sus case collection - wikispaces case...germany - emscher park: from dereliction to scenic...

Swedish International Centre of Education for Sustainable Development

Högskolan på Gotland, Cramérgatan 3, S

SUS Case Collection

using an ecosystem service

This case collection is structured around

prominent in urban settings – that is

provisioning and climate change adaptati

ecosystem services are also included.

Each case is described briefly, along with a link to web pages with more information.

More useful cases that are tied to the TEEB (The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity) work can

be found at http://www.eea.europa.eu/teeb

The case collection was put together by Alexander Hellquist, SWEDESD

Contents

Collaborative learning ................................

USA - Utah (Salt Lake City) - Regional Planning through Community Participation: Learning from

Envision Utah ................................

USA - Mayors’ Asia-Pacific Environmental Summit Process (MAPES)

Philippines - SRA-MBN PLUS ( Social Reform Agenda

Localizing the Millennium Development Goals

Cuba - Strengthening of local capabilities for planning and Urban Environmental Management

Clean air ................................................................

Australia - Tree planting enhances urban life quality in Canberra

USA - Hunts Point Riverside Park Case History

Burundi - Rehabilitation of green spaces in Bujumbura : adjustment

Revolution Square. ................................


Högskolan på Gotland, Cramérgatan 3, S-621 67 Visby, Sweden

www.swedesd.se

SUS Case Collection – how cities have improved

using an ecosystem services approach

This case collection is structured around five categories of ecosystem services that are particularly

that is services related to clean air, clean water, recreation, food

hange adaptation. A few examples of collaborative learning around

ecosystem services are also included.


hat are tied to the TEEB (The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity) work can

http://www.eea.europa.eu/teeb.

The case collection was put together by Alexander Hellquist, SWEDESD, in 2011.

................................................................................................

Regional Planning through Community Participation: Learning from

................................................................................................................................

Pacific Environmental Summit Process (MAPES) ................................

MBN PLUS ( Social Reform Agenda- Minimum Basic Needs ): An Approach To

Localizing the Millennium Development Goals ................................................................

Strengthening of local capabilities for planning and Urban Environmental Management

................................................................................................

Tree planting enhances urban life quality in Canberra ................................

Hunts Point Riverside Park Case History ................................................................

Rehabilitation of green spaces in Bujumbura : adjustment of the Public Garden and the

................................................................................................


how cities have improved

approach

five categories of ecosystem services that are particularly

ean water, recreation, food

. A few examples of collaborative learning around


hat are tied to the TEEB (The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity) work can

............................................................. 5

Regional Planning through Community Participation: Learning from

....................................... 5

................................................. 5

Minimum Basic Needs ): An Approach To

................................................... 6

Strengthening of local capabilities for planning and Urban Environmental Management ..... 6

................................................... 8

...................................................... 8

................................................... 8

of the Public Garden and the

.............................................................. 8

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Recreation ............................................................................................................................................... 9

Japan – Green certification in Nagoya ................................................................................................ 9

Denmark - Pocket parks, a drop of urban green ................................................................................. 9

Brazil - The Green Capital .................................................................................................................... 9

USA - Converting vacant lots to greenery ......................................................................................... 10

Denmark - Past and present bring the lakeside to life ...................................................................... 10

Denmark - Rubbish tip transformed into an oasis............................................................................ 10

China - Coastal Ecological Greening Building Project in Rizhao City, Shandong Province ................ 11

South Africa - Cape Flats Nature ....................................................................................................... 11

Clean Water ........................................................................................................................................... 13

USA - Catskill mountains, New York .................................................................................................. 13

USA - California (Arcata) - Constructed Wetland: A Cost-Effective Alternative for Wastewater

Treatment .......................................................................................................................................... 13

Germany - Emscher Park: From dereliction to scenic landscapes .................................................... 13

Sweden - Tönnersjö ........................................................................................................................... 14

Australia - Salisbury, Adelaide: Storm water harvesting secures local jobs ...................................... 14

USA - Rhinebeck: Bringing buildings to life with the eco-machine ................................................... 14

Russia - Reconstruction, use and conservation of not-centralized drinking water supply sources on

the territory of Sverdlovsk region (“RODNIKI”) ................................................................................. 15

Philippines - Talisay Rivers for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (TREES) Project ........... 16

India - "Eco Governance" .................................................................................................................. 17

Ecuador - Management and service improvement model implementation for potable water in

Pedro Moncayo District ..................................................................................................................... 17

China - Project for Comprehensive Treatment of the Environment on both Sides of the Yellow River

in Lanzhou City, Gansu Province ....................................................................................................... 17

Cuba - Integrated strategy for the Environmental Recovery of the Bayamo River in their urban

spam .................................................................................................................................................. 18

China - Wetland Restoration and Protection of Jinghu Lake Urban Wetland Park, Shaoxing .......... 19

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Uruguay - Management and Control of Industrial Pollution Source in Montevideo ........................ 19

Food provisioning .................................................................................................................................. 20

USA - Green Guerillas: Revitalizing Urban Neigborhoods with Community Gardens (New York City)

........................................................................................................................................................... 20

UK - Todmorden: Vegetables are sprouting up among the flowerbeds in Todmorden ................... 20

Denmark - Future city: Vertical farming ............................................................................................ 21

Cuba - Havana: Feeding the city on urban agriculture ...................................................................... 21

USA - New York: Urban fish farms ..................................................................................................... 21

Tanzania - Dar Es Salaam: Feeding the sustainable city .................................................................... 21

Sweden - Gothenburg - Creating scenarios for sustainable food ..................................................... 22

UK - London: 2,012 vegetable gardens by 2012 ................................................................................ 22

South Africa - Johannesburg: Organic farming for everyone ............................................................ 22

USA - San Francisco’s farmers’ markets ............................................................................................ 22

Brazil - Título da Melhor Prática: Marine Culture Project, Conceição da Barra ................................ 23

Uruguay – Project of apicultura development .................................................................................. 23

USA - Garden Mosaics ....................................................................................................................... 24

Sweden - Green roofs in Malmö ....................................................................................................... 24

India - Ecological Restoration of Degraded Lands Through Biotechnological Approaches............... 25

Spain - LIFE Project Micovaldorba ..................................................................................................... 25

USA - New York: Organic rooftop garden .......................................................................................... 26

Philippines - The Duck Ranger - Rice Duck Systems to the Rescue ................................................... 26

Argentina - Program of Organic Vegetable Gardens at School ......................................................... 27

Colombia – Harvesting flavors ........................................................................................................... 28

Climate change adaptation ................................................................................................................... 29

China - Shanghu Lake Ecological Restoration Project ....................................................................... 29

Germany - Stuttgart: Cool city ........................................................................................................... 29

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UK - Upton: Drainage scheme makes for peace of mind in urban extension ................................... 29

Denmark - Copenhagen: Garden up high .......................................................................................... 30

Germany - Berlin: Water creates a vibrant cityscape........................................................................ 30

Netherlands - Enschede: Rainwater as a resource ............................................................................ 30

USA - Chicago: Green roofs cut energy bills ...................................................................................... 30

Haiti - UNEP marks International Day for Disaster Reduction .......................................................... 31

Laos - Flood protection Vientiane ..................................................................................................... 31

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Collaborative learning

USA - Utah (Salt Lake City) - Regional Planning through Community

Participation: Learning from Envision Utah

In the mid-1990s the Salt Lake City region, an area of 98 municipalities and 1.6 million inhabitants,

was on a course of urban sprawl. Then, in 1997, a public/private coalition known as Envision Utah

was formed, setting in motion a process that profoundly changed urban growth in the region.

