Eastside Lake Baisha Park
At the beginning of the twenty-first century, Kunming’s urban planning faced major challenges, including fragmented development, environmental degradation, and limited green spaces (Ref 1). In response, the municipal government launched a series of strategic plans aimed at promoting high-quality urban development and environmental restoration.
Baisha Lake was identified as a key area in these strategies, with plans for Baisha Lake Park first highlighted in 2017 (Ref 2) and reaffirmed in the "Opinions on Supporting High-Quality Development in Kunming" in 2021 (Ref 2). To implement parts of this broader strategy, the government entered into public-private partnerships. In 2018, land development rights for parts of East Baisha Lake were granted to Dahua Group, on the condition that 40% of the area be reserved as green space and that ecological restoration efforts be undertaken (Ref 3, 4).
The Eastside Baisha Lake Park project, launched by Dahua Group in February 2023 (Ref 3, 5), is thus one component of this larger government-led urban renewal effort. The project follows the city's planning framework of “one lake, six zones, 46 scenic nodes” and includes 55 hectares of green space, with 40% designated as parkland. By the end of 2023, 6.5 hectares had been completed, and the south bank of the park opened to the public in September 2023 (Ref 3, 6).
The broader East Baisha Lake area's development was originally planned by the state-owned Kunming Urban Construction Company, but land rights were later transferred to Dahua Group. Thus, while a private developer is leading the construction, the project remains a part of Kunming’s publicly driven strategy to restore the lake and enhance urban livability.
Baisha Lake was identified as a key area in these strategies, with plans for Baisha Lake Park first highlighted in 2017 (Ref 2) and reaffirmed in the "Opinions on Supporting High-Quality Development in Kunming" in 2021 (Ref 2). To implement parts of this broader strategy, the government entered into public-private partnerships. In 2018, land development rights for parts of East Baisha Lake were granted to Dahua Group, on the condition that 40% of the area be reserved as green space and that ecological restoration efforts be undertaken (Ref 3, 4).
The Eastside Baisha Lake Park project, launched by Dahua Group in February 2023 (Ref 3, 5), is thus one component of this larger government-led urban renewal effort. The project follows the city's planning framework of “one lake, six zones, 46 scenic nodes” and includes 55 hectares of green space, with 40% designated as parkland. By the end of 2023, 6.5 hectares had been completed, and the south bank of the park opened to the public in September 2023 (Ref 3, 6).
The broader East Baisha Lake area's development was originally planned by the state-owned Kunming Urban Construction Company, but land rights were later transferred to Dahua Group. Thus, while a private developer is leading the construction, the project remains a part of Kunming’s publicly driven strategy to restore the lake and enhance urban livability.
For a Forest in Your Neighborhood
For a Forest in Your Neighborhood" is an afforestation campaign by the DDOR insurance group, launched in 2022 as part of their Environment, Society, and Governance (ESG) commitments (Ref. 1). Site selection was based on online votings, with thousands of votes being casted from 188 towns across Serbia (Ref. 2). In the end, the fifteen most popular cities were selected for project implementation. As a result, hundreds of trees were planted, including 25 trees along the promenade of Belgrade’s Ušće Park in 2023 (Ref. 3). Ultimately, the initiative aims to create and enhance urban green spaces, to improve air quality and living conditions in Serbian cities (Ref. 5). The success of the campaign encouraged DDOR to extend the campaign in 2024, financed through their eco-insurance schemes (Ref. 4)
Liquid 3: Serbia's First Urban Photo-Bioreactor
Liquid 3 is the first urban photo-bioreactor in Serbia, developed by an interdisciplinary team at the Institute for Multidisciplinary Research at the University of Belgrade (Ref. 1,2,3). Prompted by an appeal of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the team was eager to find novel approaches to combat the city's severe air pollution issues while being space efficient and providing year-round benefits (Ref. 3). The key to the bioreactor are algae which are very efficient in sequestering carbon and filtering heavy metals from the air (Ref. 2). A Liquid 3 feature can be quickly set and occupies a plot of only 3 m². Some of its benefits include its ability to withstand high levels of air pollution and its ease of installation on surfaces like walkways and other sealed infrastructure (Ref. 2,3). Additionally, by design, Liquid 3 integrates amenities such as power outlets, a bench, and nighttime lighting (Ref. 1). The selected strain of algae can tolerate temperatures between 5-35°C making it deployable all year. However, monthly maintenance is required, during which the water and algae are replaced—both of which can be repurposed, for example, as fertilizers (Ref. 6).The project has received global media coverage as well as a prize for the best innovative and climate-smart solution in Serbia. Its success has prompted the installation of two more such bioreactors in Serbia, with interest coming from other countries such as Hungary and the UAE (Ref. 1,4).
