Achieved impacts

In 2009, the city of Montpellier launched a large census project to valorize its abandoned areas. The study gives guidance on the management of abandoned areas in Montpellier, particularly in connection with environmental education and awareness objectives (Ref. 2). The strategy aims to preserve and promote the natural heritage of Montpellier; promote wastelands as reservoirs of biodiversity, tools for connecting natural spaces; protect and enhance the great green flows accompanying watercourses (biological links and privileged sites for fauna and flora); and develop a network of soft transport throughout the city based on the green network (rivers, agricultural, natural and park areas) (Ref. 4). "The spaces have been classified according to their context, their origin, their potential. This sometimes subjective typology presents a classification of the wasteland and makes it possible to take a particular look on each land. Surfaces of all shapes and sizes fall within this operational classification." Four Experimental projects include: Zenith Friche, Promenade of the Lironde, Pastourelle, Combemale" (Source: uploaded document).

"The Lez is a small Mediterranean river 28.5 km long, born from a karstic exurgence whose supply zone extends north of the source, over more than 150 km2. The “Le Lez” site was proposed in February 2001 because of the presence of several species and natural habitats protected at European level. The designated part concerns the upstream course of the Lez river, its riparian forest and associated agricultural environments. Covering an area of ​​144 hectares, the area stretches over 14 km from the Lez sources in Saint-Clément-de-Rivière to the Concorde bridge, in the town of Montpellier" (Ref. 4). Strong economic and demographic development near Le Lez implies urban pressure on peripheral sectors, particularly north of Montpellier where many residential areas are developing. The river became protected thanks to the "Natura 2000 European network" which aims to reconcile human activities and the conservation of biodiversity on the basis of the main principles of sustainable development (Ref. 4).

The waste management company BiR built a new terminal with underground waste collection using suction techniques. In connection with this new establishment, a green wall and a green roof were installed by the landscaping company Wikholm. In 2015, the plant wall at Jekteviken Terminal was the largest green wall in Norway, covering 350m2 with its 17 000 plants. (Ref. 1) In addition to providing aesthetic value, the wall also insulates the building, cleanses the air, and binds dust. (Ref. 6) Irrigation of the wall is automatic, as the wall collects and stores rainwater and use it when needed. (Ref. 1)

The agriparc of the Mas Nouguier is an agricultural reserve entirely maintained by the city of Montpellier. Conducted in organic agriculture, the estate contributes to the preservation of the identity of the territory and to the valorization of the living environment. Accessible to all, it offers a beautiful walk in the middle of the vineyards. Apiaries are used to develop educational workshops and to collect honey with school children. Olive trees, centennial pines and a large meadow come to embellish this little bit of countryside in town (Ref. 1).

The current intervention involves restoration of Bohrova park in the city district of Petrzalka with the implementation of water conservation measures (9).

The Street Office (Gatukontoret) and VA Syd rebuilt Fjärilsparken (The butterfly park) in Bunkeflostrand (Malmö). For the shallow stream that runs through the park the slopes of the dikes have been made flat, meadow vegetation and wetland-plants planted in the wetlands. An area east of the park was built with houses and stormwater was managed in new ways (ref. 1). Opening the park up to the sea, flower beds were planted for richer plant and wildlife, butterfly-attracting plants were planted, lighting for safety was installed and areas with benches and bridges were created (ref. 1).

The planting of trees and shrubs in Dolnozemská Street is part of the Bratislava zelenaj project and Bratislava’s gradual implementation of NBS to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on its inhabitants. (1, 3, 9)

The revitalisation of the park Gaštanica Koliba in Bratislava Nove Mesto is intended to stop the degradation of its ecosystem, preserving existing vegetation while improving the local climate and efficient use of rainwater. Over 100 trees were treated, including some of the local population of chestnut trees. A local seepage pit was installed to retain water both to the benefit of the local vegetation as well as to prevent erosion and landslides. The park has also been fitted with recreational facilities and is now illuminated to improve its accessibility for the local population. (7, 8, 9)

"Micro-flowering are participative urban gardening projects that allow the vegetation of streets by small plantations of annuals and perennials, vegetable and ornamental, in the municipal public space. Generally, it is a matter of developing a mineral surface on the municipal surface of the city by planting pockets. These are then maintained by the inhabitants who requested micro-flowering. Micro-flowering is a place of sharing and conviviality that allows the inhabitants to be actors of their neighborhood" (Ref. 1). In 2018, formalized 'greening permits' were launched. In this system, micro-flowering permits are requested by residents and "The municipal agents come to drill the concrete of the sidewalks and the City provides the plants" (Ref. 9 and 11).

The program aims to change gray urban courtyards into friendly places - the green oasis for neighborhood meetings and resting areas. Small project proposals developed by the housing associations for the revitalization/transformation of courtyards from all over the city compete for co-funding (up to 75%) from the city council. Many projects (over 86 by the year 2015) have been funded and implemented since the beginning of the initiative in 2008.(1)(2)