Envision Utah’s story shows not only that urban growth can be turned in a healthier direction, it also

shows how to do it:

http://www.ecotippingpoints.org/our-stories/indepth/usa-envision-utah-regional-planning-

community-participation.html

USA - Mayors’ Asia-Pacific Environmental Summit Process (MAPES)

The Mayors’ Asia Pacific Environmental Summit Process (MAPES) is a best practice that supports the

proactive development and transference of other best practices. It is a multiyear capacity-building

program designed to improve public policy by raising awareness of urban leaders through the sharing

of knowledge on sustainable practices. It promotes and facilitates the exchange of successful urban

solutions and the formation of partnerships among city leaders, businesses, donor organizations,

NGOs, and other individuals and organizations concerned with the sustainable growth of the world’s

fastest-growing and most dynamic region. Its goal is to improve the quality of life in Asian cities by

assisting local political leaders in making personal and professional commitments that result in the

implementation of environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable programs.

In 1999 Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris and city administrator Ms. Lynette Char created MAPES with

the understanding that the future of the Asia-Pacific region will be shaped by its cities. The program

facilitates the development of effective partnerships between the public, private, and civic sectors of

cities throughout the region, laying a foundation for the spread of sustainable policies. Over the past

five years, MAPES has sparked a wide variety of sustainable urban initiatives – from the construction

of wastewater treatment facilities, expansion of water service coverage, rehabilitation of slum areas,

and improvement of river ecosystems, to reductions in vehicle emissions, recycling programs and

tree plantings.

The MAPES model encourages action on the part of mayors and other local government officials by

forging partnerships, cultivating leadership formation, and promoting knowledge transfer on

sustainable practices. It features an awards program recognizing excellence in sustainable programs,

and cultivates local leadership development through technical training and capacity building. MAPES

provides tangible progress in the form of Mayors’ Commitments that are recorded and reviewed for

possible replication in other cities. MAPES has also piloted a program of special advisors to work

with selected mayors in implementing their action plans.

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http://www.unhabitat.org/bestpractices/2004/mainview04.asp?BPID=2499

Philippines - SRA-MBN PLUS ( Social Reform Agenda- Minimum Basic

Needs ): An Approach To Localizing the Millennium Development Goals

The SRA-MBN PLUS is a holistic that makes use of development indicators to determine and analyze

the prevailing situation of the people in terms of economic poverty, their level of personal and

institutional capacities to respond to their situation and the current trends of the environment and

its impact on their lives. The use of development indicators give out clear picture of the unmet needs

of each of the families in the town thus are used as effective tools in describing the magnitude,

scope/extent and the urgency of the unmet needs.

The information derived from indicators and statistics helped to a great extent to map out poverty

situation, analyze the access and availability trends of basic services among families, and the

patterns of the environment and their interplay. The quality of local governance is remarkably

improved since with the use of development indicators, decision making of the local officials have

substantially been well directed. Despite a backdrop of scarcity of funds, its efforts in development

have become more purposive, responsive and effective. The consultative and participatory nature of

the processes afforded the duty providers and the service-claimants an avenue for more meaningful

interaction, cooperation and collaboration in achieving common goals and targets and in increasing

performance levels.

With updated indicators and statistics readily available, a desiring partner finds ease in firming up

partnership with the local government and finding the right fit to converge and complement in

development undertakings. Recently, the local government has reflected on the call of the United

Nations on the Millenneum Development Goals. After a deliberate matching of the MDG’s and the

appropriate local development indicators, this global concern is effectively mainstreamed in the on

going dynamics and improvement of the SRA-MBN . PLUS program:


Cuba - Strengthening of local capabilities for planning and Urban

Environmental Management

The project is developed with the intention of improving strategic, inter-sector, participative and

sustainable focuses in environmental urban management, implementing new methods and tools. For

this purpose, it was necessary to strengthen capabilities and municipal authorities’ leadership for the

urban environmental integral evaluation, to back up the local government to develop strategies of

urban sustainable development, to stimulate inter-sector synergies in consultation with local actors,

rendering particular attention to concrete impacts on living conditions in vulnerable

populations. Developing active participation and involvement, through population and local actors

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training in urban-environmental problems, sensitization on these themes, increasing the women role

in all the process.

The implementation of this initiative achieved the purpose to improve the quality, integrity, update,

evaluation, socialization and information sharing of the process of planning, management and urban

environmental evaluation of the city, in all the aspects discussed during the process.

The results are materialized in focuses, tools, methods and products that are proposed to be

extended to the whole city. From decentralized, participative, integrator, of management and

sustainable focuses, methods of situational analysis, of urban consultations, group work, policies,

monitoring, evaluation, structured training associations, alliances were used and generalization

utilizing creative, flexible and innovative styles. These made it easy to create capabilities for team

work, to forge consents, to negotiate, to make easy, to communicate, to execute, to document, to

mobilize human, financials and materials resources as well as utilizing the information in a better

way. The main products that have been obtained are: GEO Diagnostic Report for the city of Holguín,

Urban Pact among citizenship, the local government and the institutions, strategies and policies for

priority themes related to impact and communication at city level, small demonstrative projects (in

scale and financially), but wide-ranging to the vulnerable population, folders of projects, thesis (pre-

grade, post grade, master courses and doctorates) and investigations.


8

Clean air

Australia - Tree planting enhances urban life quality in Canberra

Local authorities in Canberra have planted 400,000 trees to regulate microclimate, reduce pollution

and thereby improve urban air quality, reduce energy costs for air conditioning as well as store and

sequester carbon. These benefits are expected to amount to some US$ 20-67 million over the period

2008-2012, in terms of the value generated or savings realized for the city (Brack 2002):

http://www.actpla.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/13913/Jane_Tarran_-

_Improving_Canberras_Sustainability.pdf

USA - Hunts Point Riverside Park Case History

The Hunts Point Riverside Park, was the first waterfront park of the South Bronx in 60 years and the

first step towards a greenway movement in the Bronx.

The project aims at creating waterfront access to South Bronx, providing a space for environmental

education and recreation, breaking psychological barriers, creating green job opportunities,

increasing natural areas along the river and restoring and improving water and air quality:

http://www.majoracartergroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/hpriverside.pdf

Burundi - Rehabilitation of green spaces in Bujumbura : adjustment of

the Public Garden and the Revolution Square.

The environmental project is dealing with the rehabilitation and adjustment of two green spaces in

Bujumbura : the Public Garden in the neighbourhood of Rohero and Revolution Square in front of the

Bank of the Burundian Republic.

Today, they are privileged spaces for relaxation and leisure, where the entire population of

Bujumbura can train, learn, have a walk and a rest. Vegetation implanted allows these places to be

more than just places of recreation but also part of the ambient air cleaning in a city where the fleet

is constantly growing. These areas also enhance the aesthetics of the city and represent an additional

attraction for visitors. The Public Garden is very attractive and attendance is very important.

