Expected improved social cohesion

FoodLink, a network for food transition in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (LMA), aims to create sustainable, competitive, and resilient agri-food systems closely integrated with regional and local spatial planning. The network's goals are to promote food security, economic and energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and socio-territorial cohesion by 2030. The network seeks to ensure that by 2030, 15% of the metropolitan area's food supply is secured locally through sustainable production methods, innovative solutions in water management, soil conservation, climate adaptation, and low-carbon distribution networks involving community gardens, urban allotments, and agricultural spaces within the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. (Ref 2)

The Three Mile Creek Watershed project is part of the City Council watershed management plans (Ref 2) to stabilize the banks and the stream along the Twelve Mile Creek and Langan Park Lake, both of which drain into Three Mile Creek and Mobile Bay (Ref 1). The project aims to address the issues of degradation of the banks and destabilization of the creek, undercutting of sanitary sewer crossings and sedimentation in the creek and Langan Park Lake because of the increased water flow speed due to stormwater conveyance (Ref 2). Besides, major pollutants from run-off and sewage water contribute to the degradation of Three Mile Creek (Ref 5). Key initiatives include stabilizing the banks and streambed of the Twelve Mile Creek, dredging and restoring Langan Park Lake, and implementing instream structures to reduce erosion and protect infrastructure (Ref 2). The project also emphasizes reducing pollutants from stormwater runoff, improving water quality, and helping to protect the area’s estuarine and marine water resources (Ref 1). The project will increase natural habitat and contribute to regulating biodiversity by aiding in the abatement of invasive species such as the apple snail (Ref 2). It is expected to contribute to enhancing recreational access through the development of trails, educational programs, and water sports facilities. The overall goal is to restore ecological health, support flood control, improve the quality of life in the Mobile and Prichard communities and make the Three Mile Creek a recreational destination (Ref 6).

The Joe Louis Greenway is a 27.5-mile recreational pathway designed to create safe, connected, and equitable spaces throughout Detroit. It will link 23 neighborhoods across Detroit, Hamtramck, Highland Park, and Dearborn, connecting them to each other and to the Detroit riverfront. The greenway will transform a blighted, abandoned rail corridor into a park that runs through the heart of Detroit's communities. (Ref. 2, 3)
This project is guided by a Framework Plan funded by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and shaped by extensive community input. Residents voiced a strong desire for the greenway to provide off-street recreation and increased access to green spaces across Detroit. Additionally, they advocated for the restoration and remediation of former industrial sites, which the Conrail section of the greenway will address. (Ref. 4) The design incorporates stormwater management to mitigate flooding, native meadow plantings to support bird habitats, and tree-lined paths for shade and improved air quality. The Framework Plan ensures the Joe Louis Greenway will transform infrastructure that once divided neighborhoods into one that unites them, reconnects natural systems, drives economic redevelopment, and fosters a resilient social network. (Ref. 13)
The concept originated in 2007 with the Friends of the Inner Circle Greenway local NGO and became part of the Detroit Greenways Coalition Network Vision in 2009. The Detroit Greenways Coalition Network Vision is a comprehensive plan developed by the Detroit Greenways Coalition (NGO), an organization dedicated to promoting non-motorized transportation and green infrastructure throughout the city. After years of advocacy and collaboration with the city of Detroit, the project’s route was finalized. In 2017, Mayor Mike Duggan announced the greenway would be renamed in honor of Joe Louis, the legendary boxer and Detroit native who championed African Americans' rights and symbolized social justice. (Ref. 1, 2,)

The "Há Vida no Meu Bairro" project is an innovative urban initiative led by the Lisbon City Council aimed at transforming the city into a "15-minute city." This concept ensures that all essential urban functions, such as commerce, green spaces, education, sports, culture, health, and social support, are within a 15-minute walk from residents' homes. The project promotes neighbourhood identity, quality of life, active mobility, and the development of safer, more comfortable public spaces. By integrating these elements, the initiative seeks to create multifunctional neighbourhoods where daily needs can be met locally, reducing dependence on cars and enhancing pedestrian accessibility (Ref 1).
Lisbon's approach is both city-wide and neighbourhood-specific, with pilot projects being developed in collaboration with the city's 24 parishes. These projects focus on improving public spaces and pedestrian mobility, reinforcing the city's commitment to sustainability and community engagement (Ref 2). The initiative also emphasizes the importance of public participation, encouraging residents to contribute to the design and development of their neighbourhoods and enhancement of local identity and green spaces (Ref 3).

A community garden opened in 2023 on the Technological University (TU) Dublin Blanchardstown campus. This environmental education and social inclusion project is a collaborative effort involving Fingal County Council, Global Action Plan Ireland, TU Dublin, and the local community. It provides a space for local groups and schools to grow fresh produce, reconnect with nature, and foster a stronger sense of community.
Rooted in a successful template developed by Global Action Plan in Ballymun, this initiative promotes social and cultural inclusion alongside environmental education. The Green Living & Sustainability Community Garden (GLAS) aims to create an inclusive environment that welcomes individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. More than a site for cultivating plants, flowers, and vegetables, the garden serves as a hub for fostering social connections, enhancing well-being, and offering valuable educational opportunities.
The garden provides individuals with the chance to engage in social horticulture, exploring the connections between food, health, biodiversity, and global issues such as climate change. It operates on organic and regenerative principles, with all tasks and harvests shared by volunteers. Additionally, the garden will support youth gardening projects and public workshops on topics such as growing food, composting, water harvesting, and waste management. Beyond its environmental benefits, the garden helps people connect with one another, positively impacting social, physical, and mental well-being.