Belt Line Center PACE-funded Green Roof
The Belt Line Center building, located in Detroit, Michigan, property of Letts Industries, features a green-blue roof, along with a rain garden, showcasing the benefits of green infrastructure in historic properties. The idea for this retrofit emerged in 2015 after a major renovation, when Chip Letts, CEO of Letts Industries, recognized the potential of green infrastructure for long-term energy efficiency and storm-water management.
The initiative gained momentum in 2018, following the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department's (DWSD) introduction of new drainage fees, which charged $750 per acre of impermeable surfaces. The DWSD also offered up to 80% discounts for properties implementing green solutions, further incentivizing the project.
The project officially began in 2020 after securing PACE funding (Property Assessed Clean Energy funding, a financing mechanism that enables property owners to fund energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation projects) from CounterpointeSRE (financial institution), marking the first use of commercial PACE financing for a green roof in Michigan. The green roof, covering 17,250 square feet, includes 300 square feet of pedestal pavers and a 2,500 square foot blue roof. These features enhance stormwater management, energy efficiency, and roof longevity; the center also incorporates two beehives to support local biodiversity.
These systems work in tandem with the ground-level rain garden to capture and infiltrate stormwater runoff, significantly reducing the impact on Detroit’s stormwater system. The project aligns with the city’s broader sustainability goals, including the Beltline Greenway initiative, which will pass directly behind the property, integrating the building into Detroit’s expanding network of green spaces and bike paths.
The Belt Line Center serves as a model for revitalizing historic buildings through innovative financing and sustainable design, enhancing Detroit’s environmental resilience. (Ref.1-5)
The initiative gained momentum in 2018, following the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department's (DWSD) introduction of new drainage fees, which charged $750 per acre of impermeable surfaces. The DWSD also offered up to 80% discounts for properties implementing green solutions, further incentivizing the project.
The project officially began in 2020 after securing PACE funding (Property Assessed Clean Energy funding, a financing mechanism that enables property owners to fund energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation projects) from CounterpointeSRE (financial institution), marking the first use of commercial PACE financing for a green roof in Michigan. The green roof, covering 17,250 square feet, includes 300 square feet of pedestal pavers and a 2,500 square foot blue roof. These features enhance stormwater management, energy efficiency, and roof longevity; the center also incorporates two beehives to support local biodiversity.
These systems work in tandem with the ground-level rain garden to capture and infiltrate stormwater runoff, significantly reducing the impact on Detroit’s stormwater system. The project aligns with the city’s broader sustainability goals, including the Beltline Greenway initiative, which will pass directly behind the property, integrating the building into Detroit’s expanding network of green spaces and bike paths.
The Belt Line Center serves as a model for revitalizing historic buildings through innovative financing and sustainable design, enhancing Detroit’s environmental resilience. (Ref.1-5)
There is Life in My Neighborhood
The "Há Vida no Meu Bairro" project is an innovative urban initiative led by the Lisbon City Council aimed at transforming the city into a "15-minute city." This concept ensures that all essential urban functions, such as commerce, green spaces, education, sports, culture, health, and social support, are within a 15-minute walk from residents' homes. The project promotes neighbourhood identity, quality of life, active mobility, and the development of safer, more comfortable public spaces. By integrating these elements, the initiative seeks to create multifunctional neighbourhoods where daily needs can be met locally, reducing dependence on cars and enhancing pedestrian accessibility (Ref 1).
