Park at the triangular track
The Park am Gleisdreieck is a public urban park in the city centre of Berlin, spanning more than 30 hectares across three individual sites (Ostpark, Westpark, Flaschenhalspark) on former railway tracks. The landscape of the Park am Gleisdreieck is characterised by the central, extensive lawn and meadow areas, which are bordered by woodland-like areas - the so-called track wilderness - as well as various park trees and crossed by wide paths or old railway tracks. The park space features various recreational activities for sports and play as well as community gardens for intercultural exchange (Ref. 12). Being abandoned after WW II, the land rewilded and after being partially opened to the public in 2011, the primary aim of the maintenance and development measures was to harmonise the interests of nature conservation and recreational use. (Ref. 1; Ref. 3)
Many of the plant species in the Park am Gleisdreieck once travelled a long way by train. This is what makes the biodiversity in the park so special. It is a wild mixture of long-established Berlin plants and exotic species that specialise in dry, nutrient-poor soils. The park is part of Berlin's open space network, which extends from Tiergarten to Schöneberger Südgelände. It therefore makes a significant contribution to connecting habitats. (Ref. 1)
Initiatives of citizens have been working for years for the realisation of a park on the former railroad site at Gleisdreick, and so the residents have been involved in the park planning and design in an intensive dialogue process from the beginning and are still involved in the park management. (Ref. 2) The opening of the park served as a compensation measure for the construction of the urban development projects at Potsdamer Platz and aimed at increasing accessible green space in a densely and rapidly built urban environment. (Ref. 4)
Many of the plant species in the Park am Gleisdreieck once travelled a long way by train. This is what makes the biodiversity in the park so special. It is a wild mixture of long-established Berlin plants and exotic species that specialise in dry, nutrient-poor soils. The park is part of Berlin's open space network, which extends from Tiergarten to Schöneberger Südgelände. It therefore makes a significant contribution to connecting habitats. (Ref. 1)
Initiatives of citizens have been working for years for the realisation of a park on the former railroad site at Gleisdreick, and so the residents have been involved in the park planning and design in an intensive dialogue process from the beginning and are still involved in the park management. (Ref. 2) The opening of the park served as a compensation measure for the construction of the urban development projects at Potsdamer Platz and aimed at increasing accessible green space in a densely and rapidly built urban environment. (Ref. 4)
Afforestation of the Mallasa Landfill
This initiative was launched by the local government of La Paz, focusing on afforestation of the Mallasa landfill, which was closed in 2004 (1-4 & 6-10). While some plantations were established in the area when the landfill was closed, the overall plan aimed to manage the waste until the site was sufficiently clean for new projects—a process expected to take at least a decade (6). By 2021, signs of biodiversity, including flora and fauna, had begun to return to the former landfill. In response, the municipality of La Paz implemented a project to plant 6,000 native tree species, along with other shrub species, to further enhance biodiversity regeneration and establish a second urban forest in the city (3 & 4 & 7 & 8).
The afforestation efforts took place between 2021 and 2022, coordinated through "forestry brigades" made up of diverse volunteer groups. These groups included members from public institutions, private company representatives, NGOs (both environmental and non-environmental), universities, religious organizations, and local citizen groups (8-10). A total of 12 hectares were reforested out of the 33-hectare area (1 & 7). Following this, the area was closed to the public and is expected to become a biodiversity sanctuary within ten years, with ongoing monitoring by the municipal environmental agency (7). Among the trees planted, some were chosen to attract birds with their fruit, others to support the pollination of hummingbirds and bees, while others were intended to enrich the soil with nutrients—all species being native to the region (3 & 7).
Additional goals of the initiative include raising awareness about climate change, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship through community engagement, and advancing the municipality's decarbonization plans (3 & 9). Some of the seedlings and saplings were purchased by the municipality at a cost of 6,160 euros, with private companies also contributing financial support to the initiative (1 & 7).
The afforestation efforts took place between 2021 and 2022, coordinated through "forestry brigades" made up of diverse volunteer groups. These groups included members from public institutions, private company representatives, NGOs (both environmental and non-environmental), universities, religious organizations, and local citizen groups (8-10). A total of 12 hectares were reforested out of the 33-hectare area (1 & 7). Following this, the area was closed to the public and is expected to become a biodiversity sanctuary within ten years, with ongoing monitoring by the municipal environmental agency (7). Among the trees planted, some were chosen to attract birds with their fruit, others to support the pollination of hummingbirds and bees, while others were intended to enrich the soil with nutrients—all species being native to the region (3 & 7).