Moreover, this project is helping to raise the conscience on the importance of green spaces. It

should encourage everyone to preserve them from the actual pressure of the real estate in

Bujumbura.:


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Recreation

Japan – Green certification in Nagoya

An example is the Japanese city of Nagoya, which lost more than 16 square kilometres of green space

between 1992 and 2005, and risks a continuing loss of its remaining Satoyama, Japan’s traditional

diverse agricultural landscape. Under a new system of tradable development rights implemented

from 2010 onwards, developers who wish to exceed existing limits on high-rise buildings will be able

to offset their impacts by buying and conserving Satoyama areas at risk of development. In addition,

incentives are offered to developers in Nagoya to provide more green space within their projects,

including discounts on bank loans for buildings that receive a higher ‘star rating’ based on a green

certification system designed by the city authorities (Hayashi and Nishimiya 2010). These schemes

are clearly in an early stage of development, however, there is ample experience with the use of

tradable permits to preserve open space and to contain urban sprawl available, e.g. in the US (Pruetz

2003) [N7]. Other cities will wish to evaluate their progress when making decisions about similar

instruments [L4].

Wetland Mitigation Banking in the United States was one of the first such systems to be established;

it has accumulated considerable experience and has been refined over time. Under this scheme,

developers are obliged to compensate for damage to wetlands, either directly or by purchasing

credits from third parties, based on the restoration of wetlands in the same watershed. Although the

approach is still evolving, the market for US wetland credits is currently estimated to be worth

between US$ 1.1 and 1.8 billion annually (Madsen et al. 2010).

http://www.eea.europa.eu/teeb/teeb/economic-incentives-for-green-initiatives

Denmark - Pocket parks, a drop of urban green

Green cities are on the rise. Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is one of the cities trying to

improve the urban environment and deal with the daily green needs and desires of its inhabitants.

One way of doing so is pocket parks: Open green spaces at a very small scale, often created on

vacant building lots or on irregular pieces of land:

http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/copenhagen-pocket-parks-a-drop-of-urban-green

Brazil - The Green Capital

The inhabitants of the megapolis of Curitiba in Brazil have 16 parks, 14 forests and more than 1000

green public spaces as their immediate neighbours. As a whole, the green urban areas in Curitiba are

among the largest in the world and every inhabitant of the city has approximately 52 m² of nature to

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romp about in. Brazil's green capital makes a tremendous effort to preserve the city's natural

environment and is regarded by many as one of the world's best examples of green urban planning:

http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/curitiba-the-green-capital

USA - Converting vacant lots to greenery Traditionally known more for its architecture, gritty industrial roots and gangster history, Chicago,

USA has lately been showing a greener side. In addition to its world-famous lakefront system and the

green-roof initiative, the city has recently been acquiring additional land to create more green

spaces.

http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/chicago-converting-vacant-lots-to-greenery

Denmark - Past and present bring the lakeside to life

Between Silkeborg, Ikast and Herning on the Jutland Peninsular, Bølling Sø (sø = lake) is a focal point

for the villages of Kragelund, Funder and Engesvang. For many years, the inhabitants were separated

by a large area of marshland, but thanks to the re-establishment of Denmark’s only lake on the

watershed, they have now been reunited. This was celebrated with the culture project ”Watershed –

traces, fuss and play”, which focuses on cultural heritage, ancient monuments and natural resources.

http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/ikast-past-and-present-bring-the-lakeside-to-life

Denmark - Rubbish tip transformed into an oasis

On the outskirts of northern Odense, Denmark, the island Stige Ø functioned until 1994 as the city's

rubbish tip. An architectural competition formed the basis for the transformation of the area and

today this man-made island is covered with a one-metre layer of clean soil. Extensive transformation

of the entire island has opened up for many leisure activities and outdoor experiences. The area is

open to nature lovers, joggers, associations, institutions and anyone who wants the experience this

special landscape close to Odense. Gas pipes, percolator wells and ditches are in evidence in some

places, however, bearing witness to the area's past as a waste tip.

http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/odense-rubbish-tip-transformed-into-an-oasis

11

China - Coastal Ecological Greening Building Project in Rizhao City,

Shandong Province

Coastal Ecological Greening Building Project in Rizhao City is situated at the eastern part of Rizhao

City along the coast of the Bohai Sea in the region of Asia and Pacific Ocean, covering an area of 7.6

square kilometres. The project is divided into 3 parts: World Sailing Championship Base, Wanpingkou

Ecological Square covering an area of 250, 000 square meters, and Lighthouse Square covering an

area of 489,000 square meters. On the basis of protecting the original coastal landscape belt and in

accordance with the requirements of �gmuch greening, garden-style, open and ecological�h, the

project was initiated in April, 2003. In 2006, the main bodies were completed and the whole project

was put into use in 2007. An ecological greening landscape has formed with an axis of �gcoastal

ecological green belt�h dotted by Lunan Seaside National Forest Park and Wanpingkou area as the

center. The features of a costal city with the image of �gblue sky, grassland, azure sea and golden

beach�h are increasingly remarkable, which create most dynamic business climate and human

habitat with complete functions, fine ecology and environment. It has become a well-known tourist

& relaxation scenic spots and race venue which can fully meet the requirements of all classes of

international level sailing regatta. 2005 International Europe Class Yachting World Championship,

2006 International 470 Class Yachting World Championship and 2007 China Water Games have been

held successfully in this venue. In 2006, this project was awarded China Human Habitat Award:


South Africa - Cape Flats Nature

Cape Flats Nature builds good practice in sustainable management of nature conservation areas in

the City of Cape Town in a way that benefits the surrounding communities, particularly townships

where incomes are low and living conditions poor. The project programme was designed in a

participatory process involving a wide range of stakeholders from these communities and

institutional partners.

The project has established a new cohort of urban conservation managers, trained and supported to

work in a people-centred way, and has built local leadership for conservation by working in

partnership with community structures, organisations and individuals. The project’s four pilot sites

are actively managed for the first time and publicised in community and mainstream media.

Conservation, education and awareness raising activities with community partners activities exposed

over 2000 Cape Flats youth to nature for the first time. Many more local residents have visited the

sites as an indirect result of project activities. Community groups lead clean-up campaigns at two

sites, the sites are all used as beautiful, safe spaces for recreation, and there is a medicinal and useful

plants garden at one site. Local businesses offer to contribute to the project. 96 jobs were generated

clearing alien vegetation.

12

Awareness-raising among City decision-makers facilitated the adoption of a Biodiversity Strategy.

Initial seed funding has attracted substantial international donor funds and increased City

operational and capital expenditure at project sites. The project is set to initiate a major private

sector fundraising drive.

Conservators from other sites in the City participate enthusiastically in project activities to learn the

project’s approach. Cape Flats Nature’s work is shared widely within the national and international

conservation community and more broadly. It is being replicated in the other major urban centre in

the Cape Floristic Region.


