Health and well-being (SDG 3)

Maskinparken is a new park covering 3700 m2 in the Lindholmen district, a new neighbourhood in a previous industrial/harbour area [Ref. 5]. The park is described as a well-needed green oasis or green lung in the developing area. The park finished construction in 2022 and is intended to provide access to green space for people living and working nearby. It is also designed as a blue-green stormwater management solution, where about 500 m3 of rainwater can be stored in the lower areas during heavy rainfall. Stormwater will be leaked from surrounding grey areas to the park to protect them from flooding. The Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning (Boverket) has highlighted the park as a good example of climate adaptation in urban planning. The park has a variety of plants such as different tree species and flowering meadows, and plants that can withstand being soaked in the lower areas. Plants can grow in different landscape structures, such as hills and a pergola. The park also has amenities such as benches and lights, which are designed to mirror the style of the surrounding, older industrial brick buildings [Ref. 1-4].

The last large-scale park in Iași was opened in 1923, and since then, the city has lacked any significant new green spaces. With the European Union recommending at least 26 square meters of green space per resident and the city's increasing urban density, the need for a new park is undeniable.
To address this, the Municipality of Iași is launching its first major park project in over a century. The project aims to transform the current CTP depot (tram station) into a 4.5-hectare, accessible green space in a densely populated area with strong development potential. This new park is envisioned as a green oasis that will enhance residents' quality of life while promoting environmental sustainability and urban renewal.
The initiative has received widespread public support, with citizens proposing the creation of a local museum to honor the tram station’s historical significance—one of the oldest in the city, with over 100 years of history. A consultation process has been established, involving local residents, NGOs, and a group of experts, including urban planners, architects, and mobility and environment officials, all contributing to the planning stage. Public suggestions for the park include underground parking, recreational and exercise facilities, and a diverse range of vegetation. Ensuring accessibility for all citizens and visitors is also a key priority in the park's design.
The municipality has allocated 300,000 euros for a solutions contest to finalize the approach to redeveloping the tram station. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9)

Rike Park, centrally located on the riverbank of the Kura River, is one of the most recently developed Parks in Tbilisi. It was announced by the city hall in 2009 with the aim to increase the amount of accessible green space in the densely developed city center and stretches over an area of 7.5 ha (Ref. 1). Being the only location in the city where such a project could have been developed, it also serves as a pedestrian-friendly way to cross from the newer part of the city towards the old town via the adjacent "Peace Bridge" (Ref. 1,3). Next to its various amenities for recreation, the park has become a symbol of national identity through its design (Ref. 2). From above, one can identify the grid abstraction of the map of Georgia while in the center of the park lies a large Rose shaped mosaic, making a symbolic reference to the Rose Revolution (Ref. 3,5). Furthermore, Rike Park hosts several cultural festivities and artistic performances that invite the public to interact and socialize (Ref. 4).
Despite the park's success, its development has been criticised due to the city hall's exclusion of public consultations and transparency (Ref. 1).

San Borja has 1,347,000 square metres of green areas, equivalent to 12 square metres of green space per inhabitant, one of the highest ratios in the capital (1, 2). In total, there are 75 parks within its jurisdiction (1, 3). However, in recent years it has consolidated its role as a metropolitan urban centre and has become denser with new multi-family construction projects replacing traditional single-family homes with gardens (2). As a result, tree cover has decreased, affecting the creation of shaded areas and air quality, putting the health of residents at risk (2). Nevertheless, this municipality has reaffirmed its participation in the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, committing to implement policies and take measures to reduce (or limit where appropriate) greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change, as it is vulnerable to heat waves and droughts, as well as high wind and thunderstorm hazards and fires (1). Thus, since 2014, 56,000 trees have been planted, which is one tree for every two residents in the district (2). The mitigation programme includes 40 measures, including the creation and conservation of green areas, which involve planting trees to create urban forests to help regulate temperature, prevent heat waves, improve CO2 absorption, and preserve endemic species (1). In addition, the programme promotes the use of organic farming practices and the propagation of plants using natural methods (1).
One of the sectors where there has been the most progress is Sector 12, with 31% of the green areas created (3). Within this sector, the district is planting and creating an urban forest within the premises of the Army Headquarters, better known as ‘Pentagonito’. Its objective is to educate neighbours and promote greater environmental awareness (3, 4, 5).

