Health and wellbeing

The Santa Gilla lagoon, a crucial wetland in the Cagliari metropolitan area of Sardinia, has been the focus of several interventions aimed at restoring and preserving its natural and socio-economic functions. The overarching goal of these projects is to rehabilitate the lagoon's ecosystems, improve public accessibility, and promote sustainable economic activities such as eco-tourism and fishing. One significant intervention is the restoration of pedestrian and cycling paths around the lagoon, managed by CACIP (Consorzio Industriale Provinciale di Cagliari) in collaboration with the Metropolitan City of Cagliari. With over two million euros in funding, this project aimed to recover the original profiles of the lagoon's embankments, while removing waste from the area and enhancing the paths for non-motorized mobility (2). Another crucial development was the legal action taken by the Corpo Forestale (Forestry Corps) in 2020 to address illegal constructions and pollution along the lagoon's eastern shores. This action included the sequestration of areas used for illegal fishing activities, where hazardous materials and waste were improperly disposed of, leading to environmental degradation​ (1). Furthermore, environmental groups have made continuous efforts to address illegal dumping near the lagoon, particularly along the SS 195 highway. These groups have actively sought the intervention of local authorities to initiate cleanup operations and enforce regulations against illegal waste disposal​ (4). The projects were implemented primarily to address the significant environmental hazards facing the Santa Gilla lagoon, including pollution from illegal dumping, habitat degradation due to unauthorized constructions, and the overall loss of biodiversity. These activities also aimed to mitigate the socio-economic risks posed by the deteriorating environmental conditions, such as the decline in tourism and sustainable fishing practices (1,2,4).

"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)

On the site of a former malthouse in Berlin, a company has developed a sustainable rainwater storage system to prevent flooding in the sealed environment, which had been vacant for several years. Once used for malt production, the site is now home to offices, studios, manufacturing businesses, and hosts sustainable events. The site's transformation includes natural gardens, tenant gardening beds, green roofs, and two outdoor water basins that retain rainwater, creating a blue space for recreation. (Ref. 1)
The two ponds are filled with filtered rainwater, and an underground tank stores additional water, allowing it to seep away gradually. Native plants surround the ponds, creating a habitat for local wildlife. Given that much of the surrounding area is sealed, the ponds help mitigate urban flooding by managing and storing rainwater, reducing the site's reliance on the urban sewage system. Additionally, as Berlin faces extreme heat in summer, the project offers a cooling effect and provides access to filtered water during droughts. (Ref. 1; Ref. 2)
The project is managed and financed by IGG Malzfabrik mbH, which oversees the entire site in Berlin's industrial area and rents out office spaces to various companies. This initiative is part of a broader sustainability strategy that addresses social, economic, and ecological factors, and it is featured in the company’s common good economy report (Gemeinwohl-Ökonomie Bericht). (Ref. 5)

Bring Nature Home project, partly financed by and implemented under the New European Bauhaus programme by the organisation "UrbanizeHub", is an initiative focused on encouraging and helping the city of Iasi to become more green while strengthening urban communities (1 & 3). More concretely the project sought to transform an unused space in a residential area of a neighborhood in Iasi through a "biophilic design", with the involvement of the local community (1 - 5). The space was then transformed into a green area that would help the residents reconnect with nature (1 & 4). The implementation later helped develop a handbook that could be used to reproduce the methods of the initiative in other urban settings (4 & 5).
Involving the local community, including children from the nearby daycare, the project conducted five workshops. These workshops focused on educational activities, improving the connection with urban nature, and ultimately creating an urban garden which included perennial plants, and insect and bird houses (5, pp. 53 to 58).
Beyond community engagement and inter-generational dialogue, the project highlighted the importance of natural elements and biodiversity in urban settings. It also facilitated knowledge exchange among public institutions, NGOs, and private companies. With additional funding from IULIUS and municipal approval, the initiative successfully transformed the unused space into a thriving green area (4 & 5, p. 67 & 71).

The project for Tricentennial Park involves a series of improvements aimed at enhancing its overall infrastructure and appeal. Among the planned upgrades is an enhancement of the pavilion, along with the addition of other site amenities (Ref 1). A lake is also being created as part of the project (Ref 2). Currently, work is underway on phase two, which includes landscaping, the construction of a group picnic pavilion, walking trails, a parking area, and even a misting machine to provide relief during hot weather (Ref 2).
One of the key highlights of the project is the opening of a new playground in 2024, featuring a unique design. The park is laid out in a figure-eight pattern, and a sign within the park highlights its recognition for following “best practices in youth fitness,” encouraging children to stay active through sliding, swinging, spinning, climbing, brachiating, and balancing (Ref 2). This park is the first in Mobile designed exclusively for passive use, without ball fields, providing a space for families and individuals to enjoy the playgrounds (Ref 4). The park fosters social interaction, allowing children to build friendships and create lasting memories while spending time with their families (Ref 4). The park also boasts beautiful scenery, adding an aesthetic dimension to the overall experience (Ref 2).
Tricentennial Park is part of the larger Three Mile Green Trail, a 6.5-mile linear park. A one-mile segment of the trail is located within Tricentennial Park. The trail will be expanded east to MLK Boulevard and west to Bush Park by 2024 (Ref 1).