Additional goals of the initiative include raising awareness about climate change, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship through community engagement, and advancing the municipality's decarbonization plans (3 & 9). Some of the seedlings and saplings were purchased by the municipality at a cost of 6,160 euros, with private companies also contributing financial support to the initiative (1 & 7).
Extension of the Tagus Estuary Linear Riverside Park
The Tagus Estuary Linear Riverside Park is a significant environmental and recreational project in Vila Franca de Xira. As part of a broader urban regeneration initiative, the park aimed to enhance the natural and cultural landscape by promoting ecological regeneration while providing public access to the Tagus River (Ref 1). Created in 2013, the park has won several international awards and since then, the park has undergone several extensions. In 2017, another 700-meter walkway was added towards Santa Iria, and the inhabitants of this urban area of Vila Franca de Xira widely use it (Ref. 6). The park covers over 14 hectares and includes pedestrian and cycling paths, environmental education facilities such as the Bird Observatory, and the Environmental and Landscape Interpretation Centre (Ref 2).
Recently announced in 2023, the park's newest expansion is set to extend the riverside trails further, creating a continuous route from Lisbon to Alhandra (Ref 5). With future phases planned, the project is expected to significantly increase public interaction with the riverfront and its biodiversity (Ref 5). In this new project phase, the Vila Franca de Xira Municipal Council begins the requalification and environmental and landscape conservation of another section of the riverfront of the Municipality of Vila Franca de Xira, between Alverca and Sobralinho, covering an extension of approximately 4.9 km and an area of approximately 14.1 hectares (Ref. 7). The extension of the park will be developed similarly to its existing infrastructure. New paths for pedestrians and cyclists will be created using elevated wooden structures (walkways). In total, two new cycle-pedestrian trails will be created – Trilho das Comportas (3.32 kilometres long) and the Trilho dos Salgados (594 metres long) –, and the Trilho do Tejo will be extended by a further 990 metres (Ref. 5).
Recently announced in 2023, the park's newest expansion is set to extend the riverside trails further, creating a continuous route from Lisbon to Alhandra (Ref 5). With future phases planned, the project is expected to significantly increase public interaction with the riverfront and its biodiversity (Ref 5). In this new project phase, the Vila Franca de Xira Municipal Council begins the requalification and environmental and landscape conservation of another section of the riverfront of the Municipality of Vila Franca de Xira, between Alverca and Sobralinho, covering an extension of approximately 4.9 km and an area of approximately 14.1 hectares (Ref. 7). The extension of the park will be developed similarly to its existing infrastructure. New paths for pedestrians and cyclists will be created using elevated wooden structures (walkways). In total, two new cycle-pedestrian trails will be created – Trilho das Comportas (3.32 kilometres long) and the Trilho dos Salgados (594 metres long) –, and the Trilho do Tejo will be extended by a further 990 metres (Ref. 5).
Kungsgärdet urban farm
Kungsgärdet Byaodling is an urban farm set up by local farming association Kungsbacka Tillsammansodling, in Kungsbacka south of Gothenburg. Since 2023, the project has been funded by a 78 000 EUR grant via the non-profit organisation Lokalt ledd utveckling Halland (locally led development) using funds from the EU and the Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket) [Ref. 1, 2, 4]. The goal is to grow food in a sustainable and circular way, building soil health and promoting biodiversity. Using a total area of 4500 m2 on former unused grassland, the urban farm includes: 1100 m2 of effective growing area, 1000 m2 of flowering meadows, fruit and berry trees and bushes, and functional and social areas. The meadows and trees are intended to contribute to biodiversity, while social areas are meant to create a sense of community and benefit the well-being of the people active at the farm [Ref. 1, 3]. The farming association has been around for a few years, but the project funds will allow them to expand and develop the farm over three years, invest in new equipment and arrange free lectures for the public about sustainable farming practices [Ref. 1, 4]. The grant will also allow them to take in more members without anyone having to pay anything, promoting social inclusion.
