Liberties Greening Strategy
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)
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 Gnomes Farm
The Gnomes Project was launched to breathe new life into the abandoned Dublin City University (DCU) Community Garden, transforming it into a thriving urban micro-farm. Led by three friends—Martin, Jason, and Shane, collectively known as "The Gnomes"—the initiative grows pesticide-free, organic produce for the local community while championing regenerative farming practices.
The Gnomes employ bio-intensive agriculture, a sustainable approach designed to maximize yield from small spaces while maintaining biodiversity and enriching soil health. This method supports long-term productivity by promoting crop diversity, improving soil quality, and reducing dependence on external inputs through a closed-loop system.
The project’s journey began in 2015 when Jason and Martin enrolled in DCU's horticulture program and saw potential in the overgrown community garden. Shane joined as a volunteer in 2016, and by 2017, the trio had formalized their efforts to revitalize the garden. In 2019, they registered their business and began growing over 30 types of crops, eventually selling their produce through local farmers’ markets and small businesses.
Working tirelessly to restore the garden, The Gnomes cleared debris and removed invasive weeds using organic methods, transforming the area into a productive micro-farm. After negotiating with the university, they secured a lease for a 10,900 sq.-ft. plot (approximately 1/4 acre), with access to water. This space became the foundation for their bio-intensive, small-scale farming model, enabling them to grow quick-yield, high-value crops that thrive in limited spaces.
Some of their 20+ crops include a variety of leafy greens, herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchinis, green beans, onions, carrots, beetroots, baby turnips, apples, and recently added microgreens.
The Gnomes Project demonstrates the potential of urban farming, combining sustainable agriculture with community engagement. (2-5, 7-10)
The Gnomes employ bio-intensive agriculture, a sustainable approach designed to maximize yield from small spaces while maintaining biodiversity and enriching soil health. This method supports long-term productivity by promoting crop diversity, improving soil quality, and reducing dependence on external inputs through a closed-loop system.
The project’s journey began in 2015 when Jason and Martin enrolled in DCU's horticulture program and saw potential in the overgrown community garden. Shane joined as a volunteer in 2016, and by 2017, the trio had formalized their efforts to revitalize the garden. In 2019, they registered their business and began growing over 30 types of crops, eventually selling their produce through local farmers’ markets and small businesses.
Working tirelessly to restore the garden, The Gnomes cleared debris and removed invasive weeds using organic methods, transforming the area into a productive micro-farm. After negotiating with the university, they secured a lease for a 10,900 sq.-ft. plot (approximately 1/4 acre), with access to water. This space became the foundation for their bio-intensive, small-scale farming model, enabling them to grow quick-yield, high-value crops that thrive in limited spaces.
Some of their 20+ crops include a variety of leafy greens, herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchinis, green beans, onions, carrots, beetroots, baby turnips, apples, and recently added microgreens.
The Gnomes Project demonstrates the potential of urban farming, combining sustainable agriculture with community engagement. (2-5, 7-10)
Growroom
The Growroom is a spherical urban garden made of plywood, designed as a temporary installation in Gdańsk’s Strzyża district. Originally created by Danish architects Sine Lindholm and Mads-Ulrik Husum, the structure was adapted for this location as part of a collaborative initiative. It provides a small, functional space where residents can plant and enjoy greenery within the city.
In Gdańsk, the Growroom was used to cultivate flowers, herbs, and strawberries, with the plant selection curated by Joanna Paniec, a specialist in the city’s green initiatives. A central bench within the structure offers a simple resting spot for visitors. While visually appealing, the installation primarily served as a short-term experiment in integrating greenery into urban settings.
The project was co-financed by the Danish Cultural Institute, the Danish Ministry of Culture, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Environmental Department of the Gdańsk City Office. It was brought to Gdańsk by the Polish foundation Kultura nad Kulturą and conceptualized by Agnieszka Wołodźko, a painter, exhibition curator, and author of the blog Pomiędzy sztuką a życiem. The installation was in place from [add dates if available], after which maintenance was handed over to the local community.