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Clean Water

USA - Catskill mountains, New York

In 1996, New York City invested between $1 billion and $1.5 billion in natural capital, in the

expectation of producing cost savings of $6 billion–$8 billion over 10 years, giving an internal rate of

return of 90–170% in a payback period of 4–7 years. This return is an order of magnitude higher than

is usually available, particularly on relatively risk-free investments. How did this come about? New

York’s water comes from a watershed in the Catskill mountains. Until recently, water purification

processes by root systems and soil microorganisms, together with filtration and sedimentation

during its flow through the soil, were sufficient to cleanse the water to the standards required by the

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). But sewage, fertilizer and pesticides in the soil reduced

the efficacy of this process to the point where New York’s water no longer met EPA standards. The

city was faced with the choice of restoring the integrity of the Catskill ecosystems or of building a

filtration plant at a capital cost of $6 billion–$8 billion, plus running costs of the order of $300 million

annually. In other words, New York had to invest in natural capital or in physical capital. Which was

more attractive?

http://assets.panda.org/downloads/pesnewyorkappetlon.pdf

USA - California (Arcata) - Constructed Wetland: A Cost-Effective

Alternative for Wastewater Treatment

The city of Arcata, California was faced with a dilemma: Buy into an expensive regional sewage

processing plant to bring their wastewater discharge into Humboldt Bay up to water quality

standards, or come up with an acceptable alternative. They embarked on a pioneering journey, using

wastewater to create and nourish a wetland where a logging pond and city dump had once been. The

wetland provides prime wildlife habitat and recreation for the community at the same time it purifies

the water.

http://ecotippingpoints.org/our-stories/indepth/usa-california-arcata-constructed-wetland-

wastewater.html

Germany - Emscher Park: From dereliction to scenic landscapes

Once one of the most polluted and environmentally devastated regions of the world, the Ruhr

district has been reborn. With the "International Building Exhibition (IBA) at Emscher Park" initiated

in 1989, the run-down industrial landmarks of the region have been transformed to serve new

recreational uses while still preserving the area's rich history. The redevelopment has given the

region a greener image, created a more cohesive community and maintained the area’s identity.

14

http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/emscher-park-from-dereliction-to-scenic-

landscapes

Sweden - Tönnersjö

By running nutrient-rich wastewater from the Tönnersjö sewage treatment plant to the local plant

nursery, the Municipality of Halmstad in Sweden has reduced nutrient emissions by around 20 kg

phosphorus and 100 kg nitrogen annually. The nursery’s need for commercial fertiliser and irrigation

water has also decreased.

www.lip.halmstad.se

Australia - Salisbury, Adelaide: Storm water harvesting secures local

jobs

The state of South Australia is experiencing increasing seasonal droughts. The impact of decreasing

rainfall has made water supply costly to industrial production. To secure local jobs in the wool

industry, which is dependent on a high water supply, the city of Salisbury has invested in cost-

effective sustainable water solutions. This case focuses on storm water harvesting and the creation

of wetlands as a way to save both local jobs and the marine environment around Salisbury.

http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/salisbury-adelaide-storm-water-harvesting-

secures-local-jobs

USA - Rhinebeck: Bringing buildings to life with the eco-machine

The Omega Center for Sustainable Living in Rhinebeck of the US has been designed to achieve the

highest level of environmental performance possible to date. Incorporating the best of today’s

sustainable building technologies, notably the eco-machine wastewater treatment concept, the

building has been the first to be awarded the title of “Living Building” from the Cascadia Region

Green Building Council.

http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/rhinebeck-bringing-buildings-to-life-with-the-eco-

machine

15

Russia - Reconstruction, use and conservation of not-centralized

drinking water supply sources on the territory of Sverdlovsk region

(“RODNIKI”)

During the 5-year period of the project “RODNIKI” carrying out 1849 not-centralized drinking water

supply sources, including 552 springs, 1188 wells, 108 holes have been examined and constructed in

Sverdlovsk region. These figures exceed the planned ones (1500) 1,23 times more. The sanitary

protection zones 50-100 meters in a radius near every spring have been cleaned and planted with

trees. So, a lot of spots of ecological purity and order have been created on the territory of 600000

square metres in highly urbanized Sverdlovsk region.

As a result of this about 700000 people now are able to use and drink clean subsurface and

biologically full drinking water free of charge. According to information of Sverdlovsk region sanitary-

and-epidemiologic service the microbiological characteristics of water from not-centralized drinking

water supply sources have increased during these years by 17,5 %. So, in 2004 positive tendency in

population sickness rate decrease due to negative drinking water state was marked. Especially clear

it was seen in small settlements, where springs and wells are the only drinking water source.

Due to carrying out the project “RODNIKI” social and cultural life of our region inhabitants has been

made more active. 75 unique historically important springs with healing natural water have been

preserved and restored in our region. These springs are natural monuments, the beauty of our region

and the pride of our people. In small settlements the springs and wells are aesthetically beautifully

designed and they are the symbols of culture and beauty. Then subsequent architectural

improvement of villages caused great interest among inhabitants especially young people to the

hystory of aboriginal population of Ural, to mental, ethnic and cultural traditions of different national

communities (Mari, Tatar, Bashkir, Jewry, Russian and others).

A lot of new songs, poems, books, films and pictures de-voted to springs, to nature, about love to

native land have been created recently. In general, the project “RODNIKI” is unique not only for

Russia, but for the world community. It is a striking example of social partnership in solution of

ecological and social problems of the Ural region. All above mentioned results became possible and

achieved only due to operative interaction among Sverdlovsk region Goverment, municipal

authorities, profit-making organizations, public and youth associations, private persons and mass

media.

Of course, the main achieved result is that during 5-year pe-riod this national government project,

which was placed as a government work, secured a social order and found great support among the

population. It became public ecological and patriotic movement “RODNIKI”, uniting more that

130000 region in-habitants despite of their sex and nationality. It happened due to constant lighting

the results of our work in local, regional and federal press. 94 different mass media are permanent

partners of the project. All ideas and results of the work are constantly described by radio, on TV,

through the Internet. We also publish annual reports on carried out work, books, journals. We

demonstrate our achievements at interna-tional exhibitions “EQWATECH”, “Clean Water of Russia”,

at meetings and conferences “Rodniki” held annually.

16

We can give an optimistic forecast of the further develop-ment of the movement. The fact that many

youth public associa-tions, organizations and initiative groups take an active part in this movement

proves that. During 5 years the number of such structures have incresed ten times more and now

about 51000 people form 895 organizations.


Philippines - Talisay Rivers for Environmental and Economic

Sustainability (TREES) Project

The Talisay Rivers for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (TREES) Project is one of the sub-

projects under the Community-Based Resource Management Project (CBRMP), a Loan-Grant-Equity

mix, partly funded by the World Bank, the Department of Finance (DOF) as the Lead Agency and the

Municipality of Talisay, Province of Camarines Norte as the implementer.

Though this municipality is struggling from problems, largely attributed to degradation of river and

coastal ecosystem which resulted to low productivity and income, it possesses inherent attributes

whereby if tapped to the fullest, through a community-based resource management approach, will

provide its constituents with a better future . We have fertile lands, abundant water resources, good

roads and industrious constituents, thus, we have no doubt that we could gain economic prosperity.

Unfortunately however, the increasing level of soil erosion, denudation of coastal habitat and

increasing river pollution have put pressures to the current environmental condition.

This sub-project was conceived to address a major strategic problem that is - Degradation of Talisay

River and the Coastal Ecosystem. The Sub-Project TREES agenda therefore is to check the declining

condition of the river ecosystem and to provide the necessary alternative natural resource

management option. The major components of the Sub-Project (SP) are as follows :

A) Natural Resource Management;

B) Alternative Livelihood; and

C) Infrastructure Support

The highlight of this project is the Riverbank Stabilization Using Bio-Engineering which is an

innovative approach in riverbank protection wherein the design provides for a flexible system

through interlocking blocks bio-engineering design combining plants and concrete. The wall is

porous and allows water purification through the ground. The design allows plants to grow along the

walls that makes it flexible as it follows the movement of the earth without the danger of collapsing.

It can also withstand high water velocities and is very much cheaper than concrete and riprap.


17

India - "Eco Governance"

The effect of rapid urbanisation has degraded the city lakes. So far the progressive revival of these

lakes, the corporation has initiated the lake conservation programme. The aim of this programme is

to maintain ecological & economic significance and to make them as a hub of economic activity. This

initiative has resulted in systematic development of 15 lakes. Out of which 10 lakes are given to

B.O.T. operators for regular maintenance & beautification.