Al-Nasr Youth Center Seed Planting
In Egypt, knowledge about climate change remains limited, particularly among the younger generation. While all children globally face the challenges of a degrading natural environment and climate change, some are more vulnerable than others. This vulnerability is often influenced by the quality, availability, equity, and sustainability of essential services such as water, sanitation, healthcare, nutrition, and education. In response to these concerns, Egypt has taken steps to empower its youth to engage meaningfully in international efforts to combat climate change.
In 2022, with the support of UNICEF, the United Nations in Egypt, USAID, and the Embassy of Switzerland, Egypt's Ministry of Youth and Sports and Ministry of Environment launched the EGYouth4Climate Caravan. This initiative aims to raise awareness among children and young people about climate issues, encourage climate action, and provide a platform for youth to share their opinions and ideas. The caravan hosts a range of activities, including capacity-building sessions, youth dialogues, competitions, festivals, theatrical performances, bootcamps, and awareness campaigns.
One of the caravan’s stops was at the Nasr Youth Center in Alexandria, where a seed-planting workshop was held as part of the caravan’s reforestation activities. This workshop offered children a hands-on learning experience, teaching them about the importance of trees and providing an opportunity to plant seeds and trees across the center’s grounds. Through such initiatives, the EGYouth4Climate Caravan fosters climate literacy and environmental stewardship among Egypt’s youth, empowering them to take active roles in shaping a sustainable future. (1, 2)
In 2022, with the support of UNICEF, the United Nations in Egypt, USAID, and the Embassy of Switzerland, Egypt's Ministry of Youth and Sports and Ministry of Environment launched the EGYouth4Climate Caravan. This initiative aims to raise awareness among children and young people about climate issues, encourage climate action, and provide a platform for youth to share their opinions and ideas. The caravan hosts a range of activities, including capacity-building sessions, youth dialogues, competitions, festivals, theatrical performances, bootcamps, and awareness campaigns.
One of the caravan’s stops was at the Nasr Youth Center in Alexandria, where a seed-planting workshop was held as part of the caravan’s reforestation activities. This workshop offered children a hands-on learning experience, teaching them about the importance of trees and providing an opportunity to plant seeds and trees across the center’s grounds. Through such initiatives, the EGYouth4Climate Caravan fosters climate literacy and environmental stewardship among Egypt’s youth, empowering them to take active roles in shaping a sustainable future. (1, 2)
Sustainable Urban Drainage System in Potsdamer Platz
In an architecturally important area of Berlin, situated between the Landwehr Canal, the Kulturforum (the Berliner Philharmonie and the Berlin State Library) and the new construction on Potsdamer Platz, a combination of green and grey infrastructure has been realised to minimise the burden on Berlin’s existing water infrastructure.
Green and non-green roofs harvest annual rain, which flows through the site’s buildings and is used for toilet flushing, irrigation, and fire systems. The roofs retain and then release water to the large on-site buffer pond, which has five underground storage tanks. Next to the roofs, a series of urban ponds and connecting canals have been implemented, with a combined area of approximately 1.2 hectares. They are filled with rainwater, creating an oasis for urban life. Vegetated biotopes are integrated into the overland landscape and serve to filter and circulate the water that runs along streets and walkways. The lake’s water quality is excellent, forming a natural habitat for animals and cooling the surroundings, while fresh water usage in the buildings has been reduced. (Ref. 1; Ref. 2; Ref. 3; Ref. 6)
The project was implemented in the 1990s as part of the development of Potsdamer Platz in the wake of the reunification of Germany. Several architects collaborated on the implementation that was completely privately funded. Beyond its ecological and technical features, the site is a blue natural site in the heavily built city centre of Berlin and allows people to linger and enjoy natural features. The drainage system won several sustainability prices and is considered a successful integration of nature and technology-based mechanisms to foster climate change adaptation. As the rainwater system stores rainwater in underground tanks and ponds, the urban sewage system is relieved during heavy rain, and water can evaporate. Therefore, the small water circle is closed, and the microclimate is cooled. (Ref. 2; Ref. 6)
