Activist groups (e.g. climate, environment, justice, etc)

The project La Ruée Verte aims to create a green corridor connecting two emblematic locations for social and environmental justice: La Base Marseille and L’Après M. The route spans over 7 km and passes through La Friche de La Belle de Mai and aims to bring more nature into the city on a larger scale in a fair and equitable way (Ref 2).
Given the challenges of climate change—rising temperatures, urban heat islands, fewer trees in Marseille, and increasing urbanization—the green corridor will offer a solution to combat the suffocating effects of the city’s concrete sprawl (Ref 2). Additionally, it aims to reduce pollution peaks and improve air quality (Ref 2), increase biodiversity (Ref 2), and provide access to green spaces and places for social interaction (Ref 2).
The project also addresses the broader social crisis, with rising costs of food, housing, and transportation (Ref 2). Local solidarity is key, ensuring that all green initiatives foster community interaction and consider the urgent needs of residents, such as precarious living conditions and isolation (Ref 2). Collective participation is central to the project, ensuring that it is designed by and for residents of different neighborhoods, reflecting their realities. The project, called “La Ruée Verte,” aims to unite various citizen groups, social centers, and associations to amplify their voices (Ref 2).
The project's first phase, “La Petite Ruée,” will launch in October 2024, following a year of preparation. It will start with neighbourhood micro-projects and shared advocacy, including events and gatherings (Ref 2). The goal is to collectively think about social and climate justice and begin taking concrete actions towards popular ecology in each neighbourhood (Ref 2).

The South Hennepin Marsh habitat restoration project, located below the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge causeway, within the Detroit River's Trenton Channel near Grosse Ile, Michigan, aims to restore and protect one of the region's most critical wetland habitats. This emergent marsh, historically vital for fish and wildlife, has suffered significant degradation due to river currents, boat traffic, and winter ice flows. The project, identified as a priority in the 2002 Habitat Protection and Remediation report for the Detroit River, encompasses the restoration of over 1,000 linear feet of protective shoals and 20 acres of productive wetlands, home to various native plant species such as rushes and submergent macrophytes.

The primary goal of the project is to stabilize and enhance the marsh's habitat, improving conditions for fish, waterfowl, reptiles, amphibians, and other wildlife. Restoration activities include the placement of approximately 10,000 cubic yards of rock and soil to rebuild eroded shoals, installation of erosion matting, and re-establishment of native vegetation. Additional habitat features, including habitat logs, mudpuppy structures, and stone spawning beds, will provide crucial breeding and feeding areas for species such as walleye, northern pike, and lake whitefish.

The project also incorporates soft engineering solutions, such as fallen branched trees and strategically placed stones, to support pollinators, birds, and reptiles. Feasibility studies and design plans were completed by Environmental Consulting and Technology, with funding from NOAA, and construction was carried out by E.C. Korneffel Company beginning in 2021. The project reached completion in November 2022, successfully restoring the shoals and protecting the marsh from further degradation. These efforts have significantly enhanced habitat availability, ensuring the sustainability of the South Hennepin Marsh as a critical ecological site within the Detroit River system.
(Ref.1-4)

The Molentargius-Salt Works Regional Natural Park, spanning approximately 1,600 hectares, is located in South Sardinia between the towns of Cagliari and Quartu Sant'Elena, adjacent to the Poetto seafront. The park features diverse ecosystems, including wetlands and salt flats, and houses the Orto Botanico di Cagliari, which showcases native Mediterranean plants.
In 2016, a project was initiated by a group of stakeholders to preserve and enhance biodiversity within the park. The project's goals are to protect and promote the unique ecosystems, such as the fossil beach, and manage invasive species like the Louisiana crayfish. Through various activities—educational programs, public engagement, and conservation efforts—the initiative aims to raise awareness and deepen understanding of local biodiversity and its historical evolution.
A primary focus of the project is the conservation of the Orto Botanico area in Is Arenas, which contains a fossil beach that offers valuable geological insights into the region's past. Planned activities include cleaning and securing the area, creating educational pathways, and employing multimedia tools to engage visitors. The emphasis is on teaching the public, especially students, about biodiversity as a result of environmental adaptation through practical learning and cultural exchanges.
Another critical aspect of the project is the study and control of the invasive Louisiana crayfish, which threatens the park’s biodiversity by contributing to riverbank erosion and impacting native fauna. The project will incorporate scientific research on the crayfish and develop strategies to limit its spread, aiming to protect the park’s delicate ecosystems from further disruption by invasive species.
Lastly, the project emphasizes cultural exchange and social inclusion and fosters dialogue on the shared ecological challenges in Parco Molentargius. (Refs. 1, 2 & 5)