The Green Wall of Tomesti was an initiative launched by the commune of Tomesti to combat air pollution from the nearby city of Iasi, which often drifted into the area (1, 2). The municipality decided to implement this solution after consulting specialists on how to address pollution from the main urban area. It was also integrated into the objectives of their 2014 General Urbanistic Plan, which aimed to transform Tomesti into a "modern, clean, and ecological area" (1, 2, 5). In addition to mitigating air pollution, the forest wall was expected to help lower local air temperatures (1).
The municipality purchased seedlings and planted the trees at the end of 2019, near the D.D. Patranascu school (1-3). While the overall goal was to protect the entire commune and improve the health of Tomesti's residents, particular attention was given to safeguarding the school closest to Iasi (1, 2). Before planting, the organizers called for volunteers to help with the plantation (3). In total, approximately 1,500 trees were planted (linden, acacia, oak and willow), with a space of 1,5 m between each other (2).
The action also follows on a 20-year national plan to increase forest walls to improve the quality of the air in the country (6).

The Horta Nova Urban Park, located in the Carnide parish (Lisbon), is a recently inaugurated green space that combines horticulture with community recreation. The Carnides neighbourhood is characterised by an inspiring history of overcoming hardship, with residents turning food shortages into opportunities by cultivating community gardens since the 70s. Currently, "the neighbourhood continues to be an example of solidarity, innovation and community spirit" (Ref. 2). In 2013, as a response to food scarcity caused during the post-Troika economic crisis, a group of local residents created an unauthorised vegetable garden overnight, on previously derelict space in the neighbourhood. Only in 2021 did the local authorities officially recognise the vegetable gardens, which since 2013 had operated under an informal agreement (Ref. 3). With the official establishment of the horticultural park, in addition, the park has a newly planted broad lawn, an open-air gym, and a dedicated dog park, creating a versatile space for residents (Ref 3).
Currently, this park features 80 vegetable plots, each with a dimension of 100 m2 per plot, attributed by the municipality through an official application process (Ref. 1). The park is a great reflection of the neighbourhood’s resilience and its history of small-scale citizen-oriented agricultural production that began as a response to social difficulties (Ref 1, 2).

The municipality of Ciudad Juarez, in collaboration with UN-Habitat, has drafted a redevelopment strategy for an area known as "Paso de Oñate." This intervention falls within the broader framework of "Vision Ciudad Juarez 2040." The plan involves constructing a forested green belt along the southern edge of the Rio Grande (/Bravo) in the northwest part of Juarez, bordering the USA.
Currently in the planning stage, the project aims to restore the ecological function of various degraded areas along the Rio Grande, transforming them into a continuous, green, walkable, and recreational space. The strategy includes allowing vegetation to recover, introducing native plant species, and increasing tree cover to rehabilitate unmaintained parks, derelict areas, and degraded riverbanks. These areas will be equipped with new features and integrated with existing parks, schools, and playgrounds. The envisioned green corridor will enhance walking conditions, improve the perception of safety, offer recreational opportunities for all age groups, and deliver valuable ecosystem services such as temperature regulation, improved air quality, and water retention.
In addition to its ecological goals, the project has a historical and geographical dimension. It aims to incorporate cultural heritage elements, such as the monument of the New Citizen, Paso de Oñate, Turtles Park, and the beginning of the Acequia Madre. It will also connect with other green space initiatives, including the Mega Park "El Chamizal" and the "Corredor Cultural," which runs through the city center.
This intervention is being prioritized due to the area's ongoing social and ecological decline. Paso de Oñate is a critical border crossing point, which negatively affects mobility and air quality. The area also suffers from a high concentration of vacant housing, which contributes to the residents' perception of insecurity. (Ref. 1, 2, 3, 4)

