Effective management

The frequent and severe floods that many cities in Lao PDR have been experiencing are causing a significant impact on the livelihood of local and vulnerable communities. To address the issues of flood and climate events, the Green Climate Fund has provided funding for the Lao DPR government to initiate the 'Build Resilience of Urban Populations with Ecosystem-Based Solutions in Lao DPR' project. The Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment of Lao, in collaboration with other related departments, universities, and provincial governments, is leading this project. The funding was approved in 2019, and the project is set to conclude by 2025. The project consists of four sub-projects, which will be implemented in four cities, including Paksan, Vientiane, Savannakhet, and Pakse. One of the sub-projects involves rehabilitating the Nong Peung wetland in Paksan city, which currently has no management plan and is negatively impacted by human activities and has been degraded in certain aspects. Natural vegetation has been lost in parts of the wetland, invasive alien plants are encroaching, and the natural water flow has been disrupted in places. The objective of this project is to develop a comprehensive management plan for Nong Peung wetland and implement various nature-based solutions to improve the ecosystem. This will involve removing invasive alien plant species, eliminating human-made barriers that obstruct natural flow, and planting appropriate native species. Currently, the project is in the planning stage with relevant stakeholders to determine the physical implementation site. (Ref.1,2,3)

The Sustainable Kazakhstan Research Institute (SKRI) at Narxoz University has developed "phytocapture," an innovative solution to deal with airborne dust. A phytocapture barrier is a chain of green spaces around a plant or mine, precisely calculated in height and width, to capture dust and organic compounds from production. This solution can capture 40% of particulate matter, including fine particulate matter, which otherwise settle in people's lungs, causing pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases. (1,6) To demonstrate the solution's applicability, SKRI proposed a phytobarrier project to AK Altynalmas JSC for the Aksu Goldmine. The Aksu field was founded in 1939, and soon the miners' settlement was formed around it. The formation of the tailings pond is closely connected with the production process, which began in 1951 and until now is produced by feeding through the pulp line the pulp from the gold concentration plant of the mill. The existing measures to reduce the negative impacts of tailing management facilities, such as irrigation of technological roads of the tailing management facility, as well as compliance with the above-ground stockpiles in the sections, do not fully solve this problem (5). To tackle this issue, the proposed phytocapture project utilized 3D computer modelling and digital technology to design a vegetation barrier near the tailing dump on both sides and resulted in the plantation of 1,400 seedlings of elm, silver sucker, and maple at a distance of 1.5 kilometers. The project was implemented at two production sites of the company in 2022 and is also being implemented in other projects. In 2022, the joint project was recognized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) as a best practice (1,6).

The ‘City of 1,000 Tanks’ project offers a holistic solution to the problems of floods, water scarcity and pollution in Chennai (Ref. 1). The project's primary objective is to develop a "Water Balance Model" for the city, which involves collecting rainwater, treating wastewater and runoff pollution with decentralized nature-based solutions, as well as prevent climate-change-induced droughts and saline intrusion due to sea-level rise (Ref. 1, 2). This is achieved through developing various nature-based water management solutions and improving the recharge capacity of traditional temple tanks (Ref 1).
The project began in 2018, following the call for action event of the "Water as Leverage for Resilient Cities Asia" (a bilateral program spanning several Asian countries). The Water Balance Model is developed as a strategy with an incremental implementation process (Ref 1, 2). The project started with pilot projects and then progressed to flagship projects before full city-wide implementation (Ref. 3).

In 2018, the Bulat Utemuratov’s Foundation began reconstruction works at the main Botanical Garden in Almaty at the request of the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction and with the support of the governor of Almaty city [1, 5, 6]. The goal of the project was the restoration of the botanic garden with preservation of its original green character and the modernization of its infrastructure [2, 5]. Taking into account the special status of the Botanical Garden and the high public interest in the reconstruction project, the Foundation ensured full transparency to the public. Taking public recommendations into considerations, the schematic design of the reconstruction was approved in the autumn of 2018 [6]. The project also aimed to do no harm to the existing flora and fauna of botanical gardens, and apply new technology to provide long service life to the garden [1, 4].

To achieve the project's goals, the water supply system was restored, drip and auto irrigation systems were created. Around 174.3 thousand plants were planted, including more than 1300 trees. Additionally, 50 thousand sq.m of roads and paths were repaired, lighting systems and video surveillance systems were installed, and the garden furniture was renovated [1]. The project also resulted in the development of three new entrance pavilions with an electronic ticketing system. A mobile application with a garden map and a description of the green areas has been developed [5]. Special attention was paid to the accessibility of all zones of the Botanical Garden for low-mobility groups. [1, 4, 5, 6].

Confirming the success of the project, within three months after the reconstruction was completed, over 210 thousand persons visited the Almaty Botanic Garden [6].

The Rajakori lake rejuvenation project aimed at reviving an existing lake using a natural and sustainable treatment system, the "Scientific Wetland with Active Biodigester (SWAB)". SWAB technology uses a two-step process involving (i) a sedimentation tank equipped with a biodigester and (ii) a constructed wetland system. The untreated sewage waste is passed through this two-step process that uses microbes and plants to reduce pollutant levels. The project also involved redeveloping the public space around the lake for community use (Ref 1,2). Before 2017, the lake was overfilled with sewage and waste from nearby neighbourhoods due to a lack of proper sewage management. Initiated by the Delhi Government, the project aimed at using low-cost natural methods rather than conventional techniques involving concretized bases and chemicals to treat water (Ref 1, 4). Due to its success and cost-effectiveness, this project now serves as an excellent example for other projects within Delhi (Ref 5).