The Oxygen Alley project, developed by the NGO Arboretum Detroit, is a green space located in the Poletown East neighborhood of Detroit. Spanning four formerly abandoned lots, the project, completed in 2023, serves as a significant environmental and community initiative aimed at improving local resilience and promoting environmental justice. Named in recognition of the closure of the Detroit waste incinerator—a major source of pollution for over 30 years—the project replaces a long-abused landscape with a thriving greenway that enhances both the ecological health and social well-being of the area.
Key features of Oxygen Alley include the planting of air-filtering trees and the creation of a shaded greenway lined with wildflowers, benches, and walking paths. This new green space not only provides a recreational area for residents but also functions as a natural air conditioner, stormwater sponge, and wildlife habitat. It addresses the neighborhood’s lack of tree cover, offering shade and cleaner air while helping mitigate the effects of climate change.
The project also underscores the neighborhood's longstanding struggle for environmental justice. The removal of 400 feet of asphalt and the remediation of a polluted landscape highlight the community’s efforts to reclaim and revitalize their environment. Oxygen Alley serves as both a functional green space and a monument to the residents’ victories over the waste industry, symbolizing their continued fight for clean air and livable spaces.
Supported by grants from the City of Detroit, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and DTE Energy Foundation, among others, the project was brought to life through over 300 hours of volunteer labor. The creation of this greenway not only improves the neighborhood’s walkability but also offers a vision for a more sustainable and equitable future, serving as a model for urban revitalization projects across Detroit and beyond.
(Ref.1,2,3)

The project aims to protect seagrass meadows, which are vital habitats for the prey of resident dolphins and essential to the local fishing economy. The initiative involves local fisherwomen, called "Keepers of the Sea," in activities such as marine education, awareness campaigns, and monitoring the health of the seagrass meadows (Ref 1). Founded in 2015, Ocean Alive aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including ocean conservation, gender equality, quality education, and climate action (Ref 4). The project is supported by partnerships with UNESCO and other organizations, and it extends its efforts to Portuguese-speaking African countries. Ocean Alive’s activities also include advocacy for blue carbon ecosystems and programs that involve community engagement and social innovation (Ref 2, Ref 5).
One of several implementation projects targeted safeguarding the young seagrass meadow at Cambalhão Bay, at the entrance of the Sado estuary, as an Ocean Alive’s initiative in partnership with SeaTrees by Sustainable Surf (Ref. 2). The Cambalhão meadow is made up of 202 patches of seagrass. Unregulated shipping is one of the factors in the degradation of the prairie, and to protect it, Ocean Alive is running a campaign to raise awareness about recreational boating (Ref. 6).

D-Town Farm, located within Detroit’s River Rouge Park, is a landmark urban agriculture initiative led by the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network (DBCFSN). Since its establishment in 2008, this seven-acre farm—the largest in Detroit—has embodied the organization’s commitment to food sovereignty, justice, and security for the city’s African American community. Each year, the farm cultivates over 30 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs using sustainable and regenerative practices. Key operations include large-scale composting, rainwater retention, solar energy generation, and beekeeping, all of which support its ecological and educational missions.
Beyond production, D-Town Farm serves as a community hub. From May through September, it hosts public events that offer educational and recreational opportunities for children and families. The farm also provides hands-on training for aspiring growers through internships and volunteer programs, fostering community engagement and agricultural skill development. Volunteers play a crucial role in daily operations, with ongoing opportunities available throughout the growing season.
D-Town Farm’s mission extends beyond agriculture, serving as a platform for broader advocacy. By challenging barriers to food access, it addresses food deserts with a focus on empowerment and education. The farm supports the local economy by supplying fresh produce to restaurants, farmers markets, and residents, while its health-focused initiatives, such as the youth-centered Food Warriors Development Program, aim to reduce health disparities within the community.
The DBCFSN’s work at D-Town Farm exemplifies a model of community cooperation and self-determination, promoting equity and justice in the food system. By engaging with both local and broader urban communities, D-Town Farm not only strengthens Detroit’s leadership in urban agriculture but also contributes to food justice movements nationwide.
(Ref.1,2,3,4)

"The Neighborhood, Environment & Water Research Collaborations for Green Infrastructure (NEW-GI)" project in Warrendale, Detroit, aims to advance green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) knowledge and practice in legacy cities by integrating research on water quality, community well-being, governance, and ecological design. This collaborative effort, involving community members, government entities, and academic researchers, seeks to develop evidence-based strategies for sustainable stormwater management while enhancing urban landscapes and improving residents' quality of life.
In its first phase (2014-2015), the project created bioretention four bioretention gardens, each on two vacant residential properties in the Warrendale neighborhood. in Detroit's Warrendale neighborhood. These sites, constructed by the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) on vacant lots owned by the Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA), were monitored for water quality, and resident surveys were conducted to gauge the gardens' impact on neighborhood satisfaction and stormwater management.
The second phase (2016-2019) expanded the scope to refine GSI designs to reduce maintenance needs and further assess their effects on water management and community well-being. It also explored governance structures that impact GSI success, both in Detroit and other legacy cities, contributing to the development of guidance documents for GSI planning and decision-making.
Funded by the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation, the NEW-GI project represents a transdisciplinary approach to urban ecological challenges, offering valuable insights into how GSI can deliver both environmental and social benefits in cities like Detroit.
(Ref.1,2)

