Other

The Eagle Reef Project was launched to restore the health of Mobile Bay in response to habitat loss and declining fish populations due to the degradation of oyster and seagrass beds [REF 1, REF 6]. Originally planned in 2022 as an Eagle Scout service project by John Shell of Boy Scout Troop 147, the project has grown into a regional environmental initiative supported by Partners for Environmental Progress (PEP), the University of South Alabama’s Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, and municipalities such as the City of Fairhope [REF 3, REF 4, REF 7].
The project deploys preassembled mini reefs—constructed from plastic and PVC—beneath docks and piers across Mobile and Baldwin counties. These reefs, once colonised by filter feeders like oysters and barnacles, can filter up to 20,000 gallons of water daily and serve as habitats for fish, shrimp, and crabs [REF 1, REF 4]. The initiative aims to improve water quality, sequester nutrients, reduce algae, and restore marine biodiversity [REF 1, REF 6].
The Eagle Reef Project addresses critical coastal hazards, including water pollution, fish habitat loss, and the legacy of environmental disasters such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill [REF 4]. It combines scientific monitoring, civic engagement, and scalable design to enhance the region’s climate resilience and ecological health [REF 1, REF 6, REF 7].

The financial capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, is the fastest-growing city in Sri Lanka, and as such, it is constantly changing. Most expansions in urban areas are taking place without proper planning, which can cause damage to existing pockets of forests, landscapes and green areas in and around the city (1). The environmental impacts of this rapid urbanisation include increased pollution, increased heat due to the expansion of roads/pavements, tall structures that block out light and wind and reduced biodiversity in fauna and flora (1).
To face these challenges, the Federation of Environmental Organisations (FEO) proposed a city-wide Tree Planting Campaign to create an Urban Forest Strategy in public and private lands in the greater Colombo area (1). The plan is to kick-start the program at the Borella Cemetery as it has a large land area available for planting, specifically 178062 sq meters (3). The project started to be implemented in July 2020 with the seasonal rains (1). This project aims to grow urban trees to help mitigate some of the negative impacts of unplanned and rapid urbanisation, thus making the city more resilient to these changes (1).
The trees that will be planted will be mostly native species and also exotic plants will be selected based on specific requirements (1, 3). It is also planned to have flowering plants and shrubs to encourage butterflies, bees and birds to interspace the trees (1). The new parking space near the Borella Cemetery will also be planted with deep root shading trees interspaced with flowering plants (1).
The project aimed to include a large number of stakeholders including the government, the private sector and the residents of Colombo (1). And they have also reached schools in Colombo and hope to involve environmental associations to further the cause (3).

The Mediterranean climate in Lisbon, already characterised by low precipitation, has been further exacerbated by climate change. The city faces challenges related to biodiversity loss, urban loneliness, and climate anxiety (1). To address these issues, Lisbon's urban development plans have prioritised the re-naturalisation of urban spaces and the integration of ecological networks. Urban nature is now a central component of the city's Master Plan (2012) and other strategic agendas (1).
It is being developed by the LISGREEN project, which aims to enhance ecological connectivity and mitigate the effects of urban heat islands in Lisbon. By establishing nature-based solutions, it aims to restore forests within the city (1, 2, 3). This project encompasses different strategies, such as the RENATURA pilot project. It is a collaboration with the NGO URBEM and involves active public participation in tree planting and forest maintenance. This initiative aims to educate the community about nature, promote well-being, and mitigate extreme climate events (1), through the creation of urban forests.
The main strategy is to create fast forests using the Miyawaki method, which involves dense planting of native trees, removal of invasive plants, and intensive initial care. This approach accelerates the growth of natural forests within a short period, using native species and reducing the need for watering (1)
The first fast forest was developed in Parque Casal Vistoso within Bela Vista Park, within the Eastern Green Corridor of Lisbon. The park is being underutilised because of the lack of shade (1). Thus, this initiative encouraged volunteers to participate in tree planting and forest maintenance activities (3). The NbS intervention began with a 300m² experimental plot near the Vale da Montanha pedestrian bridge and has since expanded to a new 1,500m² plot on the opposite side of the bridge (2). Over 500 volunteers joined the effort, planting more than 3,800 trees (1)

Sri Lanka, particularly its low-lying coastal areas, faces recurring flooding challenges exacerbated by climate change, coastal erosion, and urbanization (1). Wetlands have emerged as crucial ecosystems in mitigating these risks, acting as natural sponges during heavy rainfall and releasing water gradually as flood levels subside (1). Beyond flood control, wetlands play a vital role in environmental quality. Their biodiversity helps filter pollutants and chemicals from the air and water, creating a healthier environment for both humans and wildlife (1). In 2018, Colombo was designated as a Global Wetland City under the Ramsar Convention, becoming the first and only capital city to receive this recognition (1). Recognizing the significance of wetlands as nature-based solutions, international institutions have prioritized their conservation through financing programs (1), and the city has developed projects to raise awareness and involve its citizens in their protection (1). These efforts have resulted in the creation of four wetland parks in the city, that comparing to a wetland, the wetland parks have more human intervention. Thus, they are focused on different topics and activities (2): Diyasaru Park, Beddagana Wetland Park (managed by the Urban Development Authority), Kotte Rampart Wetland Park (managed by the Urban Development Authority), and the Gothatuwa Wetland Park (managed by the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation) (2). Gothatuwa Park is the newest wetland park and it is located in the flood-prone Gothatuwa neighbourhood (1). Inaugurated in 2024, It has a recreational focus, with trails for cyclists and hikers, and together with the other wetland complex, this park is designed to make the wetlands a cornerstone of local people's lives (1). Currently, environmental education activities are carried out in the park, focusing on managing aquatic invasive plants, tree planting and solid waste collection (3).

