Mobile Tree Trial
The Mobile Tree Trail is a nature-based solutions (NBS) initiative aimed at preserving Mobile, Alabama’s urban forest while celebrating its cultural and ecological heritage (Ref 1, Ref 2). First established in the early 1990s by volunteers, the original trail featured 24 iconic trees, selected for their historical significance, environmental value, and beauty (Ref 1, Ref 2). Over the years, some trees were lost to development and storms, and the trail faded into obscurity (Ref 1, Ref 4).
From 2021, the Mobile Tree Commission, with support from The Nature Conservancy, is leading efforts to revive the trail (Ref 3, Ref 6). Activities include reviewing past entries, opening public nominations, and selecting new trees that best represent Mobile’s identity (Ref 3, Ref 4). The project emphasises inclusivity and public participation, welcoming volunteers and local input to shape a trail that evolves with the city (Ref 4, Ref 6).
Mobile faces environmental threats such as hurricanes, urban expansion, and loss of native tree cover (Ref 1, Ref 6). The revitalised trail helps address these challenges by promoting awareness, conserving old-growth specimens like the 300-year-old Duffie Oak, and maintaining vital green spaces (Ref 4, Ref 6).
The Mobile Tree Trail blends education, tourism, and conservation, enhancing urban resilience while telling the city’s story through its trees (Ref 3, Ref 6).
From 2021, the Mobile Tree Commission, with support from The Nature Conservancy, is leading efforts to revive the trail (Ref 3, Ref 6). Activities include reviewing past entries, opening public nominations, and selecting new trees that best represent Mobile’s identity (Ref 3, Ref 4). The project emphasises inclusivity and public participation, welcoming volunteers and local input to shape a trail that evolves with the city (Ref 4, Ref 6).
Mobile faces environmental threats such as hurricanes, urban expansion, and loss of native tree cover (Ref 1, Ref 6). The revitalised trail helps address these challenges by promoting awareness, conserving old-growth specimens like the 300-year-old Duffie Oak, and maintaining vital green spaces (Ref 4, Ref 6).
The Mobile Tree Trail blends education, tourism, and conservation, enhancing urban resilience while telling the city’s story through its trees (Ref 3, Ref 6).
Restoration and Maintenance of Antilles Ponds
In 2012, PRZHT (Pôles Relais Zones Humides Tropicales) initiated Project REMA, an effort dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of ponds in the Antilles, with backing from the IUCN. Wetland ecosystems in Martinique and the Caribbean had long been overlooked. However, interest in these habitats grew after PRZHT introduced an interactive virtual tour of Antilles ponds in 2019. Project REMA emerged in response to local concerns about the lack of technical resources for pond restoration in the French West Indies. While similar initiatives had been undertaken in France, there was no specific guide tailored to this region. Though originally conceived in 2012, the project remained dormant for several years before fully launching in 2019. Between 2019 and 2021, restoration experiments were conducted on 12 ponds across Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Saint-Martin, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive technical manual.
Building on this success, REMA II was introduced in January 2024 with a three-year scope. This new phase will focus on restoring and maintaining 80 ponds, both public and private, in Martinique and Guadeloupe. Additionally, it will address the management of invasive species and incorporate eDNA analysis to enhance conservation efforts. These small wetlands play a fundamental role in flood regulation, water storage, pollutant filtration, erosion control, and carbon absorption. They also provide refuges for biodiversity and contribute to the resilience of territories in the face of climate change.
(1, 2, 3)
Building on this success, REMA II was introduced in January 2024 with a three-year scope. This new phase will focus on restoring and maintaining 80 ponds, both public and private, in Martinique and Guadeloupe. Additionally, it will address the management of invasive species and incorporate eDNA analysis to enhance conservation efforts. These small wetlands play a fundamental role in flood regulation, water storage, pollutant filtration, erosion control, and carbon absorption. They also provide refuges for biodiversity and contribute to the resilience of territories in the face of climate change.
(1, 2, 3)
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)
Rio PHX
For thousands of years the Rio Salado, also known as the Salt River, and its larger mainstem, the Gila River, served as an important perennial source of life and growth for indigenous people residing in central Arizona, including the Akimel and Piipaash (3). Today, the Salt River is an ephemeral river corridor connecting diverse urban communities across an expansive and growing Maricopa County (3). While the river is now typically defined by intermittent flow as a function of water conservation and distribution in an arid urban climate, it also has powerful flows during the Arizona monsoon season providing a diverse and unique ecosystem for the region (3). To foster the health of the River, a regional multi-decade project was initiated in 2018 called Rio Reimagined, which includes six cities and two tribal communities (1). Rio Reimagined is a planning initiative in a very early concept stage, centered around the mission to support and enhance this treasured river corridor (3). The goals of Rio Reimagined consist of connecting communities, Equitable & Sustainable Development, and Restoring and Revitalizing Healthy Rivers (3). As part of the Rio Reimagined, the City of Phoenix founded a collaborative project called Rio PHX that will help promote a 20-mile Rio Salado (Salt River) corridor as a local and regional destination that attracts positive investment for the benefit of existing/future businesses, residents, and tourists (1). The final aim with this project is to improve health outcomes for existing and future residents by address outstanding needs in the area and create opportunities for housing, employment, recreation, art, and ecological restoration (1). From May 2024 to May 2025 Rio PHX will engage in creating a community profile, an existing conditions assessment, community engagement & visioning, developing implementation strategies and drafting the master plan (1). Public hearings and final plan adoption are set to take place in fall 2025 (1).