Green and non-green roofs harvest annual rain, which flows through the site’s buildings and is used for toilet flushing, irrigation, and fire systems. The roofs retain and then release water to the large on-site buffer pond, which has five underground storage tanks. Next to the roofs, a series of urban ponds and connecting canals have been implemented, with a combined area of approximately 1.2 hectares. They are filled with rainwater, creating an oasis for urban life. Vegetated biotopes are integrated into the overland landscape and serve to filter and circulate the water that runs along streets and walkways. The lake’s water quality is excellent, forming a natural habitat for animals and cooling the surroundings, while fresh water usage in the buildings has been reduced. (Ref. 1; Ref. 2; Ref. 3; Ref. 6)
The project was implemented in the 1990s as part of the development of Potsdamer Platz in the wake of the reunification of Germany. Several architects collaborated on the implementation that was completely privately funded. Beyond its ecological and technical features, the site is a blue natural site in the heavily built city centre of Berlin and allows people to linger and enjoy natural features. The drainage system won several sustainability prices and is considered a successful integration of nature and technology-based mechanisms to foster climate change adaptation. As the rainwater system stores rainwater in underground tanks and ponds, the urban sewage system is relieved during heavy rain, and water can evaporate. Therefore, the small water circle is closed, and the microclimate is cooled. (Ref. 2; Ref. 6)
Green Blue Axis of Sintra, Oeiras and Amadora
The Green and Blue Axis (Eixo Verde e Azul, EVA) is an inter-municipal green corridor project connecting the municipalities of Sintra, Oeiras, and Amadora through a 15-kilometre green ecological axis along the Jamor River (Ref 2). It aims to renaturalize the river, improve water quality, and control flooding while promoting sustainable mobility through pedestrian and cycling routes (Ref 5). The project also enhances public access to green spaces and cultural heritage sites, such as the Queluz National Palace (Ref 6). EVA supports the Lisbon Metropolitan Area’s regional strategy for climate change adaptation, risk prevention, and low-carbon economy (Ref 4). Funded by the European Regional Development Fund and municipal budgets, the project has an overall investment of €11 million (Ref 1). EVA exemplifies inter-municipal cooperation, overcoming policy conflicts to achieve shared environmental, social, and economic goals, making it a model for integrated territorial development (Ref 4). The project’s long-term impact includes reduced carbon footprint and increased territorial cohesion.
Real Dos Living Walls and Green Roofs
Located in the Lima district of San Isidro - the heart of commercial activity in Peru - the Real Dos Tower is a prime office building in the Centro Empresarial Real de San Isidro. It was inaugurated in 2018, and it is distributed over 23 levels (14 floors and 9 basements) and enjoys a landscaped green roof (1162 m2) at the crown of the building and numerous outdoor vertical gardens at full height (2365 m2) on the three main fronts (1, 4). This project was a finalist in the 2018 Mipim Awards, considered the ‘Oscars’ of world architecture, and stood out for its architecture and design, due to its attributes of innovation and sustainability (2).
This building has managed to create harmony between design and efficient use of resources. It is characterised by a glass façade with colourful movable shutters and symbolic Peruvian designs (2, 3, 6). It has green walls on the three main fronts, four daylight fronts and a roof garden (2). The architect, Jean Nouvel, worked together with ARVE Peru on the overall landscape plans for the Real Dos tower (1, 3).
This is part of the façade remodelling project of the Camino Real Towers in the Real Business Centre, led by the real estate company Grupo Centenario (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). This overarching Project has sought to develop 4,475 m2 of vertical gardens and roof gardens, which have a technified irrigation system to generate efficiencies in water use, meeting the plants' water requirements in the different seasons of the year. Their implementation helps to filter CO2 and renew the O2 in the office complex.
The ARVE group describes these actions as conducive to creating thermal barriers and sound insulation, a better environment for rest, work and entertainment and increasing property value (7)
This building has managed to create harmony between design and efficient use of resources. It is characterised by a glass façade with colourful movable shutters and symbolic Peruvian designs (2, 3, 6). It has green walls on the three main fronts, four daylight fronts and a roof garden (2). The architect, Jean Nouvel, worked together with ARVE Peru on the overall landscape plans for the Real Dos tower (1, 3).
This is part of the façade remodelling project of the Camino Real Towers in the Real Business Centre, led by the real estate company Grupo Centenario (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). This overarching Project has sought to develop 4,475 m2 of vertical gardens and roof gardens, which have a technified irrigation system to generate efficiencies in water use, meeting the plants' water requirements in the different seasons of the year. Their implementation helps to filter CO2 and renew the O2 in the office complex.