The Growroom was not intended as a long-term urban feature but rather as a temporary initiative to explore the role of small-scale green spaces in cities. While it provided a brief opportunity for local engagement with urban gardening, it was ultimately a short-lived addition to the district. (1-4)
In Gdańsk, the Growroom was used to cultivate flowers, herbs, and strawberries, with the plant selection curated by Joanna Paniec, a specialist in the city’s green initiatives. A central bench within the structure offers a simple resting spot for visitors. While visually appealing, the installation primarily served as a short-term experiment in integrating greenery into urban settings.
The project was co-financed by the Danish Cultural Institute, the Danish Ministry of Culture, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Environmental Department of the Gdańsk City Office. It was brought to Gdańsk by the Polish foundation Kultura nad Kulturą and conceptualized by Agnieszka Wołodźko, a painter, exhibition curator, and author of the blog Pomiędzy sztuką a życiem. The installation was in place from [add dates if available], after which maintenance was handed over to the local community.
The Growroom was not intended as a long-term urban feature but rather as a temporary initiative to explore the role of small-scale green spaces in cities. While it provided a brief opportunity for local engagement with urban gardening, it was ultimately a short-lived addition to the district. (1-4)
"Green country" : planting 1 million trees
Martinique is a biodiversity hotspot, home to over 1,500 endemic plants, 70% of which are under threat from human activities. In response to these pressures, the Péyi Vert [Green Country] initiative was launched to plant endemic trees and strengthen the island's biodiversity. Beyond simply preserving species, these trees are crucial in maintaining healthy ecosystems, as they provide essential services such as carbon sequestration, shade, food for human consumption, soil decontamination, pollination, and protection against coastline erosion.
Launched in June 2020 by Entreprises et Environnement (EE), a not-for-profit business association representing 80 Martinican companies, the Péyi Vert initiative aims to plant 1 million native trees (either Martinican or Caribbean) over five years. It can be seen as a Martinique-wide strategy to adapt to and mitigate climate change. Péyi Vert facilitates connections between people who want to plant trees and Martinican companies that serve as financial sponsors. The initiative emphasizes conserving natural heritage by planting endangered species, as well as promoting native species that, while not necessarily threatened, provide valuable ecosystem services or contribute to biodiversity restoration.
Between 2020 and 2023, EE reported planting 50,000 trees (Refs 1, 4, 6, 7). Although individuals can make donations, Péyi Vert primarily seeks funding from companies looking to offset their carbon emissions or enhance their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). To achieve its goals, the initiative mainly collaborates with municipalities, companies, and farmers (Ref 3).
Launched in June 2020 by Entreprises et Environnement (EE), a not-for-profit business association representing 80 Martinican companies, the Péyi Vert initiative aims to plant 1 million native trees (either Martinican or Caribbean) over five years. It can be seen as a Martinique-wide strategy to adapt to and mitigate climate change. Péyi Vert facilitates connections between people who want to plant trees and Martinican companies that serve as financial sponsors. The initiative emphasizes conserving natural heritage by planting endangered species, as well as promoting native species that, while not necessarily threatened, provide valuable ecosystem services or contribute to biodiversity restoration.
Between 2020 and 2023, EE reported planting 50,000 trees (Refs 1, 4, 6, 7). Although individuals can make donations, Péyi Vert primarily seeks funding from companies looking to offset their carbon emissions or enhance their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). To achieve its goals, the initiative mainly collaborates with municipalities, companies, and farmers (Ref 3).
The Ballymun City Farm
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)
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)
Community gardens development policy
The City of Marseille is engaged in a city-wide project to develop community gardens across its territory. It supports project leaders by providing municipal land and offering a framework along with technical support (Ref 5). Currently, there are 80 community gardens, including 66 shared gardens and 14 family gardens, covering nearly 32 hectares in total (Ref 1).
Marseille aims to provide all residents with spaces for relaxation and socialization in every neighbourhood, particularly fostering shared gardening spaces in neglected land, forgotten squares, building bases, or areas awaiting development. (Ref 1). Community gardens contribute to the city's beautification and support biodiversity (Ref 1) and are founded on values of solidarity, conviviality, and fostering connections between generations and cultures (Ref 4). This initiative also addresses the issue of agricultural land disappearing due to urbanization, while Marseille's many abandoned wastelands offer genuine opportunities to rethink production models (Ref 3).