Coastal erosion measures at Glose, Kungälv
The Swedish Geotechnical Institute, a government agency, and the county administrative boards in Västra Götaland and Scania are running a project which tests methods to prevent erosion of coastal salt meadows. Erosion risks destroying unique ecosystems, and the aim is to develop cost-efficient, nature-based mitigation methods that can be replicated in other sites with similar problems. The project is part of an EU-funded Interreg North Sea project called MAinstreaming NAture BAsed Solutions through COASTal systems (MANABAS COAST), which involves other countries in the region [Ref. 1, 5]. Four different salt meadows are included in the Swedish part of the project. The sites are called pilot areas and are meant to test and showcase NBS to inform policy and develop methods that can be used in larger scales in the future. One of the sites is located at Glose in Kungälv municipality within the Gothenburg FUA [Ref. 2-4]. Here, the biodiversity of a salt meadow used for grazing and the adjacent coastal waters are threatened by erosion. According to a new management plan, NBS such as natural barriers will be implemented to break waves and halt erosion, preserving the ecosystems, improving water quality and ensuring the land continued use as a pasture for grazing cattle [Ref. 4].
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)
The Tree Hub Nursery
The Digital Hub, a campus in Dublin 8 offering 49,000 sq. ft. of office, studio, and workspaces for small businesses in technology, creative industries, social enterprises, and artisans, has partnered with Pocket Forests to establish Ireland’s first urban native tree nursery. Located on The Digital Hub campus, the Pocket Forests Tree Hub will grow native Irish trees, including birch, rowan, and alder, to support the planting of over 600 trees throughout Dublin 8 and beyond.
As Dublin 8 district faces a noted lack of green spaces and low tree density, as highlighted by the Mapping Green Dublin project from University College Dublin and local groups, the Tree Hub is set to address this gap. This innovative initiative aims to improve the local natural environment and bolster biodiversity in a rapidly urbanizing area.
Pocket Forests, co-founded in 2020 by Ashe Conrad-Jones and Catherine Cleary, is inspired by the Tiny Forest concept, which brings diverse native plants to small urban plots. Using permaculture methods, Pocket Forests regenerates depleted soil and creates diverse micro-forests on plots as compact as six square meters. This approach, which enriches soil and encourages biodiversity, has a unique capacity to transform urban areas into lush, green spaces, contributing to improved air quality and local ecosystems.
The Covid-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of access to nature for well-being, and The Digital Hub offers an ideal location for this first-of-its-kind urban initiative. The Tree Hub will serve as a valuable resource for greening Dublin 8, promoting community engagement, and fostering a greater connection to nature.
Beyond the nursery, Pocket Forests will run a series of six half-day workshops at The Digital Hub to educate the community on biodiversity, pollination, compost, soil health, and the importance of urban forest ecosystems. The Digital Hub’s Tree Hub boosts well-being, biodiversity, and green space for future generations. (1-5
As Dublin 8 district faces a noted lack of green spaces and low tree density, as highlighted by the Mapping Green Dublin project from University College Dublin and local groups, the Tree Hub is set to address this gap. This innovative initiative aims to improve the local natural environment and bolster biodiversity in a rapidly urbanizing area.
Pocket Forests, co-founded in 2020 by Ashe Conrad-Jones and Catherine Cleary, is inspired by the Tiny Forest concept, which brings diverse native plants to small urban plots. Using permaculture methods, Pocket Forests regenerates depleted soil and creates diverse micro-forests on plots as compact as six square meters. This approach, which enriches soil and encourages biodiversity, has a unique capacity to transform urban areas into lush, green spaces, contributing to improved air quality and local ecosystems.
The Covid-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of access to nature for well-being, and The Digital Hub offers an ideal location for this first-of-its-kind urban initiative. The Tree Hub will serve as a valuable resource for greening Dublin 8, promoting community engagement, and fostering a greater connection to nature.
Beyond the nursery, Pocket Forests will run a series of six half-day workshops at The Digital Hub to educate the community on biodiversity, pollination, compost, soil health, and the importance of urban forest ecosystems. The Digital Hub’s Tree Hub boosts well-being, biodiversity, and green space for future generations. (1-5
Urban Natural Area Ciric
"Urban Natural Area Ciric" is an initiative aimed at designating the forest and lakes of the Ciric area, located on the outskirts of the city of Iași, as an Urban Natural Area. To achieve this goal, the initiating organizations—NGO Civica and the Ornithological Association of Iași (SOR)—have developed a comprehensive report focused on the Ciric natural area, which monitors species and habitats while identifying pressure points on biodiversity and necessary conservation actions, as well as the benefits these areas provide.