Lisbon's approach is both city-wide and neighbourhood-specific, with pilot projects being developed in collaboration with the city's 24 parishes. These projects focus on improving public spaces and pedestrian mobility, reinforcing the city's commitment to sustainability and community engagement (Ref 2). The initiative also emphasizes the importance of public participation, encouraging residents to contribute to the design and development of their neighbourhoods and enhancement of local identity and green spaces (Ref 3).
Lisbon's approach is both city-wide and neighbourhood-specific, with pilot projects being developed in collaboration with the city's 24 parishes. These projects focus on improving public spaces and pedestrian mobility, reinforcing the city's commitment to sustainability and community engagement (Ref 2). The initiative also emphasizes the importance of public participation, encouraging residents to contribute to the design and development of their neighbourhoods and enhancement of local identity and green spaces (Ref 3).
Detroit RiverWalk Project
The Detroit RiverWalk is an urban development project along the Detroit River, designed to reconnect residents with their waterfront and revitalize a historically industrial area. Once characterized by abandoned buildings and industrial debris, the riverfront between the MacArthur and Ambassador Bridges had long been inaccessible to the public. To address this, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy was established in 2003 to lead the redevelopment of this space.
The RiverWalk currently stretches along a 3.5-mile section, with plans to expand to 5.5 miles, integrating ecological restoration, public access, and recreational opportunities. The esplanade features native landscaping, artistic elements, and amenities, including four pavilions, a custom carousel, and areas for fishing, walking, biking, and inline skating.
Environmental remediation has been a crucial part of the project. In collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes National Program Office, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy successfully cleaned up 13,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment, significantly reducing pollution and contributing to the removal of the Detroit River from the list of the most polluted sites in the Great Lakes. Furthermore, the project also includes greenways, park creation and revitalization.
The RiverWalk is not just a public space; it symbolizes Detroit’s transformation from a Rust Belt city to a sustainable urban environment. It exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships in revitalizing urban areas. The RiverWalk continues to expand, with plans to connect various parks and extend to the Ambassador Bridge, further enhancing the city’s waterfront. Its success was recognized in 2021 when it was named the Best Riverwalk in America by USA Today, cementing its status as a model for urban renewal and community engagement. (Ref. 1, 2, 3, 4)
The RiverWalk currently stretches along a 3.5-mile section, with plans to expand to 5.5 miles, integrating ecological restoration, public access, and recreational opportunities. The esplanade features native landscaping, artistic elements, and amenities, including four pavilions, a custom carousel, and areas for fishing, walking, biking, and inline skating.
Environmental remediation has been a crucial part of the project. In collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes National Program Office, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy successfully cleaned up 13,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment, significantly reducing pollution and contributing to the removal of the Detroit River from the list of the most polluted sites in the Great Lakes. Furthermore, the project also includes greenways, park creation and revitalization.
The RiverWalk is not just a public space; it symbolizes Detroit’s transformation from a Rust Belt city to a sustainable urban environment. It exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships in revitalizing urban areas. The RiverWalk continues to expand, with plans to connect various parks and extend to the Ambassador Bridge, further enhancing the city’s waterfront. Its success was recognized in 2021 when it was named the Best Riverwalk in America by USA Today, cementing its status as a model for urban renewal and community engagement. (Ref. 1, 2, 3, 4)
Green Roofs and Green Vertical Gardens in the district of Barranco
Barranco, the smallest district of Metropolitan Lima, is suffering from serious environmental problems that are affecting its inhabitants. Environmental degradation is a consequence of the increase in large buildings (real estate boom), which reduces green space areas and causes a deficit of vegetation in the district. Additionally, there are high levels of air pollution due to car traffic, which has been accentuated by the lack of green areas in the area, which affects the environmental quality and the population's quality of life (1).
Additionally, the district doesn't have more free public areas where new green areas can be created. Due to these combined pressures, the local government has looked for alternatives, considering private areas, which have a high potential to implement green roofs and vertical gardens, which can contribute to face Climate Change as a mitigation strategy and improve the quality of life (1). The Green Roofs and Green Walls strategy is proposed to build citizen culture, nature appreciation, landscape, and ecosystems (2, 3). The aim is, therefore, to encourage the inhabitants of the district to progressively install green roofs and walls, employing an economic incentive in the taxes paid to maintain public green areas (4).