To improve the green cover of the city & restore mangroves plantation, more than 18,000

Mangroves were planted along the creek and tree plantation drive carried out on the amenity plots,

recreation grounds and along road sides. This Programme also includes the development of nature

park over 6.4 hect. area.


Ecuador - Management and service improvement model

implementation for potable water in Pedro Moncayo District

The project has produced the following results:

a) It has guaranteed the good quality potable water providing (muddiness = 5; bacteriology = 0

coliforms) to 100% of the citizens, 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, no interruptions since May

2005.

b) It has improved the administrative capacity, permitting to have an updated data base, an

effective collecting system and an important reduction of water loss.

c) The bills have been calculated adequately according to the consumption, guaranteeing the

development of the system.

d) The maintenance has been strengthened, both preventive and corrective of the conduction line,

to reduce water loss due to damages and filtrations.

e) The distribution net has been improved in Tabacundo (Head of District) due to the circuit

creation to obtain the adequate levels of pressure through a good hydraulic balance.

f) Due to the creation of a permanent fund by the Enterprise, a Reforestation Plan is being

implemented using native plants in the locations close to the project. This is so that the enterprise

can improve the ecosystems of these places, guaranteeing in this way the water provision.


China - Project for Comprehensive Treatment of the Environment on

both Sides of the Yellow River in Lanzhou City, Gansu Province

Yellow River is considered the mother river of the Chinese nation. We have made great efforts to

carry out the comprehensive treatment of the environment across the Yellow River, improve the

ecosystem and living conditions, upgrade the landscapes, improve the traffic systems and promote

18

the real estate development, tourism and economic growth so that the city could take a sustainable

development path. Through comprehensive treatment of the environment we have built a landscape

corridor along the Yellow River characterized by smooth traffic, green areas, distinctive cultural and

architectural features as well as a sound ecological environment. By so doing, we have given impetus

to the real estate development, trade, tourism and economic growth of the city. It is also conducive

to preventing the soil erosion and water pollution on the upper reaches of the Yellow River, reducing

discharge of waste gas and air pollution. All these measures have made the Yellow River, which runs

through the city center, more prominent as the axis of landscapes in the city and creatively displayed

its features as a riverside landscape.


Cuba - Integrated strategy for the Environmental Recovery of the

Bayamo River in their urban spam

The Bayamo River constitutes the most important natural resource in the city. At the beginning of

the project, the environmental degradation of the ecosystem characterized it: insalubrities of their

waters, solid waste discharges, inadequate practical agricultural, and extraction of materials in their

riverbanks for the construction. This motivated the concern and the population's attention and the

local authorities, with prevalence of a sectored vision; however it was decided the construction of a

public spa that generated polemic and at the same time it was catalytic of projects of environmental

rehabilitation.

Starting from the Urban Consultation of Agenda 21 Bayamo, 2003, where more than 200 people

ratified the priority of the topic, was conformed a Thematic Group to give decentralized technical

solutions and more economic, arisen of the analysis of local and community actors. The access to the

river of the urban residents has benefited for physical interventions, recovering the landscape with a

positive effect in the identity and the self-esteem of the bayameses.

In the achievement of a harmonic work, between the actors and involved key institutions, the Project

Agenda 21 Bayamo created institutional alliances, defining and approving the strategies, the

development of bankable specific projects; being negotiated new financing sources. The institutional

and citizen vision of the Bayamo River as a project and not as a problem, it propitiated the change of

more important focus, facilitating a detailed planning that already integrates existent small

initiatives.

The approval, for the local authorities in the Municipal and Provincial level, of the Integrated Strategy

for the environmental recovery of the river, favorable the strategic planning of the park, with eight

fundamental programs: agricultural forest, environmental reparation, development of investments,

social cultural development, economic development, communication, protection of the park and

environmental education and participation. The more recent analyses show an important decrease

of the contamination. http://www.unhabitat.org/bestpractices/2008/mainview04.asp?BPID=1976

19

China - Wetland Restoration and Protection of Jinghu Lake Urban

Wetland Park, Shaoxing

Located in the core area of Jinghu New District, Shaoxing, Jinghu Lake National Urban Wetland Park,

is a typical wetland of natural freshwater rivers and lakes with a total area of 15.63km2. In 2002,

Shaoxing Committee and City People's Government raised a concept of building a “green space in

Shaoxing City Center”, and took building Jinghu Lake New District and Wetland Park as the practice of

implementation of scientific development and implementation of the strategy of sustainable

development. Jinghu Lake Wetland has been effectively repaired, protected and developed through a

series of construction such as scientific planning, implementation of greening and reforestation,

removal and resettlement of inhabitants, ecological protection, wetland restoration and landscape

design, and now it has become a golden business card of Shaoxing ecological environment

construction.


Uruguay - Management and Control of Industrial Pollution Source in

Montevideo

Montevideo concentrates much of the industries and most service activities, as well as almost half

the population of Uruguay. Its water network consists primarily of creeks and rivers: Miguelete,

Carrasco and Las Piedras, and a major Bay ending at the “Rio de la Plata” river.

There was a high degree of contamination of water channels, originated primarily by the dumping of

domestic and industrial sewage and indiscriminate disposal of solid waste. The discharge of industrial

effluents in river branches carries a potentially toxic flow.

In this context, it was implemented a continuous Monitoring Program which incorporates the usual

tests being conducted in the effluent and watercourses (physico-chemical, bacteriological, etc..) and

bioassays for acute toxicity, and methodologies that assess potential genetic effect in living

organisms.


20

Food provisioning

USA - Green Guerillas: Revitalizing Urban Neigborhoods with

Community Gardens (New York City)

In the financial crisis of the 1970s, large sections of New York City were abandoned by landlords and

city officials. Residents revitalized their neighborhoods, reclaiming them from decay by turning

vacant lots into community gardens. More than 800 gardens tipped neighborhoods away from crime,

toward community action, better diets and cleaner environments. The gardens trained a generation

of activists and spawned other environmental projects, in New York and overseas.

The thirty-year saga of New York City’s community gardens shows how an EcoTipping Point can be an

effective tool for urban renewal, at a fraction of the typical cost. A garden can be more than just a

place to stop and smell the roses. Its spin-off effects can help to tip a neighborhood and an entire city

out of a cycle of squalor.