The project aims to modernize Ciurchi Park, also known as "Tătărași Park," due to the degraded state of its current infrastructure (1 - 8). Initiated by the Municipality of Iași, the initiative seeks furthermore to increase the amount of green space per inhabitant in the city and reduce overcrowding in other parks, thereby diversifying options for citizens (1 - 9). Planning for the project began in 2022, and the bidding process for its execution was released in April 2024, which is still awaiting a decision (1, 2. 7).
The implementation is expected to involve interventions in existing green spaces, including the planting of 120 trees, 1,000 bushes, and approximately 2,000 species of flowers and ornamental plants. The project will also feature a monitoring program for tree species, management of existing vegetation to protect healthy trees, and removal of invasive or degraded plants (1, 2, 4, 8). Additionally, it will include benches, facilities for physical exercise, an underground waste collector, and a rainwater drainage system, among other infrastructure improvements (1 to 8).
The project is expected to be financed by the local budget and EU funds, with a total estimated cost exceeding 5,000,000 euros, including taxes (2, 4). It is included in the Integrated Urban Development Strategy 2015-2030 for the city (8, p. 12).
The goals of the project are to modernize the park, improve accessibility for citizens in the surrounding area, minimize management costs for the municipality, ensure a sustainable habitat for flora and fauna with minimal invasive interventions, and harmonize architectural proposals with the landscape (6, 8, p. 32). Other objectives include protecting biodiversity, enhancing the park’s aesthetics and the overall city environment, and reducing CO2 emissions, which will ultimately improve the quality of life for surrounding residents (8, p. 141).

The renovation of the "Marechal Humberto Delgado" Square focused on transforming the area into a more pedestrian-friendly and sustainable urban space. The project included reorganising the traffic system, creating a new urban green square, requalifying the bus terminal, enhancing the integration of different transport modes and improving pedestrian access (Ref 1). Key features of the intervention were the introduction of cycle paths, wider sidewalks, green spaces with 200 new trees, and recreational facilities such as a children's playground and water features (Ref 2). The project also addressed critical infrastructural needs, including constructing a rainwater collector as part of Lisbon's General Drainage Plan to mitigate the city's frequent flooding issues (Ref 3). The renovation, completed in 2024, was part of the 'A Square in Every Neighborhood' program, emphasizing community involvement and sustainable urban development (Ref 3).

Civic Space Park, located in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona, is a notable example of urban design aimed at addressing the region’s increasing urban heat. In Phoenix, rising temperatures affect health, safety, comfort, and economic growth, and this impact is expected to worsen over time. In response, the park was developed to transform an underused site into a vibrant public space that prioritizes community engagement, sustainability, and urban revitalization.
The project was realized through a public-private partnership between the City of Phoenix and Arizona State University, with strong community involvement shaping its development. This collaboration led to the “Urban Weave” concept, a design that embodies the identity and values of the local community.
Civic Space Park was designed with several goals in mind. Increasing the tree canopy was essential to help reduce the urban heat island effect and improve air quality. Creating a welcoming area for social interaction, recreation, and relaxation was equally important to enhance community well-being. Water conservation was also prioritized, achieved through innovative stormwater management techniques such as permeable paving and underground infiltration. The park incorporates renewable energy generation as well, with on-site solar power helping to reduce energy consumption.
One of the park’s unique features is its extensive use of pervious concrete paving, designed to allow stormwater to permeate directly into the subsurface. However, during installation, it became clear that placing the material over highly compacted soil limited water infiltration. To improve its effectiveness, future designs could include a plastic vapor barrier beneath the permeable paving to capture water and direct it to planting beds. This adjustment would enable the paving to act as a collection and storage system, gradually releasing water into the surrounding vegetation.
(1-6)

“The Orchards of the School” is a project led by Antibiotice S.A. through its foundation, "Știință și Suflet" (Science and Soul), which focuses on corporate social responsibility programs. Implemented between 2017 and 2019, employees volunteered to participate in planting orchards in the yards of several schools around the metropolitan area of Iași, including a special education school . The students assisted in planting the orchards and took responsibility for their management afterward.
The primary goal of the project was to instill respect for environmental protection, promote a healthy lifestyle, and cultivate civic spirit within the community among the younger generation. The local authorities prepared the yards for planting, while the Research and Development Station for Fruit Culture in Iași provided standardized methods for proper orchard cultivation.
By 2021 and 2022, the orchards were reported to be thriving and yielding their first fruits for the students (Ref. 1-9).

This project aimed to create an urban forest that will grow within Dublin’s Darndale Park, which is popular among students and sports clubs. The objective is to offer the community a green area where they can gather, appreciate nature, and enhance their knowledge about it. The new forest will act as a windbreak for the nearby fishing pond and aims to address challenges related to heatwaves that endanger the lives of young and elderly people. To foster a sense of inclusion and unity, the forest is designed in a doughnut shape, consisting of 3,000 native species like oaks, birch, willow, and hazel, with the trees forming the outer ring (1, 2). This urban forestation initiative is a component of the Uforest project, which is funded by the European Commission and supported by Etifor (environmental consulting company established within the Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry of the University of Padua) and Ersaf (an instrumental body of the Lombardy Region) . The Uforest project seeks to enhance Europe's innovation capacity by fostering collaboration among universities, cities, and businesses to develop a novel approach to urban forestry (1).