The programme is oriented to generate environmental benefits such as the reduction of air pollution, acoustic insulation, thermal comfort, and increase of green areas (m2) per inhabitant, and social benefits such as the improvement of the living conditions and health of the inhabitants of the district (1, 3), the promotion of social relations (1), the aesthetic improvement of the city, and the possibility of producing food for self-consumption, as there is support in the implementation of hydroponic systems in the green walls and roofs (1, 3). Its implementation focuses on new, under construction or existing residential, commercial, office or lodging buildings (3).
Additionally, the district doesn't have more free public areas where new green areas can be created. Due to these combined pressures, the local government has looked for alternatives, considering private areas, which have a high potential to implement green roofs and vertical gardens, which can contribute to face Climate Change as a mitigation strategy and improve the quality of life (1). The Green Roofs and Green Walls strategy is proposed to build citizen culture, nature appreciation, landscape, and ecosystems (2, 3). The aim is, therefore, to encourage the inhabitants of the district to progressively install green roofs and walls, employing an economic incentive in the taxes paid to maintain public green areas (4).
The programme is oriented to generate environmental benefits such as the reduction of air pollution, acoustic insulation, thermal comfort, and increase of green areas (m2) per inhabitant, and social benefits such as the improvement of the living conditions and health of the inhabitants of the district (1, 3), the promotion of social relations (1), the aesthetic improvement of the city, and the possibility of producing food for self-consumption, as there is support in the implementation of hydroponic systems in the green walls and roofs (1, 3). Its implementation focuses on new, under construction or existing residential, commercial, office or lodging buildings (3).
Martinican Marine Natural Park
The Martinican Marine Natural Park (MMNP) was established in 2018 to protect key marine habitats, including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and open waters. These areas are home to important species like sea turtles, dolphins, and tropical fish. The park’s conservation efforts focus on addressing threats from human activities such as pollution and overfishing. It also collaborates with ocean-related industries, such as tourism and fishing, by recommending, funding, or conducting research aimed at promoting more sustainable practices within the MMNP.
To support its work, the park operates a growing fleet of boats that raise public awareness, resolve conflicts, and enforce the protection of designated areas. The MMNP spans an area of 47,340 km², extending from Martinique's coast to the boundary of the French Exclusive Economic Zone. The park's management board, which includes diverse stakeholders, must be consulted for advice on development activities that impact the marine environment. Their goal is to balance competing interests within the region.
The park receives funding from the French Office for Biodiversity (OBF) to carry out initiatives that protect the marine environment, promote sustainability, and raise public awareness. Notable efforts include creating or restoring habitats for species such as sea turtles and sea urchins, managing invasive species like sargassum algae, restoring coral reefs, and training resource users such as whale-watching companies and diving clubs. Other initiatives include reducing plastic pollution through clean-ups, supporting sustainable fishing practices (e.g., artisanal coastal fishing), installing eco-friendly moorings, funding Marine Educational Areas (MEAs), and sponsoring cultural events that promote marine conservation (Ref 1; 2; 3).
To support its work, the park operates a growing fleet of boats that raise public awareness, resolve conflicts, and enforce the protection of designated areas. The MMNP spans an area of 47,340 km², extending from Martinique's coast to the boundary of the French Exclusive Economic Zone. The park's management board, which includes diverse stakeholders, must be consulted for advice on development activities that impact the marine environment. Their goal is to balance competing interests within the region.
The park receives funding from the French Office for Biodiversity (OBF) to carry out initiatives that protect the marine environment, promote sustainability, and raise public awareness. Notable efforts include creating or restoring habitats for species such as sea turtles and sea urchins, managing invasive species like sargassum algae, restoring coral reefs, and training resource users such as whale-watching companies and diving clubs. Other initiatives include reducing plastic pollution through clean-ups, supporting sustainable fishing practices (e.g., artisanal coastal fishing), installing eco-friendly moorings, funding Marine Educational Areas (MEAs), and sponsoring cultural events that promote marine conservation (Ref 1; 2; 3).