As garden activist Donald Loggins sums it up, “One person, at the right place at the right time, set a

whole bunch of stuff in motion.” The right time was 1973 and the right person was an artist named

Liz Christy. She had a studio near the corner of Bowery and East Houston, in the heart of

Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

http://ecotippingpoints.org/our-stories/indepth/usa-new-york-community-garden-urban-

renewal.html

UK - Todmorden: Vegetables are sprouting up among the flowerbeds in

Todmorden

In the small market town of Todmorden in West Yorkshire in the North of England, 280 km from

London, sprouting vegetables have taken over flower beds and green areas. Everywhere, in

graveyards and car parks, at the station, on roofs, even in disused rowing boats and wellington boots

school playgrounds, the 'Incredible Edible Todmorden' project has planted vegetables and fruit trees

and bushes. The aim of the project is to make sure that local foods are grown and eaten throughout

this provincial town. The town's companies, schools, farmers and the entire local community are

involved in this inspiring, expanding project.

http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/todmorden-vegetables-are-sprouting-up-among-

the-flowerbeds-in-todmorden

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Denmark - Future city: Vertical farming

Vertical farming is in city food production grown in high-rises. It represents the vision of future

sustainable food production, accommodating the prospect of a growing number of people living in

future cities. The idea of vertical farming is sustainable on several levels, both in terms of energy,

water, transport and waste but also in terms of organically produced food. The first vertical farming

project is still to be realized.

http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/future-city-vertical-farming

Cuba - Havana: Feeding the city on urban agriculture

Havana, Cuba, is a world leader in urban agriculture. After the collapse of the Soviet Bloc, food

production was decentralised from large mechanised state farms to urban cultivation systems. Today

more than 50 per cent of Havana’s fresh produce is grown within the city limits, using organic

compost and simple irrigation systems.

http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/havana-feeding-the-city-on-urban-agriculture

USA - New York: Urban fish farms

An increasing demand for fish for consumption creates a risk for over-fishing in the oceans all over

the world. Indoor fish farms can be an answer to this food crisis. A professor in biology in Brooklyn,

New York has developed a new type of indoor fish farms established in the city. With indoor fish

farms, it is possible to create a controlled environment that provides a healthier aquaculture.

http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/new-york-urban-fish-farms

Tanzania - Dar Es Salaam: Feeding the sustainable city

In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, rapid population growth in the 1980’s and 1990’s triggered a positive

attitude towards urban agriculture. The Sustainable Dar Es Salaam Project (SDP) was launched in

1993 to strengthen the municipal capacity to plan and manage the growth and development of the

city in close dialogue with the urban farmers. Read here how thorough research on urban agriculture

has kicked off a new strategic planning and management of Dar Es Salaam’s urban environment.

http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/dar-es-salaam-feeding-the-sustainable-city

22

Sweden - Gothenburg - Creating scenarios for sustainable food

Visions of future scenarios can be important tools for creating long-term strategies. In the project

Food Göteborg 2050, researchers and planners from Gothenburg developed scenarios for a

sustainable food production and supply chain by using a method called backcasting. The

visualisations developed in the scenarios have become part of the strategic planning of the

Gothenburg City and region.

http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/gothenburg-creating-scenarios-for-sustainable-

food

UK - London: 2,012 vegetable gardens by 2012

A sustainable food initiative called Capital Growth has been encouraging Londoners to turn derelict

land into vegetable gardens that will yield local, seasonal and organic food. Apart from offering

healthy, affordable produce and absorbing some CO2 emissions from London’s transportation

systems, these new thriving oases will make the city a greener, more pleasant place to live and will

bring local communities together around a common goal.

http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/london-2012-vegetable-gardens-by-2012

South Africa - Johannesburg: Organic farming for everyone

In Johannesburg, a practical knowledge base forms the hub for an effective education program about

healthy nutrition. The project draws in community members and empowers people to establish their

own organic gardens. The intent is to transform Johannesburg into a green city by encouraging

residents to recreate Johannesburg in a sustainable way.

http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/johannesburg-organic-farming-for-everyone

USA - San Francisco’s farmers’ markets

San Francisco’s farmers’ markets have become world-renowned, serving as a success story in the

sustainable food movement in the United States and beyond. Partnerships between the California

Department of Food and Agriculture, small-scale farmers, county and municipal governments, and

other organisations have made possible this more efficient, less wasteful, and fairer method of food

distribution.

http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/san-francisco-from-farm-to-fork

23

Brazil - Título da Melhor Prática: Marine Culture Project, Conceição da

Barra

Contribute to the diversification of the regional economy by implementing sustainable marineculture

activities, as a means of creating employment and income in Concepção da Barra, in the state of

Espíritu Santo, and conserving the biodiversity of marine ecosystems.

The Marineculture Project of Concepção da Barra allows for the inclusion of traditional coastal

families into the social context of the municipality, guaranteeing an improved quality of life for those

families benefitted. This project puts forward social responsible actions, and is remarkable for the

facility in which it is reproduced in other municipalities of the State and country.

After three years of the development of marineculture in Concepção de Barra the project is

considered a national success in the farming of native oysters. The entire life cycle of the oyster

occurs within the farming cycle, allowing for the repopulation of natural stores.

Seventeen families of fishermen are integrated into the project. The family is an integral part of the

activities, who participate in activities such as the cleaning, processing and commercialization of the

oyesters. The anual production is 110,000 oysters


Uruguay – Project of apicultura development

With this initiative we have the intention, in principle to give opportunity to the people of low

resources, first a to become qualified soon to take ahead a emprendimiento that can be complement

of another development which they are making, or that is perhaps the only opportunity that they

have to have one. In addition we aimed at being able to involve all the beekeepers of the environs so

that it is possible to be unified work criteria and that all can work within the norm demanded by the

authorities of our country. That they are all registered in JUNAGRA that is a dependency of the

Ministry of Cattle ranch Agriculture and Fishing in Uruguay. Organism that registers and controls the

development of the beekeeping in our country. We have a quality of production very required, by

which perfectly we can aspire to increase the entrance from currencies to our country with the

export of the product. We must maintain the indices of quality and the trustworthiness that we give

our clients, therefore is very important that we pruned to work with a trazabilidad that allows us to

immediately identify any problem that could appear in the production chain. The profits that we

have until the moment, after three years of arduous work are: to have identified a zone highly

depressed as far as jobs and this development we have been able to insert to many people in labor

means, besides to have been able a small investment to them to be able to install its apiaries. To

have been able to enable to than 80 people in beekeeping, salary more shared days of specialization

in inherent subjects to the beekeeping. To collaborate with the people of means where we

developed the project, doing of nexus to be able qualification to be developed to them in different

scopes, among other

things.http://www.unhabitat.org/bestpractices/2006/mainview04.asp?BPID=509

24

USA - Garden Mosaics

The purpose of Garden Mosaics is to create, implement, evaluate, and adapt or transfer to countries

around the world a community education program that integrates environmental and agricultural

science learning, intergenerational mentoring, multicultural understanding, and community action,

and thus addresses the goals of the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. Garden

Mosaics was originally developed for urban community garden settings in the US and Canada, where

many of the gardeners are immigrants or African-Americans with roots in the southern US. These

individuals have reclaimed vacant lots and created community-designed green spaces for education,

social and cultural gatherings, developing advocacy skills, and growing food for elderly, homeless,

and other city residents. Youth in Garden Mosaics learn from these urban gardeners about how

planting practices connect to culture, and share what they learn online. In 2005, we established

partnerships to adapt Garden Mosaics for township schools in South Africa, and began work in Spain,

Canada, and India. Through accessing our materials, educators in Greece and other countries also are

conducting Garden Mosaics programs. Youth in Garden Mosaics learn about plants and planting

practices, garden ecosystems, the role of community gardens in cities, and the importance of fresh

food. They also gain inquiry skills, apply newly acquired knowledge to conducting Action Projects to

benefit the gardens and community, and form positive, mutually beneficial relationships with elders.

Educators collaborating on this project have expanded their professional networks and gained

knowledge and skills related to program, curriculum, and youth development, teaching,

communication, multicultural urban gardening, and program transfer/adaptation. Scholarly works

based on this project have contributed to the literature on models for program transfer and

adaptation, gardening education, community gardening, participatory approaches to program

development, Participatory Action Research as an educational tool, university science outreach, and

citizen science.