The city has created a Charter to be signed between the city and garden managers, which can include groups of residents or associations (Ref 2). The charter includes criteria such as citizen involvement, fostering social connections, promoting biodiversity, restoring soils’ health, planting local species, and eco-responsible gardening practices (Ref 2). In return, the city supports the development of these gardens, providing land and offering technical and methodological assistance, including soil analysis and advice on environmentally friendly gardening practices (Ref 2). Additionally, community gardens can serve an economic purpose by creating jobs and enabling the production of healthy and flavorful fruits and vegetables at a lower cost (Ref 2).
Marseille aims to provide all residents with spaces for relaxation and socialization in every neighbourhood, particularly fostering shared gardening spaces in neglected land, forgotten squares, building bases, or areas awaiting development. (Ref 1). Community gardens contribute to the city's beautification and support biodiversity (Ref 1) and are founded on values of solidarity, conviviality, and fostering connections between generations and cultures (Ref 4). This initiative also addresses the issue of agricultural land disappearing due to urbanization, while Marseille's many abandoned wastelands offer genuine opportunities to rethink production models (Ref 3).
The city has created a Charter to be signed between the city and garden managers, which can include groups of residents or associations (Ref 2). The charter includes criteria such as citizen involvement, fostering social connections, promoting biodiversity, restoring soils’ health, planting local species, and eco-responsible gardening practices (Ref 2). In return, the city supports the development of these gardens, providing land and offering technical and methodological assistance, including soil analysis and advice on environmentally friendly gardening practices (Ref 2). Additionally, community gardens can serve an economic purpose by creating jobs and enabling the production of healthy and flavorful fruits and vegetables at a lower cost (Ref 2).
The Food Forest Cooperative
In Phoenix, many residents live in dead zones with little or no access to fresh food. These zones are called 'food deserts,' which represent a low-income area with low access to a grocery store (3). Out of the 43 food deserts identified by the city, 18 are fully or partly in south Phoenix (2-3). In 2017, Two researchers from Arizona State University’s School of Sustainability and Leuphana University Lüneburg in Germany began exploring the idea of creating a sustainable food forest cooperative in Phoenix to provide fresh, healthy food, supporting local entrepreneurs, and promote environmental sustainability (1). The project's development team spent months immersing themselves in the world of food forests, by exploring different types of community gardens, discussing preferred characteristics, anticipating local challenges, and identifying potential collaborators (1). As a result, The Food Forest Cooperative was established and planted roots in a 0.5 acre (0.20 ha) plot within the Spaces of Opportunity Community Garden in 2022 (1). This food forest engages the local community by offering educational opportunities around the value of culturally relevant, whole fruits and vegetables, medicine making, and learning about the many uses of edible/medicinal plants (4). The Food Forest Cooperative as a multi-generational project that members preserve for their children, and their children’s children (2). The intention behind the project is to address food insecurity in south Phoenix and empowering the community to take ownership of it and reconnect with their ancestors through the land and food (2). Through the Cooperative, members can contribute different skills, from administrative work to manual labor to community education and traditional medicine (2). It was created to empower community members and challenge the patterns of our food system through the blending of environmental, social and economic goals (4).
Educational Urban Gardens
The initiative involved the creation of three educational spaces in social service centers for children (Bucium, Ion Holban, Bogdanesti) in Iasi and its peri-urban area that included urban gardens, the development of green spaces, and facilities for sports activities. In the urban gardens, raised and arranged in a circular design, various orchards and food-producing plants were planted, along with bushes and perennial plants introduced in the new green spaces. Additionally, benches, workshop stations, a volleyball court, and a ping-pong table were constructed alongside the green areas.
