 2)

Alexandria is a city with a special charm, known for its beaches and gardens that act as the lungs through which the city breathes, and are considered a haven for its people (1). Unfortunately, in the last ten years, there has been a decrease in green space due to urban expansion and the establishment of Commercial and profitable projects (1). To address the lack of green space in the city, The Governor of Alexandria has stressed the continued efforts to develop, beautify and plant the squares and turn them into attractive civilized facades, as part of Egypts 2030 vision which aims to move towards a greener city and reduce the effects of climate change. (2). To encourage redevelopment of public green spaces, The Governor launched the “Alexandria shines with its squares” competition in 2023, where the top three neighborhoods with the best redeveloped squares would receive a prize of up to EGP 50,000 [928.45 EUR] (6). The First Al Montazah neighborhood participated in the competition by redeveloping Sidi Bishr Mosque Square (2-5). The 700 meter square was completely upgraded with solar energy, a new irrigation system to conserve water, modifications to the sewer network, and planting the garden with plants that suit the environment (3). The greening activities included planting 400 sticks of various crops in the upgraded square (4).

The Therapy Forest project in Nolan, Detroit, initiated in 2022 and completed in 2024, represents a step forward in urban renewal and ecological restoration, led by Rescue MI Nature Now (RMNN) and local volunteers. RMNN, founded in 2019, aims to transform vacant lots in the Nolan neighborhood—an area heavily impacted by the mortgage lending crisis—into green spaces that combat urban decay. The Therapy Forest, a 2.25-acre site, is designed as an accessible, restorative environment inspired by the Japanese practice of “Shinrin-Yoku,” or forest bathing, which encourages individuals to engage with nature through all their senses.
This project not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood but also serves as a habitat for native plants and pollinators, such as goldenrod and honeybees. Through a participatory planning and design process, RMNN has actively involved community members, particularly youth, in the development and ongoing maintenance of the forest. The project includes flowering beds, perennial gardens, and other landscaping features aimed at creating a serene and therapeutic environment.
The Southeast Michigan Resilience Fund provided key financial support, recognizing the project's potential to transform neighborhood decay into a green space that serves both ecological and social purposes. The Therapy Forest is expected to become a communal asset, offering hands-on learning opportunities for local students while also providing a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors.
By converting over 2.25-acre of vacant land, RMNN’s Therapy Forest stands as a model for how urban areas can reclaim unused spaces, fostering resilience, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. This initiative not only revitalizes the Nolan neighborhood but also serves as a beacon of hope and renewal, demonstrating the impact of green spaces on urban communities.
(Ref.1-4)

The PARC Rain Garden project in Plymouth, Michigan, is an innovative initiative led by the Plymouth Arts and Recreation Complex (PARC) and Friends of the Rouge, aimed at addressing stormwater management and enhancing local environmental quality. Supported by a $400,000 grant from Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) through its Nonpoint Source Program, this project will involve the construction of over 31,500 square feet of rain gardens located on the property of Plymouth Arts and Recreation Complex (PARC). These gardens are designed to filter up to 240,000 gallons of stormwater per rainfall event, preventing runoff from entering local waterways like the Tonquish Creek. The rain gardens will also mitigate flooding, reduce pollution, and create a more stable water flow in the Rouge River watershed, which is heavily impacted by urban development.
In addition to their environmental benefits, the rain gardens will provide aesthetic and ecological value to the PARC campus. The plantings, featuring native Michigan species, will create habitats for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds, complementing the existing beehives on the PARC rooftop. The project aims to showcase the feasibility of integrating green infrastructure into routine construction, encouraging its adoption in other urban areas and residential spaces.
Ultimately, the PARC Rain Garden project will not only improve stormwater management but also serve as a model for sustainable urban development, enhancing the landscape while fostering environmental stewardship in the Plymouth community.
(Ref.1,2)

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.
(Ref.1-3)

Ngong is a town in southern Kenya, located near Nairobi in Kajiado County, on the slopes of the Ngong Hills. The municipality has experienced significant development and population growth due to improved infrastructure and social amenities. However, this expansion poses a threat to biodiversity, as increased demand for agricultural land, wood, and raw materials is depleting the area's forests and putting many species at risk of extinction. Overgrazing, illegal logging, invasive species, and climate change-induced extremes like droughts and floods have further exacerbated the situation.

In response, the Rufford Foundation proposed the Improving Ngong Hills Forest Conservation Efforts through Raising Local Community Awareness of Biodiversity Conservation project. The initiative seeks to restore the Ngong Hills forest ecosystem through community-driven conservation. A nursery for native species was established, and tree planting campaigns were conducted in collaboration with national and local governments, community-based organizations, indigenous groups, and schools. Additionally, awareness programs and capacity-building efforts were launched, engaging local schools in restoration activities and organizing workshops to train community members and officials. (Ref. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

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.
(Ref.1-4)