Mapinguari National Park, located in the Amazon region of Brazil, is a protected area distinguished by its rich biodiversity and vast expanse of untouched tropical rainforest (2). It was officially created on June 5, 2008, by decree, covering an area of 1,776,914.18 hectares (2). The Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) manages the park. It is linked to a management plan encompassing several nearby conservation units and their areas of influence (2, 3). Its main goal is to preserve the valuable natural ecosystems and scenic landscapes of the Purus-Madeira interfluvial region, which includes savanna enclaves (2, 3). The ecoregion where it is located has a high priority for botanical conservation due to parameters such as species richness and endemism (3). Additionally, the area presents great environmental heterogeneity, with several isolated and unique ecosystems, aspects that have been considered for fostering scientific research and public visitation, with programs for environmental education, recreation in contact with nature, and ecotourism (3). On March 8, 2013, an advisory council for the park was established to involve various stakeholders in decision-making and the effective conservation of the park (2), and in 2018 a Management Master Plan was established, seeking to develop an integrated approach for the protection and proper management of the region, especially considering the socio-environmental impacts of the construction of the BR-319 highway and the deforestation caused by fires, the expansion of soybean cultivation, land appropriation (7) and cattle ranching from the neighbouring state (3, 10). It was established as a Natural Park in 2008, but over the years it has undergone changes in land regulations, adding or decreasing its size as certain mining activities have been allowed in the buffer zone (2)

The initiative focuses on the creation and implementation of a management plan for the Natura 2000 areas of Ciurbesti Lake and Fânațele Bârca to protect their biodiversity and promote sustainable tourism and land use. These areas were designated as part of the Natura 2000 network in 2016, but until recently, lacked a formal management plan. In 2019, the environmental group "Asociaţia Scutierii Naturii Bacău," in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency of Iași (APM Iași), secured EU funding to develop the plan. While the plan was being developed, minimal regulations were established in 2022 to ensure interim protection.
The finalized management plan was released in 2024. It assessed species and habitats of European, national, and community importance, identifying 18 bird species, 3 plant species, 1 mammal species, and 4 key habitats. The plan also identified environmental pressures and set objectives and actions to ensure the conservation of this biodiversity. Before the plan's completion, two rounds of public consultations were held, involving a broad range of stakeholders, including surrounding municipalities, private landowners, public administrators, and local community representatives, to define optimal management practices.
The plan mandates continuous monitoring and reporting on the state of species and habitats. It also includes specific conservation measures, such as the partial reconstruction of endangered habitats, meetings with local land users to restrict harmful activities, public awareness campaigns, and regular monitoring. Additionally, it emphasizes the sustainable use of the area, including tourism. The creation of the plan was financed with EU funds totaling €1,036,014.27, and the projected cost for its implementation is €259,627.99. (1-5)

"Adopt a linden tree" is a project that involved the planting and adoption of linden trees in the city of Iași, spanning from 2019 to 2023 across three editions (1 to 8). The campaign was spearheaded by the National Athenaeum of Iași, in collaboration with the Mihai Eminescu Association from Vienna (2). This initiative was launched in celebration of the Athenaeum's 100th anniversary, and it specifically chose the linden tree because of its deep-rooted symbolism in the city of Iași. The tree is not only a natural landmark but also carries cultural and historical weight, as it is closely associated with Romania’s national poet, Mihai Eminescu, who is known for his love of linden trees.
In 2019, 100 linden trees were planted, a number that was repeated in 2020. In the 2023 edition, 50 trees were added, bringing the total number of trees planted through this project to 250 (1 & 4 & 5). An important and unique aspect of the initiative is the "adoption" of the trees by volunteers who participated in the campaign. These volunteers not only lent their names to the trees but also took on the responsibility for their care, ensuring the trees' survival and growth until they reached maturity .
Volunteers were encouraged to participate, and the campaign was supported by donations from individuals, businesses, and public institutions. The municipality of Iași also contributed by providing funds, approving the initiative, and preparing the land through its subsidiary, Servicii Publice Iași S.A., reflecting strong public-private collaboration.
Beyond its cultural significance, the campaign aimed to achieve several other objectives. These included enhancing the city’s aesthetics, promoting community engagement, and improving the quality of life in Iași by contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment . The initiative also aimed to raise environmental awareness among residents and foster a stronger sense of responsibility toward the natural world. (1-8)