The initiative was implemented by the NGO "Asociatia Outventure" and financed through the "In stare de Bine" program, funded by Kaufland Romania and managed by the Fundatia Pentru Dezvoltarea Societatii Civile (Foundation for the Development of Civil Society). The project also included training for permanent volunteers involved in the initiative and conducted 16 thematic workshops on healthy living and ecological behaviors.
The primary target group for the initiative was children and young people at risk of social exclusion, whose circumstances worsened after the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective was to provide them with "an alternative space to develop their personalities, as well as the necessary tools to adopt a healthy lifestyle in harmony with the surrounding environment." The project had a budget of 22,127 euros and was implemented over the span of six months. (1-5)
The initiative was implemented by the NGO "Asociatia Outventure" and financed through the "In stare de Bine" program, funded by Kaufland Romania and managed by the Fundatia Pentru Dezvoltarea Societatii Civile (Foundation for the Development of Civil Society). The project also included training for permanent volunteers involved in the initiative and conducted 16 thematic workshops on healthy living and ecological behaviors.
The primary target group for the initiative was children and young people at risk of social exclusion, whose circumstances worsened after the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective was to provide them with "an alternative space to develop their personalities, as well as the necessary tools to adopt a healthy lifestyle in harmony with the surrounding environment." The project had a budget of 22,127 euros and was implemented over the span of six months. (1-5)
Implementation of the Urban Forestry Plan for Cartagena
The Urban Forestry Plan for Cartagena, led by EPA Cartagena, outlines a comprehensive strategy for enhancing the city's green infrastructure. The plan focuses on selecting suitable tree species, planting, and management to achieve several goals: reducing heat through shade, creating microclimates, protecting against climatic events such as coastal erosion and windstorms, enhancing food security, and enhancing the landscape's beauty. Over 10 years, the plan aims to establish at least 100,000 additional trees, increase overall tree cover, enhance accessibility to green spaces, and build a main ecological structure based on natural resources and biodiversity. It also emphasises the importance of local knowledge and resources (ref 1).
Formulated with community input, the plan commenced in 2013 and involved a detailed assessment of existing urban vegetation and climate conditions, utilising tools such as iTree. The development included international conferences and expert consultations to ensure a robust and informed approach (ref 1).
Formulated with community input, the plan commenced in 2013 and involved a detailed assessment of existing urban vegetation and climate conditions, utilising tools such as iTree. The development included international conferences and expert consultations to ensure a robust and informed approach (ref 1).
GLAS Garden in Ballymun
The GLAS Garden in Ballymun was established in 2011 by the NGO Global Action Plan, serving as a community-driven initiative that offers a welcoming and accessible space where people of all ages and abilities can engage with nature, learn new skills, and build connections within their community. The garden is actively utilized on a weekly basis by various groups, including St. Michael’s House, Saol Clubhouse, the Central Remedial Clinic, Ballark Youth Training, and Young Ballymun. It features a polytunnel for year-round growing, a whimsical fairy garden, and numerous microhabitats, including a pond, composting systems, a grow dome, and an innovative rainwater harvesting system made from recycled plastic bottles.
As part of the social regeneration program for Ballymun, the Green Living and Sustainability (GLAS) community garden has been operated by Global Action Plan (GAP) since its inception. It is supported by Dublin City Council under the Social Regeneration Fund and serves as a hub for environmental education and social inclusion in the area.
GAP’s GLAS garden brings together individuals of all ages and abilities, providing a socially inclusive space for participatory learning and active exploration of sustainability. It plays a crucial role in helping individuals and groups reduce their carbon footprint, produce organic food, and enjoy nature, thus transforming the garden into a space for positive change. (1-5)
As part of the social regeneration program for Ballymun, the Green Living and Sustainability (GLAS) community garden has been operated by Global Action Plan (GAP) since its inception. It is supported by Dublin City Council under the Social Regeneration Fund and serves as a hub for environmental education and social inclusion in the area.
GAP’s GLAS garden brings together individuals of all ages and abilities, providing a socially inclusive space for participatory learning and active exploration of sustainability. It plays a crucial role in helping individuals and groups reduce their carbon footprint, produce organic food, and enjoy nature, thus transforming the garden into a space for positive change. (1-5)