The Torre Sevilla is a commercial building complex with extensive green roofs. The green roofs cover 11000 or 12000 m2 (different sources report different numbers) and aim to contribute to thermal isolation and energy efficiency of the building, improve air quality and provide an urban green space for relaxation and recreation [Ref. 1-3]. The green roofs include a mosaic of different vegetation types and about 60 mostly native plant species. There is a rainwater recovery system that allows the gardens to be irrigated in a sustainable way [Ref. 1-3, 6]. The building finished construction in 2017 and the gardens were initially not available to the public. In 2023, the owner applied for a permit to host events in the gardens, which will allow the public to visit on occasion [Ref. 1, 3-5].

The revitalization and environmental recovery initiative in the Almirante Colón neighborhood of Cartagena focused on transforming green spaces and addressing environmental hazards posed by improper waste disposal and urban degradation. The primary goals of the project were to enhance urban green spaces, improve community well-being, and mitigate environmental hazards such as pollution and improper waste management (ref 1,2). The initiative involved multiple stakeholders, including the local government, community leaders, and private sector actors. The Gerencia de Espacio Público y Movilidad led the revitalization of three parks, focusing on cleaning up waste, maintaining green areas, and upgrading recreational facilities. Parallelly, Veolia, a private sector partner, worked with community leaders to recover neglected areas that were previously used for dumping mixed waste and beutify the environment. These efforts included planting activities, installation of solar lamps, and community education on proper waste disposal practices​ (ref 1,2). The revitalization of the parks benefited over 400 families, providing them with safe and clean recreational spaces. The project also successfully eliminated a significant dumping site, reducing pollution and enhancing the neighborhood's aesthetic appeal. Moreover, the initiative fostered a stronger sense of community ownership and responsibility towards maintaining the improved environment​ (ref 1,2).

Torslanda School is a newly built elementary school (years 0-6) where the schoolyard includes innovative ways to manage rainwater. The school was initially part of the Rain Gothenburg project, which aims to make the city, and this school, the best in the world when it rains. It was also a pilot project within the city's "equal building" initiative, aiming to make indoor and outdoor environments accessible and attractive to everyone regardless of gender identity, functional diversity or age [Ref. 1]. The main element of the schoolyard is a "river" to which water will be led when it rains, combining stormwater management with opportunities for play and education. The system will retain about 310 m3 of water and treat it before releasing it to a recipient. The river will be used to teach the children about climate, ecology, biodiversity and the water cycle. The river and schoolyard are connected to a natural wetland [Ref. 3, 4]. The school is run by the City of Gothenburg, who initiated the project, employing an architecture firm and a construction company to design and build the school and schoolyard [Ref. 3-5].

Alexandria is one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable cities, facing serious environmental challenges that threaten its landscape, culture, and livability. The city is grappling with rising sea levels, pollution, extreme fluctuations in temperature, and the intensifying urban heat island effect, all of which are worsened by climate change. The past decade has seen a steady decline in Alexandria’s parks and green areas, a trend that has raised significant concerns among environmentalists and the public. The shrinking green spaces are largely due to rapid urban expansion and the development of commercial projects, which are gradually pushing Alexandria's environmental balance and cultural heritage to the edge.
In recognition of these pressing issues, Egypt launched the "100 Million Trees Initiative" in 2022 as part of its Egypt Vision 2030, a national plan for sustainable development. The initiative aims to increase the per capita share of green space throughout the country, with objectives that include improving air quality, enhancing public health, countering the urban heat island effect, and reducing greenhouse gases. The initiative is also focused on improving the beauty and cultural value of Egypt's urban areas, aligning with broader goals to build sustainable and climate-resilient cities. Alexandria, being a coastal city that is both environmentally sensitive and culturally significant, has been a focal point of these efforts.
As part of this national campaign, the Governor of Alexandria was tasked with overseeing the enhancement and expansion of green spaces across the city, focusing on both the aesthetics and cultural aspects of the urban landscape. In 2023, these efforts took root in the Al-Muntazah 2 neighborhood, where 596 trees were planted as a contribution to the 100 Million Trees Initiative. This project included the Al-Samad Preparatory and Secondary Schools campus as one of its primary planting sites. (1-5)

Herboristerie Créole, established in 2012 in Martinique by Séverine and Rémi Asensio, is a private farm and business focused on cultivating aromatic and medicinal plants, managing all stages of production, processing, and marketing. Situated in the commune of Gros-Morne, the farm draws on traditional Creole knowledge to produce medicinal plants and Creole cosmetics. Spanning 1.8 hectares, it is organized as a forest garden, featuring a diverse ecosystem that includes aromatic and medicinal plants, spices, fruit trees, and tropical flowers. Agroecological practices are central to its operation, with natural mulching from coconuts and green waste, and composting from the forest garden enriching the soil.
In addition, Herboristerie Créole operates a certified organic herbal dispensary in Saint Joseph, specializing in medicinal plants. The dispensary merges ancestral knowledge from the local "Rimèd Razié" tradition—a practice involving the use of native plants and natural remedies for healing, passed down through generations—with modern pharmaceutical standards. It produces a range of products, including herbal teas, infusions, spices, oils, and capsules for pharmaceutical and cosmetic use.
The farm is instrumental in preserving and passing on ancestral knowledge, which was once banned during the period of slavery, while ensuring that its artisanal products comply with dosage and safety regulations. Located at the foot of the Carbet peaks, the farm holds the Biological Farming (AB) label and follows agroecological methods through its "Jardin Créole" approach. It avoids the use of phytosanitary products, aims for zero waste, and implements measures to preserve biodiversity. (ref. 1, 2, 5, 6)