Increased appreciation for natural spaces

The initiative consists of an afforestation campaign promoted by the local government of La Paz, with the objective of planting 10,000 trees and shrubs (1 & 2). Carried out between 2023 and 2024, the campaign included plantations across all the macrodistricts of La Paz (1). To ensure the campaign's success, the municipality encouraged the participation of volunteers from various institutions, such as public services, environmental groups, schools and universities, neighborhood associations, church groups, and even Army and Navy units (1 & 2). The trees play specific roles in mitigating climate change, improving air quality, reducing odors from nearby landfills, and decreasing the risk of landslides and soil erosion (3 & 4). Furthermore, the campaign aims to foster environmental awareness among citizens and replace trees lost due to illegal deforestation (1).

The species selected for planting were provided by EMAVERDE, the public company responsible for managing green spaces in the city. The selection included primarily native species, along with a few introduced ones, all chosen for their resilience to La Paz's varying climate conditions (1, 2 & 4). Given the challenging climate and difficult soil conditions, the municipality informed volunteers about the importance of maintaining the saplings, particularly during drought periods, to ensure their proper growth (1 & 2). The campaign also supported the municipality’s urban development plan (Plan Territorial de Desarrollo Integral "Para Vivir Bien") and the "Plan Integral de Recuperación de la Tormenta a la Esperanza," the latter developed in response to extreme rain events and floods that occurred during the campaign months (5).

The Alexandria Governorate is especially susceptible to the impacts of climate change, a vulnerability exacerbated by its dense coastal communities and rapidly growing population (2). Both demographic shifts and urban development intensify how climate phenomena affect the people and infrastructure of Alexandria (1). Buildings, roads, and other concrete structures absorb and release solar heat, significantly contributing to the urban heat island effect, which is causing temperatures in the city to rise faster than in less developed areas (1). Despite Alexandria’s growing need for cooling green spaces, they currently make up only 0.25 percent of the total area within the Governorate, highlighting an urgent need for environmental interventions (3-6).
In response, Ahmed Gaber, chairman of the Alexandria Water Company, initiated a public awareness campaign in 2023 focused on the numerous benefits of planting green roofs (3-6). Green roofs serve multiple purposes: they extend the longevity of buildings, lower energy consumption, improve air quality, increase biodiversity, manage rainwater runoff, and mitigate the urban heat island effect (3). Furthermore, Gaber has emphasized the visual appeal of eco-friendly roofs, noting that green roofs offer an aesthetically pleasing option that enhances the urban landscape while serving critical environmental functions (4).
This initiative by the Alexandria Water Company marks a pioneering step among governmental organizations in the region, as they lead efforts to address climate and environmental challenges actively. The company has begun planting green roofs across its facilities, including the new Al-Mashishya water station, where green spaces atop buildings are set to bring lasting environmental benefits to Alexandria. Through these efforts, the Alexandria Water Company is working to set an example for public and private sectors alike (3-6).

The Rimac River Special Landscape Project, developed by the Municipal Programme for the Recovery of the Historic Centre of Lima (PROLIMA), is a municipal proposal that arose as a response to the significant degradation of the Rimac River as it passes through the historic centre of the Peruvian capital. The river has lost its character as a green corridor and potential public recreational space for citizens (1, 3). The main problems affecting the river are related to the erosion and risk of flooding of the river space, the ecological degradation of its channels and banks, the disconnection and low quality of adjacent public spaces and the urban fragmentation caused by car-oriented mobility (2). To recover its essence as an ecological green corridor, it was proposed to give back to the Historical Centre its riverside identity and to recover the water, environmental and scenic landscape. This project aims to restore the Rímac to its role as a geographical heritage and backbone of the city of Lima, creating a system of accessible and sustainable public spaces that will help to recover this water, urban and historical landscape, as well as providing a better quality of life for the residents and users of the Historical Centre (1).
The project consists of 4 stages of intervention: Puente del Ejército - Puente Santa Rosa / Puente Santa Rosa - Puente Balta / Puente Balta - Límite
of the CHL to the east (5). Among the interventions that make up the Special River Landscape Project are: the renaturation of the 4 km of the Rimac River as it passes through the city, the construction of 14 parks, 7 squares, 1 tree planting project, 24 street renovation projects, 7 bridges/pedestrian walkways, 10 building rehabilitations and 2 new public facilities (4). It is planned to start implementing the project by the end of 2024 (4).

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)

In 2001, the local municipality of La Paz, in collaboration with the International Union of Architects (UIA), launched a design contest to create a central park within a protected natural area (3). The park's aim was to develop urban infrastructure while connecting nature with the city (3). The winning architectural design envisioned an infrastructure that would harmonize with the existing natural surroundings and minimize interference with the environment (4).
The park's implementation included pedestrian and bike pathways, numerous panoramic viewpoints, facilities for exercise and cultural events, buildings dedicated to science, historically significant monuments, playgrounds, and the rehabilitation and creation of multiple green spaces (1 & 4 to 6).
While most of the project was completed by 2009, the area's exposure to recurrent landslides, droughts, and illegal waste disposal, combined with ongoing degradation, has necessitated afforestation efforts and maintenance actions from the municipality to ensure the protection of the natural area and enhance its benefits (7 & 8). Recently, the park has been part of a national citizen monitoring program for species, which has improved the categorization of wildlife in the area (11 & 12). Additionally, 2,000 trees were planted in the park in 2023 as part of a reforestation campaign, and cleaning and watering maintenance work has been carried out to support their growth (7 & 13). This initiative is part of a larger project to revitalize the park (10 & 13).
Overall, the park aims to protect local wildlife and plant species while acting as a "green lung" for the city, regulating the climate, providing recreational spaces, and improving livability (14).