Sweden - Green roofs in Malmö

Since 1998, Augustenborg has undergone a huge transformation from a ghetto-like residential area

with flood problems to one of Malmo’s most popular places to live. By taking advantage of site

features to improve local storm water management and by adding green roofs on many buildings,

the city’s earlier drawbacks have come to inspire very advantageous solutions. The result is a more

sustainable village with people who take care of their neighbourhood.

http://greenroof.se/default.asp?pid=69&sub=20

http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/augustenborg-green-roofs-and-storm-water-

channels

25

India - Ecological Restoration of Degraded Lands Through

Biotechnological Approaches

Bioremediation of mine spoil dumps is being conducted since 1989, which enabled restoration of

spoil productivity over 247 hectares of mine spoil dumps/derelict land and restoration of silted soil in

2004 at different locations in India. It is a biocompatible technology which involves isolation and

inoculation of site specific specialized nitrogen fixing strains of Bradyrhizobium and Azotobacter

species and nutrient mobilizing vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal spores of Glomus and Gigaspora

species in combination with industrial waste material available near the vicinity of mine site used as

organic amendments to ameliorate the mine spoil and encourage revegetation. Plant species of

ecological and economical importance were planted on mine spoil dumps using appropriate blends

of organic waste along with site specific biofertilizers.

Environmental benefits of IBA are restoration of microbial activity and biogeochemical cycles within a

short span of 18 months which otherwise takes 100-300 years. Improved survival of plants of high

timber value, in the range of 95-100% and higher growth rate was 7-9 folds in IBA treated plants as

compared to the control plantation (without IBA).

The foreseen impacts of IBA on the community and local environment are fast recovery of degraded

ecosystems, providing CO2 sinks, building fertile top soil, generating fuel, fiber, food, fodder and

medicines, gums and fruits. The bioremediation of silted soil using biotechnological route which

comprised of sand, inoculation with Blue Green Algae and nutrient mobilizing vesicular arbuscular

mycorrhizal spores of Glomus and Gigaspora species in combination with farm yard manure (FYM) as

an organic amendment increased the yield of paddy from 24 Q/ha to 36 Q/ha respectively. The

addition of ameliorative material to the silted soil improved the soil fertility and generates the source

of income for local farmers and their living environment. Thus, IBA is an appropriate technology

which has applicability in restoration of mining areas and wastelands with due modifications. IBA

provides a sandwich model for the generation of a renewable source of income for the local

population and for improvement in the environmental and ecological outlook of the mining industry.


Spain - LIFE Project Micovaldorba

This practice is located in the Valdorba district of Navarre, it began in 1990 and it still continues. It

intends to generate income in an unpopulated rural zone that is currently undergoing an adequate

demographic growth, create employment, and favour the training, especially of the unemployed at

risk of labour exclusion. It is based on the economic development of local entities through the

rational use of the environmental and patrimonial resources.

A sustainable system of management of mycological resources has been put into place which may be

reproduced in underdeveloped countries and depressed rural zones, and creates female

employment. It is also a project of eco-tourism and Plans to take advantage of natural resources.

26

A SIG of mycological resources in the district has been created and a norm for taking rational

advantage of mushrooms and truffles has been proposed.

In-home assistance to the elderly has been achieved, direct aid to nativity, creation of employment

for youths, women and for persons older than 45 years, and to form an assembly association of

leaders, rural agents, interested in the development of Valdorba and its local representatives.

Facilitation of access to housing is being worked on as well as the rehabilitation of singular buildings.

Public transport is being fomented and access of women to work (inter-municipal public day-care

centre) and improvements in professional training is being sought.

Politically distant City Councils have been able to unite to hold four fairs (reproduced in other rural

zones in Spain) on truffles, along with other joint base and tourism service initiatives. This practice

unites them in a common project: a supra-municipal administrative centre recovering a historical-

monumental ensemble.

Neighbours have carried out spontaneous groupings to support specific actions, such as the valuation

of the patrimony or the attainment of fast and safe motorways without tolls.

A great experience in work dynamics has been achieved in group of all of the agents implicated in the

practice.


USA - New York: Organic rooftop garden

On the roof of a large industrial building in the Greenpoint district of Brooklyn, New York, carrots,

pumpkins and peas are growing out of a thick layer of soil. The Rooftop Farms project has

transformed a vacant flat factory roof into a small green oasis for local inhabitants, where they can

cultivate and harvest organic vegetables. Volunteers eat the vegetables themselves or sell them on

to other inhabitants and some restaurants at favourable prices. Urban gardens are not a new

phenomenon as such, but the scale, location and imagination used in this garden makes it

remarkable.

http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/new-york-organic-rooftop-garden

Philippines - The Duck Ranger - Rice Duck Systems to the Rescue

Mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) are raised in the Philippines for egg production in complete

confinement near bodies of water like Laguna Lake. This is to take advantage of the small snails

(Thiara spp.) found in the lakes as feed for ducks. However, due to over dredging and pollution, the

lake is dying out of snails. Hence, the duck farmers have to resort to the more expensive commercial

feeds .

27

On the other hand, there exist persistent problem of golden snail (Pomacea spp.) infestation in rice

producing areas. Such pest incurs tremendous damage of up to 60-90 % missing hills if left

uncontrolled. Thus, rice farming becomes dependent on chemical input molluscicide (e.g.

Bayluscide®) to kill the snails. In addition, farmers apply insecticide, herbicide and chemical fertilizer

consequently increasing the cost of rice production and posing real danger to the environment and

human health.

The idea is to grow/raise rice and ducks in the same piece of land. The ducks will range within the

confines of farmer’s field serving as biological control by feeding on the destructive golden snail

population. This practice reduces the need for molluscicide application by as much as 100 %. Also,

the ducks will feed on or drive away insect pests and either consume or trample the weeds resulting

to substantial reduction on the use of insecticide and herbicide. Moreover, the manure of ducks

together with the litter materials serves as organic fertilizer for rice and other crops and, hence,

resulting to considerable savings on the cost of inorganic fertilizer.

By applying the “integrated rice-duck calendar”, the paddy field becomes a good feeding ground for

ducks, bringing down the feed cost to the minimum. The rice field provides the natural aquatic

habitat for the waterfowl, and as such, opportunities for additional livelihood is made available

without sacrificing human health and the environment’s as well.


Argentina - Program of Organic Vegetable Gardens at School

Our Mission is to contribute to the sustainable social development of the community, taking personal

development as a starting point, through formal and non formal educational processes.

With this aim, we implemented the Program of Organic Vegetable Gardens at School whose

objective is to promote the improvement of the children’s quality of life, as well as their families´, in

very impoverished areas, and to contribute to improve their nutritional situation by implementing

organic vegetable gardens at public schools, as an educational and technological tool to achieve

sustainable social development.

We train children, teachers and parents in techniques for the development of “intensive organic

vegetable gardens”. The technology applied is valid as an appropriate and useful tool, inexpensive

and easy to implement, and it improves impoverished areas.

We promote the integration of curricular aspects of the formal program at school with the

experience of organic vegetable gardens, and we turn the Vegetable Garden into an educational tool.

We stimulate education within values (respect, solidarity, commitment, self esteem, teamwork,

cooperation, among others) with creative strategies and games.

Likewise, we promote the development of an enterprising culture in children, teachers and their

families, encouraging the protection of the environment, the development of production and

28

consumption practices with care, and the handling of the natural resources in a sustained and

appropriate way.