In the Ciric area, various flora and fauna species have been identified, with some holding high protection status (14 bird species) or being of community importance and conservation interest. However, this ecological richness faces threats, as factors such as rapid urbanization, water pollution, and waste disposal have been identified as significant risks to the ecosystems.
In response to these challenges, the NGO aims to collaborate with the municipality to create protective municipal laws that will not only recognize the area as an Urban Natural Area but also ensure its inclusion in development plans. This partnership seeks to establish regulatory measures and strategies that will safeguard and enhance the biodiversity and ecosystems of Ciric. Additionally, the organizations have highlighted the social and physical benefits of the area for residents, including flood regulation and prevention, pest control, provision of clean air, and recreational and scientific opportunities.
To further raise support and awareness for their efforts, SOR and Civica conduct guided tours, educational workshops, and photographic exhibitions. They have also set up two informational panels in the area that highlight the biodiversity of Ciric. Furthermore, the two NGOs have partnered with regional organizations to create the "Rețeaua națională de arii naturale urbane" (The National Network of Urban Natural Areas) and have received funding from the EEA Grants. (1-8)
In the Ciric area, various flora and fauna species have been identified, with some holding high protection status (14 bird species) or being of community importance and conservation interest. However, this ecological richness faces threats, as factors such as rapid urbanization, water pollution, and waste disposal have been identified as significant risks to the ecosystems.
In response to these challenges, the NGO aims to collaborate with the municipality to create protective municipal laws that will not only recognize the area as an Urban Natural Area but also ensure its inclusion in development plans. This partnership seeks to establish regulatory measures and strategies that will safeguard and enhance the biodiversity and ecosystems of Ciric. Additionally, the organizations have highlighted the social and physical benefits of the area for residents, including flood regulation and prevention, pest control, provision of clean air, and recreational and scientific opportunities.
To further raise support and awareness for their efforts, SOR and Civica conduct guided tours, educational workshops, and photographic exhibitions. They have also set up two informational panels in the area that highlight the biodiversity of Ciric. Furthermore, the two NGOs have partnered with regional organizations to create the "Rețeaua națională de arii naturale urbane" (The National Network of Urban Natural Areas) and have received funding from the EEA Grants. (1-8)
The Dublin Open Air Laboratory
The Ringsend Open-Air Laboratory project in Dublin, Ireland, is part of a broader effort to adapt urban areas to increasing climate change risks. This initiative focuses on installing green roofs and deploying a network of environmental sensors to enhance urban resilience. Launched in 2018 under the Horizon 2020 OPERANDUM project, the effort seeks to find nature-based solutions for climate change impacts worldwide. Led by the University of Bologna, OPERANDUM involves over 20 partners, primarily in Europe, working together to address environmental challenges like flooding, drought, and coastal erosion through the establishment of ten "Open Air Laboratories" globally.
In Dublin, the project aims to bolster flood resilience in Ringsend, a critical economic area near the city’s tech district, which faces substantial flood risks due to its low elevation and proximity to the Dodder River. This river, which flows through both rural and urban areas before meeting the River Liffey near Ringsend, has caused property and infrastructure damage from extreme rainfall and combined river and tidal flooding.
Green roofs play a key role in mitigating urban flood risks in this project. These rooftop gardens absorb large volumes of rainfall before it reaches the streets, easing the load on existing flood prevention systems like storm drains and gullies and reducing the need for additional "grey" infrastructure. Based on community insights and recommendations, construction has begun on a green roof on top of the CHQ building in Dublin’s Docklands, in partnership with Dogpatch Labs.Complementing this, over 100 sensors have been deployed in recent research trials across Dublin. OPERANDUM researchers are now building on this foundation to create a denser, more reliable, and cost-effective sensor network, with data from earlier low-cost sensor trials made publicly accessible via Dublinked, Dublin’s open data platform, and exploring the use of LPWAN for environmental sensing. (1-5, 7)
In Dublin, the project aims to bolster flood resilience in Ringsend, a critical economic area near the city’s tech district, which faces substantial flood risks due to its low elevation and proximity to the Dodder River. This river, which flows through both rural and urban areas before meeting the River Liffey near Ringsend, has caused property and infrastructure damage from extreme rainfall and combined river and tidal flooding.
Green roofs play a key role in mitigating urban flood risks in this project. These rooftop gardens absorb large volumes of rainfall before it reaches the streets, easing the load on existing flood prevention systems like storm drains and gullies and reducing the need for additional "grey" infrastructure. Based on community insights and recommendations, construction has begun on a green roof on top of the CHQ building in Dublin’s Docklands, in partnership with Dogpatch Labs.Complementing this, over 100 sensors have been deployed in recent research trials across Dublin. OPERANDUM researchers are now building on this foundation to create a denser, more reliable, and cost-effective sensor network, with data from earlier low-cost sensor trials made publicly accessible via Dublinked, Dublin’s open data platform, and exploring the use of LPWAN for environmental sensing. (1-5, 7)
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)