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and its partners collaborated in 2018 to develop an ecosystem restoration project in the Rohingya Camps of Ukhiya, near Cox's Bazar. The main objective of this project was to mitigate the increased risk of landslides, slope instability, and flooding caused by flash floods and the vicinity of the Bakkhali River. The intervention included the planting of quickly growing native trees, shrubs, and grass species. Additionally, the project encompassed other measures such as vegetable cultivation on stream beds, biological soil stabilization methods, and plant-based wastewater treatments. To ensure the sustainability of the project, a network of future practitioners from the Bangladeshi and Rohingya communities was created. Moreover, environmental education and awareness activities were undertaken to complement the efforts of the project, with a particular focus on engaging young people from both the host and refugee communities to maximize its impact. The area where the project was implemented has been significantly affected by land and forest degradation over the last few decades, which has been exacerbated since the arrival of Rohingya refugees in 2017. Therefore, the project also involved other stakeholders such as the International Center for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Danish Refugee Council, the World Food Programme, the International Organization for Migration, and the Bangladesh government, each contributing in various capacities to achieve the project's objectives. (1,2,3,4)

In 2005, a constructed wetland was established in Barangay Villareal, Bayawan City in order to improve a peri-urban settlement and promote domestic wastewater treatment with reed beds. The wetland covers an area of 2680 square metres and comprises two reed beds, with the first bed utilizing perforated pipes beneath a sand and gravel substrate for vertical flow filtering, and the second bed utilizing horizontal flow for biological filtering. The roots of the Phragmites karka reeds, which are used in the system, act as a natural filter, removing microorganisms and pollutants. The treated effluent is reused for various purposes, such as watering plants, firefighting, and irrigating ornamental plants and agricultural crops. The overarching objective of the initiative is to safeguard coastal waters from pollution caused by domestic wastewater and enhance residents' quality of life by providing safe sanitation and wastewater treatment facilities. Furthermore, the initiative seeks to showcase the effectiveness of constructed wetlands, encourage the use of locally available reeds for wastewater treatment, and conserve water and nutrients by reusing treated wastewater. [1,2].

Raipur city is known as the seventh-most polluted city in the world (2, 3, 4). In response to the escalating problem of air pollution and its public health effects, the state of Chhattisgarh in India has envisioned the creation of a verdant and healthy natural space for urban inhabitants in the heart of Raipur - the Oxi-zone (3).This project acts as the 'Breathing lungs for Raipur' (1, 2). Approximately 19 acres of land were allocated to create an ‘oxy-zone’, including the demolition of buildings to plant trees in their place (1, 2, 4). Inspired by the iconic Central Park of New York City, and suggested by a local citizen group, the Oxi-zone aims to transform this area into a thriving habitat for diverse species of trees and plants, which will also provide water bodies to replenish the groundwater in the vicinity (2, 3, 4). In summary, this project is an integrated green space, enabling residents to relax, meditate and exercise within the “shadow of nature” (3, 4).

Uuliin Nuur (Mountain Lake or Green Lake) is a community park located in the ger district area known as Denjin Myanga of Ulaanbaatar city. The Ger district is a term commonly used in Mongolia to refer to a type of settlement located on the outskirts of the country's capital city and characterized by traditional Mongolian gers, or yurts. The area was once a quarry for the city’s construction during the socialist regime (from 1946 to the late 1960s) and was turned into a dumping ground after its closure. In 2009, a private citizen, Ulziitogtokh Sodnomsenge, gained approval to develop Uuliin Nuur. He cleaned up the area and used his savings to turn the former dumpsite into a green garden in the middle of ger areas to create a healthy, green, public space, especially for children living in the area. He opened an ice rink in the winter of 2012 and officially opened the Uuliin Nuur park in May 2014. From 2013 to 2019, approximately 1000 trees and shrubs were planted in this park during the spring and autumn. The trees were planted by the founder of the project by locals and foreign visitors as memorial trees. Over the years, the park was equipped with various community facilities to support social interaction and educational purposes. Uuliin Nuur is one of the few public places launched and developed by an individual. It showcases how abandoned places can be transformed into valuable places and how the local community's attitudes and awareness can change. (Ref. 1, 3, 4)

The Cultural and Recreation Center of Darkhan City is a government-led initiative that provides an environment for citizens to enjoy their leisure time. It is comprised of multiple facilities, including the "My Mongolia" Park, "Darkhan-50" Complex, Friendship Square, Morinkhuur Complex, Burhantai Tolgoi Complex, Duujin Bridge, and Suren Street, covering 43.0 hectares.

The "My Mongolia" Park, spanning 28.0 hectares, is the most significant section of the Center and boasts an 80% coverage of lush greenery. It features a recreation and leisure park centered around the twelve Western zodiac signs and two pedestrian paths that are 1.2 km long and 2.5 m wide. "My Mongolia" Park is a popular destination for Darkhan City residents seeking leisure and relaxation.

The "Darkhan-50" Complex covers 4.2 hectares of land and includes green spaces, fountains, and classical sculptures, while the "Morin Khuur" complex is adorned with a statue of a galloping horseman inspired by the legend of Khukhuu Namjil. Occupying an area of 3 hectares, the complex is surrounded by around 1200 trees and bushes. Additionally, the Burkhantai Tolgoi Complex is a memorial park established in 2003, featuring a Buddha statue. (Ref. 1, 2, 8)