We believe the school is the key for local development, and the Program’s sustainability comes from

the fact that the school community captures the “know-how” in order to carry it out with

autonomy. Our aim is to recover the adults´ capacities and knowledge from an abilitating

perspective, involving the families and promoting the will to reproduce the model at home and

within the community.


Colombia – Harvesting flavors

For years, Afro-descendant women shell harvesters from the Pacific, as most of the communities

settled in ecosystems with great biodiversity and high ecological values, have seen how the

impossibility of articulating, in a worthy and fair manner, to commercial circuits, to culture, to the

domestic society and the globalized world, has led them to over exploit their mangrove and get

deeper into their marginalization. HARVESTING FLAVORS - ENJOYING VALUES is the proof that

integration between the urban World and the rural World can occur in an equitable manner and that

an aesthetic gesture, as cooking and serving a dish, can produce deep contact between a society and

its roots, question its appreciations about itself and begin to change its values.

HARVESTING FLAVORS - ENJOYING VALUES is a cultural Project that has been able to articulate three

points of view during the development of a restaurant with a contemporary Colombian menu: A shell

harvesting community’s decision to end with their marginalization through organization and

strengthening, Fundación Equilibrio, an NGO that has worked by their side to help them improve

their capacity to adjust to a globalized world in a fair manner and also to protect their ecosystem and

Mini-mal, the restaurant that buys their products and cooks dishes that have been adjusted to urban

taste, being nonetheless very surprising.

MINI-MAL Project’s position among the best restaurants in the country and Piangua women

harvesters’ acknowledgement for their undertaking, at a national level, has demonstrated to urban

public and rural producers that one can build businesses and productive chains based on nature’s

richness, cultural diversity and fair trade, which will achieve differentiation, positioning and

comparative advantages for the ventures; and can also improve their quality of life, social

projections, cultural visibility and achieve a fair articulation between the globalized world and rural

producing communities. Some restaurants which include Colombian food, other producing

communities and several NGOs dedicated to preserve culture and nature’s diversity have joined this

initiative as sponsors and financers of the projects formulated jointly and which aim to sustain the

whole process.


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Climate change adaptation

China - Shanghu Lake Ecological Restoration Project

Changshu, located in the southeast of Jiangsu Province and in the Yangtse River delta, boasts a

natural lake named Shanghu Lake with a water surface area of 800 hectares and a wetland area of

over 1000 hectares. On the north of the lake stands a verdant hill named Yushan State Forest Park

whose forest area covers 1500 hectares.

Since ancient times, Shanghu Lake has been an area of wetlands. In 1969, the administration of the

urban area decided to produce more grain, so the lake was dried and land was reclaimed from the

lake where a farm was finally set up. From then on, lake wetlands disappeared. The hill and the lake

were ecologically off their balance, resulting in many harmful consequences, such as arid climate,

withered plants, insect pests and so on.

Facing the punishment inflicted on them by nature, people became aware of what they had done. In

1984, the municipal government decided that Shanghu Lake should retain water again. At the same

time, scientific plans were made to restore the lake areas and forest wetland parks were constructed.

After 20 years of careful protection and construction, the ecological function of Shanghu Lake has

been completely restored. The lake has become an ecological area for scenery as well as for tourism

where one can enjoy gardens with hills and waters, sighting and water sports. That’s why Shanghu

Lake is called the model of the ecological restoration.


Germany - Stuttgart: Cool city

Stuttgart’s climate planning strategy is seen as one of the best examples of heat island management

in the world. Stuttgart has been planned not only to respect and protect nature, but to exploit how

natural wind patterns and dense vegetation can actively help the city to reduce its problems of

overheating and air-pollution. At night, clean air sweeps down from the surrounding hills and runs

through a series of ‘ventilation-corridors’ which have been kept open as wide, tree-flanked arteries

within the city’s street infrastructure.

http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/stuttgart-cool-city

UK - Upton: Drainage scheme makes for peace of mind in urban

extension

In Northampton in England, a landscape-based drainage scheme has helped achieve sustainable

urban development in an area previously plagued by flooding. The new community of Upton handles

30

rainwater at source by means of a system of ditches and green areas and focuses on vulnerable road

users and proximity to everyday necessities.

http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/upton-drainage-scheme-makes-for-peace-of-mind-

in-urban-extension

Denmark - Copenhagen: Garden up high Several times a day, harvested rainwater flows down the gable end of a block of flats in Vesterbro in

Copenhagen, helping to relieve the burden on the city's sewers and its groundwater. By means of

natural processes, a pond in front of the gable cleanses the water. The localised utilisation of

rainwater means that none of the water from the building encumbers the city sewers or the

municipal sewage treatment plant. A climate preservation initiative such as this vertical rainwater

garden is also a fine example of elevated green architecture.

http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/copenhagen-garden-up-high

Germany - Berlin: Water creates a vibrant cityscape

On Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, Germany, the aesthetic qualities of water have been exploited most

successfully – without wasting a single drop. The Urban Waterscape scheme combines rainwater

harvesting with a recreational cityscape and demonstrates how recycling rainwater can be of benefit

to the cities of the future affected by climate change. The idea is that rain falling on the square will

be used on the spot.

http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/berlin-water-creates-a-vibrant-cityscape

Netherlands - Enschede: Rainwater as a resource

In the wake of climate changes, more extreme weather situations will follow and flooded city

districts are one possible scenario. In Enschede, the Netherlands, landscape based stormwater

drainage has been an integral part of the planning and development of the housing district

Ruwenbos.

http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/enschede-rainwater-as-a-resource

USA - Chicago: Green roofs cut energy bills

Chicago, Illinois, USA, leads the way with green roofs cooling the city. In 2000, Mayor Richard M. Daly

initiated the construction of a green roof at City Hall. By 2008, more than 450 green roofs were either

31

in place or under construction in the city, making Chicago the number one green-roofed city in the

United States. Learn how green roofs can diminish urban heat islands, and lower heating and cooling

bills.

http://sustainablecities.dk/en/city-projects/cases/chicago-green-roofs-cut-energy-bills

Haiti - UNEP marks International Day for Disaster Reduction

With less than 2% tree cover and high rates of deforestation driven primarily by poverty, Haiti has

become extremely vulnerable to floods and landslides during heavy rainfall. Unfortunately, 2008 was

not a one-off event. In 2004 tropical storm Jeanne killed an estimated 3,000 people as a result of

mudslides and floods coming down exposed mountains. But these lessons are not confined to Haiti

alone; flash floods linked to forest degradation are a recurring experience in countries like the

Philippines and most recently Mexico and are stark reminders of how environmental degradation can

contribute to disaster statistics.

In the past decade alone, an estimated 2.5 million people globally were affected by natural hazards,

97% of whom were impacted by climate-related and hydro-meteorological disasters.

Greater recognition of the vital role of well-managed forests and watersheds in reducing the risks of

disasters will help make urban and rural populations more resilient to floods, landslides and other

natural hazards, was the theme of the high-level forum convened in Geneva, Switzerland today by

the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Partnership for Environment and

Disaster Risk Reduction (PEDRR) to mark the International Day for Disaster Reduction.

http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=649&ArticleID=6779&l=en

&t=long

Laos - Flood protection Vientiane

The value of conserving wetlands for flood protection in the city of Vientiane (Lao PDR) has been

estimated at just under US$ 5 million, based on the value of flood damages avoided (TEEBcase:

Wetlands reduce damages to infrastructure, LAO PDR).

http://www.eea.europa.eu/teeb/teeb/wetlands-reduce-damages-to-infrastructure