Biodiversity protection in Milan, Italy

In Milan’s Giambellino 129 Park a bird garden, semi-wild fruit trees, and a wildflower garden were co-designed and implemented with the local community to attract butterflies and natural pollinators. Do-it-yourself kits with information about local bird and butterfly species as well as packets with native plant seeds were distributed to further engage residents with urban biodiversity.

Ecological restoration in Campinas, Brazil

In the Metropolitan Region of Campinas ecologically relevant areas have been fragmented by industrial activity and urbanisation. To counteract this, linear parks have been identified and partly implemented to reconnect the natural areas and reverse habitat loss.

UbN webinar for Campinas

Social cohesion in Hamburg, Germany

In Hamburg’s highly diverse Neugraben-Fischbek district NbS were used to bring together people of all walks of life. Examples include the construction of raised beds with and for residents of the local refugee camp and a multi-generational planting activity to turn a monocultural lawn into a small ecological biotope.

Health and well-being in Zagreb, Croatia

In Zagreb NbS were leveraged to benefit children and adults with disabilities. A therapeutic garden, co-designed by landscape designers and therapists, was built to provide access to green space for gardening, social interaction and relaxation. Multiple institutions utilise the garden, and external parties can arrange visits. The aim is to reduce disability stigma alongside providing therapeutic benefits.

UbN webinar for Zagreb

Skill development in London, UK

In Thamesmead, London, NbS were combined with skill development opportunities for local people. As part of the community researcher programme, four residents were recruited, trained and paid for their time to bring better insight into the lived experiences of those in Thamesmead, and support gathering real time observation data on issues such as flooding. Thanks to the programme, they acquired skills in research design and data collection, hence making them more competitive in the job market. 

Development of economic sectors in Tianjin, China 

Tianjin Eco-City is built on 2.6 km2 of rehabilitated coastal wastewater ponds. Blue-green infrastructure measures were implemented throughout the city to ensure connectivity among the newly established and pre-existing core business centres and to enhance the attractiveness of the area for prospective investors and business owners.

UbN webinar for Tianjin