Flood protection

“The park, inaugurated in May 2003, [was] part of a 1990s project aimed at recovering the ancient canal, combining social needs and providing a space for citizens to spend their free time.” (Ref. 7) It is located on the south bank of the Guadalquivir river (Ref. 7), and today serves as a space for “leisure, sports, and intergenerational coexistence” (Ref. 1)

‘Slussen and a new water regulation plan for Lake Mälaren’ is part of the rebuilding of the city district Slussen (The Slussen Project) (Ref. 1). In connection with the rebuilding of Slussen, SMHI (Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute) was in 2007 commissioned by Stockholm City to review and propose a new regulatory strategy for the lake Mälaren (Ref. 2). A new regulation prevents floods, reducing the risk of saltwater entering the lake, benefiting the natural environment around Mälaren. Further effects will also benefit the ecosystem of the lake (Ref. 3).

“Central Stockholm has around 12,000 planted trees in its street environment. During the second half of the 20th century, the circumstances for the city’s trees changed dramatically as competition for land increased. Concrete and asphalt were laid closer and closer to the tree trunks. This project aimed to improve conditions for trees in the city’s urban environment as they are very important to the cityscape and the air environment. They also bring residents joy and a sense of well-being. Moreover, this is a way of increasing biological diversity.” The intervention is part of the 'Environmental Billion project'. (Ref. 1, 2).

No new data found for this project in 2020. Many similar initiatives have been taken up in the city in other parts, but it is unclear whether they are part of the same project or are separate projects.

Oslo municipality is underway with the large-scale project of opening up rivers that previously were running in underground pipes. Alna Environmental Park is a part of this project and includes major transformation and environmental upgrade of the river Alna. The Environmental Park runs along the river and has transformed grey structures to accessible parks and recreation areas and now acts as an important resource for Oslo's citizens. Central aims of the project are to improve the self-cleaning ability of Alna, while maintaining biodiversity in the region and to inspire future urban development. (Ref. 1, 3)