A biodiversity park was built on an abandoned plot of land that felt unsafe to local residents. In the future, the plot may eventually be used for the construction of something more permanent. In the meantime, this project seeks to increase safety and access to greenspace while benefiting biodiversity, specifically flowers and insects.
Recycled materials were used to create the structure of the park, places to sit and insect hotels, while trees and a flowering meadow were planted. A mix of annual and perennial flowers was used to promote biodiversity over time. The locals are reported to be happy with the project. Familjebostäder i Göteborg AB, a publicly owned real estate company, conducted the project. [Ref. 1-5]

Urban areas are particularly vulnerable to climate change due to the extensive use of concrete and asphalt, higher levels of pollution, increased population densities, and the concentration of infrastructure, all of which amplify the effects of extreme heat, drought, and severe weather. Urban tree cover play a vital role in helping cities mitigate the impacts of climate change by reducing greenhouse gases and alleviating the effects of extreme heat and other climate alterations that negatively impact human health. In 2023, dozens of volunteers from Bethune Elementary School planted 33 trees on the school grounds to provide future shade and help cool the environment. The project was funded by Arizona’s Public Service (APS) Community Tree Program, which aims to reduce the urban heat island effect by increasing tree canopy coverage in vulnerable communities.
The initiative was driven by Trees Matter, a local nonprofit organization focused on enhancing tree infrastructure in schools while educating students and staff on the importance of trees and tree care. Involving children in the tree planting process allows them to take what they’ve learned in textbooks and apply it in real-life situations, while also fostering a sense of community and belonging. This hands-on involvement not only educates but also creates lasting memories. The project’s goal is to combat the urban heat island effect by expanding tree canopy coverage, thus creating cooler, healthier shaded spaces for students in areas of Phoenix most affected by high temperatures.
With support from APS and Trees Matter, the volunteers worked together to plant trees that will provide much-needed shade on the school campus. APS’s Community Tree Program aims to provide shade and cooler spaces in neighborhoods that need it most, helping to reduce temperatures by 20 to 45 degrees. This effort is part of a broader initiative to improve the quality of life and mitigate the impacts of extreme heat in Phoenix (1-5).

Berlin has faced severe water shortages in recent years, with ponds, small lakes, and pools suffering significantly. Many have dried out or disappeared, causing habitats for countless animals and plants to vanish. Urbanization exacerbates the issue, as more areas become sealed, preventing rainwater from replenishing soil and water bodies. Recognizing the urgency, Berlin introduced the Eco-Account, a strategic reserve of areas and initiatives to mitigate the effects of urban development on nature and landscapes. Central to this is the Blue Pearls for Berlin program, focusing on revitalizing small water bodies to restore biodiversity and ecological balance.
The project identified approximately 30 ponds, pools, lakes, and ditches from over 100 candidates to be transformed into "blue pearls." These revitalized areas will support local ecosystems and improve Berlin’s water cycle. The Berlin Rainwater Agency, alongside departments responsible for nature, climate protection, and water management, is spearheading the initiative in collaboration with the Berlin Nature Conservation Foundation.
Two pilot sites—the Schleipfuhl/Feldweiher water complex in Marzahn-Hellersdorf and the Lankegrabenteich in Steglitz-Zehlendorf—were prioritized for restoration in 2024. These efforts include improving water quality and creating diverse habitats for wildlife. Enhancing small water bodies not only provides a refuge for animals and plants but also contributes to climate adaptation. Restored ponds and lakes can cool surrounding areas and improve the urban microclimate by utilizing locally accumulated rainwater. Blue Pearls for Berlin, approved by the Senate in 2022, aligns with the city’s Eco-Account framework, ensuring that these restored blue spaces offset ecological damage caused by infrastructure and urban projects. The initiative offers Berliners new ways to experience nature, fostering a balance between development and environmental preservation. (Ref. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7)