The rate of deforestation in the Brazilian Legal Amazon in 2023 was consolidated at 9,064 km2. Initiatives that promote forest restoration in this biome are emerging to overcome this scenario. One such initiative is Floresta Productiva which aims to reforest more than 200 hectares of degraded land in the southwest of the Brazilian Amazon, known as the ‘arc of deforestation’ (1). Led by the Instituto Socioambiental in partnership with the NGO Rioterra, it focuses on creating and disseminating native forest restoration models that combine ecosystem recovery with income generation for rural producers in Porto Velho (2). By fully integrating local communities, the project promotes traditional agroforestry practices (muvuca) and trains communities to maintain the planted land. This not only restores the forest but also provides economic benefits through the cultivation of timber, fruit trees and other species (2), strengthening sustainable agriculture, breaking the cycle of deforestation and restoring deforested areas through various native species grown in nurseries (1). The project is being developed in the cultivation area of the Amazon Bioeconomy Centre (CBCA), from 2023 to 2025, where it will directly benefit the rural community of Vila Nova de Teotônio (3).
The project started in 2019 and has impacted other communities in the area, such as the communities in Nova Mutum Paraná and Ji-Paraná (1). During these years, more than 123,000 trees have been planted in agroforestry on about 110 hectares of land, and edible forests have been created. Since 2022, a new planting phase has been underway, to plant more than 100,000 trees of 87 native species on 40 hectares of degraded forest (4). In conclusion, this project focuses on the development of agroforestry in the face of widespread monospecific soybean fields and intensive cattle ranching (3); the creation of edible forests (3); and the restoration of forest cover to ensure the long-term resilience of the forest (3).

Perch Creek is one of the many meanders that drain into Dog River (Ref 2), located just west of Mobile Bay (Ref 3). These areas include sensitive, tidally influenced marshes and flats where the brackish water of the Bay meets fresh waters (Ref 1). The Perch Creek Nature Trail & Preserve project aims to protect 96 acres on Perch Creek (Ref 3). It is part of efforts to revitalise Mobile’s coastal community and improve the water quality of the city's urban river (Ref 2), following the devastation of the BP oil disaster in 2010.
The project focuses on two main aspects: creating a low-impact recreational destination to spark economic redevelopment, and preserving Mobile’s coastal wetlands (Ref 1).
The conservation aspect involves wetland acquisition, marsh restoration, and invasive species management, improving water quality in both waterbodies (Ref 1). The area, rich in wildlife, requires habitat protection, including for migrating birds, foxes, alligators, manatees, and bald eagles (Ref 1). Brackish marshes on the property serve as nurseries for fish, while forested areas provide natural corridors for wildlife (Ref 3). The wetlands also play a role in flood control, acting as natural sponges to absorb rising tides and cleanse stormwater runoff before it reaches Mobile Bay (Ref 1). Additionally, they store stormwater, helping mitigate flooding as storms intensify (Ref 3).
The recreational aspect includes developing nature-based recreation, such as nature trails and kayak launches, as well as expanding public access to natural resources (Ref 3). In 2018, the Perch Creek section was added to the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, with educational signage for kayakers (Ref 1).
This comprehensive project preserves vital habitats and flood-absorbing wetlands, while providing outdoor recreation opportunities and supporting the coastal community's recovery (Ref 2). It combines high-quality water resources, wildlife connectivity, scenic beauty, and outdoor recreation (Ref 3).

Ballymun is a suburban area on the north side of Dublin, Ireland. Originally developed in the 1960s, Ballymun was built to address Dublin’s post-war housing shortages, with iconic high-rise towers and flat complexes. However, over the years, the area faced social and economic challenges, leading to a reputation for issues such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of services.
In response, the Irish government launched the Ballymun Regeneration Project in the late 1990s. As part of the Ballymun Regeneration, Poppintree Park has been transformed into a 45-acre public space at the heart of Ireland’s celebrated urban renewal project in Ballymun Town Centre. This redevelopment followed an extensive public consultation process, incorporating input from local residents, sports clubs, community groups, and youth organizations.
Poppintree Park now offers a range of upgraded amenities, including a Tree Trail featuring 15 native tree species, enhanced biodiversity, extensive wetlands, sustainable drainage systems, and spaces for passive and active recreation. The park also features a 1.25-acre playground for children aged 0-12, an amphitheater with a permanent pond, and a fully accessible pathway network with abundant seating and viewing areas. Over 50,000 plants have been added to enhance the park’s natural beauty.
The park’s transformation, led by Ballymun Regeneration Ltd., involved significant engineering and landscaping efforts. Mitchell + Associates provided the detailed landscape design, construction drawings, and supervised the landscape works.
Completed in 2010, Phase 1 of Poppintree Park’s redevelopment represents an investment exceeding €6 million. The project includes substantial earthworks, drainage systems, gabion walls, three limestone-paved entrance plazas, structural retaining walls, a cantilevered pond walkway, diverse path surfaces, and high-quality playground construction. (1-7, 10)