Independencia's Green Belt
The Cinturón Verde de Independencia initiative is a pilot intervention that seeks to plant an urban forest in the lower middle-class district of Independencia (1) in the northern part of the urban territory (3). Here, 19% of the population lives in high-risk conditions, settled on steep slopes, and threatened by landslides (3).
It is part of a broader planning strategy that involves proposals engaging different levels of government (4). This project seeks to afforest the district's hillsides to improve the environment, reduce air pollution, improve the quality of life of its inhabitants, manage waste, regulate shade, control erosion, increase wild biodiversity, and provide spaces for environmental education (2). The Independence Green Belt is linked to a wide range of plans, projects, and decrees that have been developed by actors at different levels of government since 2016 (4). It works hand in hand with the EBA Lomas programme and seeks to create a green belt along the Lomas-city interface, which acts as a buffer zone for this sensitive ecosystem and creates a protective boundary against the expansion of irregular human settlements while providing a space for environmental awareness (2).
This program was developed by a consortium of multiple private, public, national, and international parties with strong community support (3). In two phases, an urban forest park of 4,800 of native trees irrigated with treated wastewater has been planted. During the first phase, PREDES planted 3,300 trees with USAID support in 2015, and another 1,500 were recently planted by PERIFERIA (consultants) (3).
The Independencia Green Belt occupies the hill areas of the district of the same name and relates to a possible metropolitan-scale buffer belt.
Its boundaries take advantage of the seven Sustainable Ecotourism Forest Parks (PFES) in the District Municipality of Independencia (MDI), as well as 115 hectares of the Amancaes Lomas (4). It aims to conserve 400 hectares (4).
It is part of a broader planning strategy that involves proposals engaging different levels of government (4). This project seeks to afforest the district's hillsides to improve the environment, reduce air pollution, improve the quality of life of its inhabitants, manage waste, regulate shade, control erosion, increase wild biodiversity, and provide spaces for environmental education (2). The Independence Green Belt is linked to a wide range of plans, projects, and decrees that have been developed by actors at different levels of government since 2016 (4). It works hand in hand with the EBA Lomas programme and seeks to create a green belt along the Lomas-city interface, which acts as a buffer zone for this sensitive ecosystem and creates a protective boundary against the expansion of irregular human settlements while providing a space for environmental awareness (2).
This program was developed by a consortium of multiple private, public, national, and international parties with strong community support (3). In two phases, an urban forest park of 4,800 of native trees irrigated with treated wastewater has been planted. During the first phase, PREDES planted 3,300 trees with USAID support in 2015, and another 1,500 were recently planted by PERIFERIA (consultants) (3).
The Independencia Green Belt occupies the hill areas of the district of the same name and relates to a possible metropolitan-scale buffer belt.
Its boundaries take advantage of the seven Sustainable Ecotourism Forest Parks (PFES) in the District Municipality of Independencia (MDI), as well as 115 hectares of the Amancaes Lomas (4). It aims to conserve 400 hectares (4).
The Orchards of the School
“The Orchards of the School” is a project led by Antibiotice S.A. through its foundation, "Știință și Suflet" (Science and Soul), which focuses on corporate social responsibility programs. Implemented between 2017 and 2019, employees volunteered to participate in planting orchards in the yards of several schools around the metropolitan area of Iași, including a special education school . The students assisted in planting the orchards and took responsibility for their management afterward.
The primary goal of the project was to instill respect for environmental protection, promote a healthy lifestyle, and cultivate civic spirit within the community among the younger generation. The local authorities prepared the yards for planting, while the Research and Development Station for Fruit Culture in Iași provided standardized methods for proper orchard cultivation.
By 2021 and 2022, the orchards were reported to be thriving and yielding their first fruits for the students (Ref. 1-9).
The primary goal of the project was to instill respect for environmental protection, promote a healthy lifestyle, and cultivate civic spirit within the community among the younger generation. The local authorities prepared the yards for planting, while the Research and Development Station for Fruit Culture in Iași provided standardized methods for proper orchard cultivation.
By 2021 and 2022, the orchards were reported to be thriving and yielding their first fruits for the students (Ref. 1-9).