The urban farm of Lak'a Uta is an initiative launched by the NGO Fundación Alternativas, which established the first community garden in Bolivia, located in the city of La Paz at an altitude of 3,600 meters above sea level (1-3). The initial plan was to develop the garden on private land, but since the goal was to create an open space accessible to all citizens, the project eventually sought a public location (3). The subdistrict of Cotahuma granted them permission to use the Lak'a Uta park, an abandoned area rendered unusable by two landslides in the previous year (3). Through voluntary efforts and an investment of 2,800 euros, the land was transformed over three years to accommodate 40 plots of 16m² each, with individual families cultivating a variety of vegetables (3).
Now celebrating its 10-year anniversary, the project adheres to many principles of organic agriculture in an urban setting (5). The area has become a biodiversity hotspot, featuring an artificial pond, 16 wild plant species, and 39 fauna species, including 34 bird species, two types of frogs that provide natural pest control, and three bee species (3-5). Compost is produced naturally using waste management practices and worms (4-5). In addition to edible vegetables, the garden produces medicinal plants, some of which help stabilize the soil and prevent further landslides (3-4). The infrastructure also includes a rainwater collection system (3-5).
Originally, the project aimed to improve access to food, particularly in response to the growing urban population (1-3). Over time, it has also fostered a strong sense of community, while promoting urban gardening through educational workshops and disseminating information nationwide (1-5). It is estimated that 20,000 people have been educated on urban agriculture, healthy eating, and reconnecting with nature (5). The project has also contributed to shaping a local government law supporting urban gardening within the municipality (3).

The 28th of October Street (28ης Οκτωβρίου) was one of the most neglected streets on the eastern side of Thessaloniki, completely devoid of trees despite its central importance. Additionally, the street suffered from severe flooding during heavy rainfall. In 2011, the Municipality of Thessaloniki, in collaboration with Konstantinos Zervas, the Deputy Mayor for the Environment, Quality of Life, and Free Space, proposed a redevelopment project aimed at transforming the street through the planting of trees and the installation of flower beds that would function as rain gardens (Refs 3, 5). This initiative was part of the "Integrated Green Cities" action, which falls under the European territorial cooperation program Greece-Bulgaria 2007-2013 (Refs 1, 2, 3, 6).

To achieve the dual goals of sustainable rainwater management and urban beautification, decorative trees were planted in specially constructed bioretention tree stands. These stands, along with the flower beds, were designed to collect rainwater, which would then be used to irrigate the trees along the road and the plants forming the rain gardens. Rainwater was gathered from the road surface, pavements, and the gutters of apartment buildings through these bioretention systems (Refs 1, 2). This sustainable water management solution significantly reduced rainwater runoff, improved water quality, and enhanced the area’s aesthetic appeal (Refs 2, 6, 7).

The intervention in the Sant'Elia neighborhood, which opened in 2018, created a new green area of approximately 2,600 square meters designed to enhance the urban environment and improve the quality of life for residents. This space includes an olive grove and an orchard, featuring pathways and landscaping that integrate local plant species.
Along the side facing Via Utzeri, olive trees and a small grassy area have been planted, complemented by stabilized gravel paths for walking. The orchard contains 28 fruit trees, including citrus, pomegranate, quince, and fig trees, along with Mediterranean shrubs, allowing residents to freely enjoy the fruits for their own consumption.
The entire area is equipped with an automated drip irrigation system, while the grassy sections utilize sub-irrigation. Additionally, a central roundabout in Piazza Giovanni da Verrazzano has been adorned with a lawn, palms, and vibrant rose beds.
Commemorative plaques honor tenor Piero Schiavazzi and local resident Samuele Utzeri, who tragically passed away in Kosovo. The area also features signs encouraging respectful harvesting of fruits and permits dogs, provided they are kept on a leash (Refs. 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5).

North Bull Island is a national nature reserve located in Dublin Bay on the north side of Dublin. Supporting both local and migratory wildlife, the area holds several nature conservation designations. It is designated as a special amenity area for its aesthetic and recreational value and forms an integral part of the Dublin Bay Biosphere. The Island, with its 5 km beach located within the capital city and close to the city center, serves as a unique and important public amenity. (1)
The Island is estimated to attract up to 1.4 million visitors annually, including walkers, swimmers, beachgoers, birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, kite-surfers, and various other interest groups from the local area. Additionally, it is a popular destination for schools, universities, and visitors from Ireland and abroad who come to experience accessible examples of ecological succession across nationally and internationally significant habitats, and to learn about the intricate stories that make North Bull Island Nature Reserve central to a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and part of a global network of Biosphere Reserves. (1)
The Island and Nature Reserve are managed by the Parks, Biodiversity, and Landscape Services of Dublin City Council in collaboration with the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Dublin City Council has prepared an Action Plan for North Bull Island for 2020-2025 to implement the objectives of the North Bull Island Management Plan 2020. The North Bull Island Oversight Forum, which represents a range of stakeholders, monitors the action plan’s implementation (2). The goal is to conserve the island's environmental qualities and scientific significance while balancing its recreational and amenity value for the benefit of the local community and visitors (8).

The Adana Urban Park was created in 2024, replacing an aged sports stadium (Ref. 6). The park, located in a densely populated part of the city, was designed to enable access to a place for socializing and recreation in the city centre (Ref. 1,2,5). Especially families, youth, and the elderly will benefit from the installed amenities - they include a large public coffeehouse of about 850m², diverse playgrounds, walking, running and cycling paths, as well as several gardens hosting orchards, aromatic plants and other local vegetation (Ref. 1,3,4,5). The park has a total area of ca. 4.8 ha and was approved by the Government of Türkiye - Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change (Ref. 3,6). Beyond its social benefits, Adana Urban Park is expected to aid in alleviating the pressure of air pollution in the city (Ref. 4).