Health and well-being (SDG 3)

The aim of the project is to restore the near-natural state of the Alster, the neighboring floodplains and side waters and thus support biodiversity, the recreational function of the riversides and promote environmental education (Reference 1). The implementation of the project began in 2012 and is planned to continue until 2021. It’s second phase started in 2018, which focuses on redeveloping the inner-city areas of the Alster. (Reference 8) The developers of the project focus on improving biodiversity and habitats. Recent nature conservation efforts included the installation of bee hotels, installation of gravel depots where fish lay eggs and the building of three fish ladders at the Poppenbüttler, Mellingburger and Wohldorfer locks, so that salmon, sea trout and sticklebacks can migrate there again. (Reference 6) In the future, other biotope structures in the urban river environment are to be improved. The project also provides opportunities for voluntary work and educational field trips for schoolchildren. (Reference 9)

The park, dedicated to the Sicilian judge assassinated by the mafia in the early 90s, was the object of a regeneration project by two associations (with the approval of the municipality). The initiative was practically implemented by kids of several schools in Catania, which were invited to the park with the intention of cleaning the area to make the spot available to new plants and trees. This is not just a natural intervention, it is of great cultural and social value for the importance of the character for the city and region. (Ref.1.)

An old hippodrome will be transformed into a natural urban park. "The Metropole of Rouen has launched this reconversion project of in consultation with residents and associations. It is the Mutabilis group that has been chosen to carry out this transformation, the first work of which will begin in 2017. The project, called "Champ Libre", integrates all the components essential to urban life: a place of discovery, nature and innovative agriculture" (Ref. 6).

Citizens have taken the initiative to create a community garden on an area where an abandoned building was located. With community engagement and support form public and private sector actors along with non-profit organisations, the garden was officially opened in 2011, bringing urban green space closer to the residents of the quarter. (1,2,3) The garden consists of recreational facilities, green space, a vegetable garden, fruit trees, a pond and activities are organized, which all largely contributes to social cohesion. The community has formed multiple groups that are responsible for parts of the community garden. (1)

Green space created behind Rock Ferry library on unused land. The plot of unused land, owned by the Wirral Council, signed a lease with the 'Grow Sow Well' project to run a volunteering scheme and sessions for the community (particularly aiming to help people with mental health issues). Grow Sow Well worked with residents, schools and community groups, bringing people together to celebrate their area and increase awareness of healthy eating and food production. (Ref. 1, 2) This lease has was transferred to the organisation called the Utopia Project (works with young people and includes horticulture). (Ref. 8)

A class of thirty students of a preschool "Jeanne Hachette of Rouen built, in the playground, an overgrown plant wall where climb non-toxic plants blooming from June to August (Ref. 1). Students engaged in a six-week educational module prior to planting the wall (Ref. 1). Engineering students from engineering school ESIGELEC assisted in delivering the program which taught students about the importance of plants and respecting the environment (Ref. 1).

The Molenvlietpark is a large park in the Viletzoom area of The Hague which will serve as an ecological corridor and stormwater storage. Beside flowery grasslands, the park has several interconnected ponds serving as water storing facilities that can temporarily collect a large amount of water during heavy rainfall. The green and blue areas with diverse vegetation provide habitat for a large variety of species and a fish spawning ground supporting biodiversity (1,5,6,7). It will also include paths for cyclists and pedestrians. (1) The first phase of the park construction has been completed, while the second phase is planned to be executed in 2021-2022.

After 3 years of works, in 2020 the city of Gdynia revitalized one of its largest parks with a panoramic view on the rest of the city. Planned activities had included new greenery (suitable for the local climate conditions), rebuilding vegetation, creation of the educational paths, building water playground facilities and a sensory garden, open-air gyms and improved infrastructure for the disabled [1,2,3]. The final project focused on the renovation of the amphitheatre and the drainage system underground. Residents have been enjoying the park since June 2020 [7].

A tree planting programme (part of existing community greening initiative in the Mersey Forest) that is helping to transform Wirral into a thriving economic hub (trees planted on streets including Price Street, Cleveland Street, Argyle Street, and Hamilton Street, which are key transport routes around the Wirral Waters investment area). Trees will also be planted at Wirral Met College, as well as in social housing landscapes and gardens. (Ref. 1, 2). The project was completed in 2015 but similar initiatives have been taking place in Wirral since. There is no apparent connection between these projects and the 2012-15 project. (Ref. 7, 8)

This citizen-based initiative takes place in the heart of the city, in between the streets Montesano, San Michele, Carcaci, Sangiuliano. The project is the result of a collaboration among residents, artists and shop owners who are planning the regeneration of the area, which is currently in a state of decay. In particular, they realize green interventions (biological horticulture gardens, 100 new plantations) in the streets and on the buildings, to make the area more liveable and attractive for tourism. The initiative is fully supported by the municipality, who implemented the public areas to implement the interventions. (Ref.1.) This NBS has been an annual event, happening since 2013 (Ref. 2).