The ARVE group describes these actions as conducive to creating thermal barriers and sound insulation, a better environment for rest, work and entertainment and increasing property value (7)
Restoration of the Rio Mannu-Cixerri
In 2020, the Metropolitan City of Cagliari launched a project to enhance flood resilience and ecological integrity in the Mannu-Cixerri river system in southern Sardinia. The river traverses several communes within the metropolitan area, ultimately feeding into the Santa Gilla Lagoon, a vital wetland ecosystem west of the city.
The project, with a budget of €21 million, focuses on three key communes: Assemini, Decimomannu, and Uta. Rather than solely emphasizing structural flood defenses, the initiative integrates nature-based solutions (NbS) to mitigate flood risks while restoring riverine ecosystems. The Metropolitan City of Cagliari, in collaboration with the Sardinian Regional Public Works Department, is responsible for its implementation.
Key interventions include reinforcing and revegetating embankments, improving water flow along the Rio Mannu, and constructing new levee sections in a manner that enhances natural water retention. Additionally, the project involves upgrading bridges to facilitate better floodwater management. These measures align with the Sardinian Flood Risk Management Plan (PGRA) and aim to reduce flood hazards while promoting ecological benefits.
The project timeline began with a two-year preparation phase for the Preliminary Design Document, followed by a year-long tendering process for construction. These efforts represent a crucial step toward long-term flood resilience and environmental sustainability in the region. (Ref. 1, 2, 3)
The project, with a budget of €21 million, focuses on three key communes: Assemini, Decimomannu, and Uta. Rather than solely emphasizing structural flood defenses, the initiative integrates nature-based solutions (NbS) to mitigate flood risks while restoring riverine ecosystems. The Metropolitan City of Cagliari, in collaboration with the Sardinian Regional Public Works Department, is responsible for its implementation.
Key interventions include reinforcing and revegetating embankments, improving water flow along the Rio Mannu, and constructing new levee sections in a manner that enhances natural water retention. Additionally, the project involves upgrading bridges to facilitate better floodwater management. These measures align with the Sardinian Flood Risk Management Plan (PGRA) and aim to reduce flood hazards while promoting ecological benefits.
The project timeline began with a two-year preparation phase for the Preliminary Design Document, followed by a year-long tendering process for construction. These efforts represent a crucial step toward long-term flood resilience and environmental sustainability in the region. (Ref. 1, 2, 3)
Archipelagos Square
The project to redevelop Archipelagos Square in Cagliari aims to transform this key urban space, which serves as a gateway between the city and its coastal areas, into a more functional and aesthetically pleasing environment. Currently, the area lacks cohesive design, leading to unregulated use and its transformation into an informal parking lot. The redevelopment will address these issues by enhancing the pedestrian experience and reducing vehicular traffic. Improvements in public comfort and safety will include better rainwater drainage, the removal of architectural barriers, and the creation of accessible pathways for all.
This project emphasizes environmental sustainability and the preservation of the local landscape. Key interventions include revitalizing green spaces, safeguarding native vegetation, and removing invasive species. Integrating walking and cycling paths will improve connectivity between the city, Marina Piccola, and Poetto beach, fostering outdoor recreational activities. A designated eco-system filter will recreate the natural dune environment, blending pedestrian areas with the surrounding landscape.
Funded by the Fondo Sviluppo e Coesione (FSC), the project has a total budget of 3 million euros, with construction lasting 10 months starting in October 2023. The redevelopment reflects the broader goals of Cagliari’s administration to promote sustainable urban mobility and improve the public realm, contributing to the city's vision of becoming a hub for nautical sports while enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and visitors (Refs. 1, 2, 3 & 4).
This project emphasizes environmental sustainability and the preservation of the local landscape. Key interventions include revitalizing green spaces, safeguarding native vegetation, and removing invasive species. Integrating walking and cycling paths will improve connectivity between the city, Marina Piccola, and Poetto beach, fostering outdoor recreational activities. A designated eco-system filter will recreate the natural dune environment, blending pedestrian areas with the surrounding landscape.
Funded by the Fondo Sviluppo e Coesione (FSC), the project has a total budget of 3 million euros, with construction lasting 10 months starting in October 2023. The redevelopment reflects the broader goals of Cagliari’s administration to promote sustainable urban mobility and improve the public realm, contributing to the city's vision of becoming a hub for nautical sports while enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and visitors (Refs. 1, 2, 3 & 4).