The Upper Detroit Riverfront Habitat and Parks Restoration Project aims to restore and enhance vital fish and wildlife habitats along the Detroit River. This initiative seeks to rehabilitate approximately 30 acres of upland and shoreline habitats within Riverfront-Lakewood East Park, A.B. Ford Park, and Mariners Park (all located alongside the river), covering nearly one mile of the Detroit River and its shorelines.
Key outcomes include improving approximately 1,000 linear feet of existing shoreline along the Detroit River by incorporating native wetland edges and fish spawning shelves into the restoration efforts. The project also plans to enhance around 2,000 linear feet of canal shoreline and 800 linear feet along Fox Creek to create or improve habitats for fish and herpetological species. In Riverfront-Lakewood East Park, 28 acres are targeted for the establishment or enhancement of native vegetation to support birds, mammals, and pollinators. If feasible, the creation of about 7 acres of wetlands, along with shallow and deep-water habitats, is also part of the vision.
The project is guided by the City of Detroit's 2017 Parks and Recreation Improvement Plan and represents part of a broader strategy to revitalize the city’s green spaces after years of underfunding. With renewed commitment, the city has allocated nearly $12 million to enhance neighborhood parks, particularly in areas that have lacked investment over the past decade.
However, the project was temporarily halted in 2020 due to high water levels causing flooding in the adjacent neighborhood. As of 2024, it remains on hold while the City of Detroit conducts a flood mitigation study. Despite this delay, the project remains a critical step toward fostering community stewardship and creating sustainable green spaces that improve the quality of life for all Detroit residents.
(Ref. 1, 4, 5)

The "Line Park" project in Belgrade aims to create a continuous green belt spanning 4.6 kilometres and covering over 48 hectares. As such, the project will revitalize the former railway corridor from "Beton Hala", just below the Belgrade Fortress, to the Pancevac Bridge. Inspired by notable urban parks like New York's "High Line", Moscow's "Zagrađe," and Toronto's "Rail Corridor," it will become a major recreational destination and also help to alleviate the pressures from the city's heavy air pollution and summer heat (Ref. 5, 6).
The park will be divided into ten thematic sections dedicated to aromatic plant and flower gardens, urban gardening and beekeeping, sports facilities, a newly built university campus and more. Additionally, there will be an amphitheatre and facilities for outdoor education. To further integrate green infrastructure, new buildings will have green roofs and walls (Ref. 2,5). Ultimately, the park integrates a number of amenities into the entire city.
The development of the park also introduced innovative co-creation mechanisms in terms of governance and planning. Since Belgrade is part of the multinational CLEVER Cities Initiative, the city's Secretariat for Environmental Protection suggested the use of the site as a pilot test for introducing nature-based solutions in urban planning and with diverse stakeholders' input. Several workshops, focus groups, and consultations took place between 2019 and 2021, which facilitated the diversity of ideas that have been adopted into the official construction plan (Ref. 1, 2). Despite these successes, civil society groups raise concerns over the extraordinary cost of 70 million euros, displacement of Roma communities and the interest of real estate developers that may undermine the project's original cause (Ref. 3, 8).

“El Chamizal is a site of significant sociocultural importance and a key part of the identity of the people of Juarez. It is frequently visited by over 200,000 people seeking a space for recreation and enjoyment.” Located along the Rio Bravo/Grande river, El Chamizal is a park and a riparian area (Ref 2). Despite its popularity, the park has been suffering three decades of irregular management by the Municipal Government of Juárez and is facing issues such as accelerated desertification, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss. (Ref.2)

To counteract some of these challenges, in February 2024, the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) and the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (Conanp) designated El Chamizal Park, spanning 327 hectares, as a Zone of Ecological Restoration (ZER) (Ref 1).

The restoration plan involves dividing the park into four distinct zones, each with specific recovery actions (Ref 1; 2). Zone A, covering 107.3 hectares, is designated as a conservation area where reforestation with native species must commence. Zone B, which spans 47.8 hectares, also requires reforestation with native plants. Zone C, encompassing 12.7 hectares, consists of flooded or floodable plains that must remain in their current state. However, the surrounding ecosystem in this zone needs restoration with native aquatic plants to aid in stormwater purification. Zone D, at 159.8 hectares, contains existing infrastructure—such as buildings, installations, and communications—that must remain unchanged (Ref 3, p. 96). The project proposal is still awaiting implementation.