This initiative was established in the context of Jerusalem`s Local Action for Biodiversity legacy project for the International Decade of Biodiversity. The main goal is to protect the rapidly declining native mountain gazelle population in an urban nature park, combining wildlife conservation, local recreation and education.
Gazelle Valley, the foremost urban nature site in Israel, opened to the public in 2015 after a decade-long public campaign to save the inner-city greenspace from development. It replicates natural habitat. The main purpose of the initiative is adapting the park by means of:
Maintaining a breeding population of mountain gazelles (Gazella gazella) in the park, in order to reintroduce members of this endangered species into the wild;
Creating a functioning urban ecosystem and promoting biodiversity, both flora – the park has over 500 species of plant life, many of which were reintroduced in an effort to recreate the original flora that existed in the Jerusalem hills prior to the 20th century – and fauna, with a variety of arthropods, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals, as well as over 170 species of migratory and resident birds; the park is also a Greek tortoise shelter, receiving tortoises that have been in domestic environments;
Raising civil awareness of the importance of natural ecosystems through specific events and providing facilities for social gathering in urban nature (picnic spots and outdoor classrooms), which is particularly important in 2020; it is conceptualised as a social hub;
Enabling the whole park to act as a run-off water filter collecting rainwater from dry river valleys, with an extensive meadow at the lowest point to allow the collected water to seep into the aquifer;
Maintaining an innovative water circulation system that connects a series of ponds with the main lake., so that collected rainwater is pumped back upstream and is recirculated through the valley. The water is ecologically cleansed by plants to make it safe.
In view of these specific actions, the ecosystem services approach appears to be the main driver, but climate change adaptation is also a factor, specifically in terms of the water management system designed for the park. Finally, social interaction and education activities are very much a part of the key goals, devoted primarily to increasing awareness of biodiversity, wildlife protection, climate change and ecosystem management.
ON-GOING
Documents
Jerusalem Gazelle Valley Park website:
https://www.gazelle-valley.com/ https://www.gazelle-valley.com/eng/
Jerusalem Gazelle Valley Park Conservation Program 282–283, Climate Change and Cities: Second Assessment Report of the Urban Climate Change Research Network
https://uccrn.ei.columbia.edu/arc3.2 Original Gazelle Valley master plan (Hebrew)
https://www.gazelle-valley.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/%D7%AA%D7%9B%D7%A0%D7%99%D7
%AA-%D7%90%D7%91-%D7%A2%D7%9E%D7%A7-%D7%94%D7%A6%D7%91%D7%90%D7%99%D7%9D-%D7%99%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%A9%D7%9C%D7%99%D7%9D-%D7%9C%D7%90%D7%AA%D7%A8.pdf Gazelle Valley bird ringing constant effort site (CES) scheme 2012–2020 result summary (Hebrew)
https://www.gazelle-valley.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CES-%D7%91%D7%A2%D7%9E%D7%A7-%D7%94%D7%
A6%D7%91%D7%90%D7%99%D7%9D-%D7%9E%D7%A0%D7%99%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%AA-080920.pdf Mountain Gazelle raw population data – Gazelle Valley urban nature park
https://www.gazelle-valley.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Mountain-Gazelle-raw-population-data-Gazelle-Valley-urban-nature-park.pdf
Full flora and fauna list – Gazelle Valley urban nature park
https://www.gazelle-valley.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/flora-and-fauna-gazelle-valley.pdf Mammal biodiversity survey along Jerusalem’s main corridor of urban nature
https://www.gazelle-valley.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/FootprintProject_1.docx The Gazelle Valley amphibian survey
https://www.gazelle-valley.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AmphibianProject_1.docx
© IMAGE SOURCE: https://www.gazelle-valley.com/ https://www.gazelle-valle
CRITERIA
1. NbS effectively address societal challenges
INDICATORS DESCRIPTION
1.1 The most pressing societal challenges for rights holders and beneficiaries are prioritised
Biodiversity and the conservation of wildlife are key drivers of the intervention.
In this respect, creating a natural urban ecosystem is the main goal of the project. This specific goal is related to climate change and disaster risk, which was the ethos behind the water management system. Social development is part of the societal challenges addressed by the project, since it intends to provide a social hub for gathering and developing educational activities aligned with the goals of the park.
1.2 The societal challenges
addressed are clearly understood and documented
The park is an important resource for the adjacent densely populated neighbourhoods.
Volunteers of all ages and abilities make up the team who carry out most of the maintenance needs. The Park provides an important outdoor retreat from urban stress.
1.3 Human well-being outcomes arising from the NbS are identified, benchmarked and periodically assessed
Management of the park is routinely evaluated by the municipality of Jerusalem, which funds the entire project. The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) manages the Park and has to re-apply annually for its position and prove the site is being run to the satisfaction of the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
ISSUES ADDRESSED
Design at scale
City-wide / District / Urban acupuncture CRITERIA
2. Design of NbS is informed by scale
INDICATORS DESCRIPTION
2.1 Design of NbS recognises and responds to the interactions between the economy, society and ecosystems
No evidence.
2.2 Design of NbS is integrated with other complementary interventions and seeks synergies across sectors
The Park is managed jointly by the municipality of Jerusalem and the SPNI.
The park works in close cooperation with the Jerusalem Bird Observatory, within the SPNI community in Jerusalem. Tours, seminars and conventions are regularly held in the park, hosting companies and decision makers from across the country. The Gazelle Valley Park is leading several joint projects with organisations such as:
– Israel Nature and Parks Authority – participates in both the gazelle reintroduction programme and the shelter for displaced wild Greek tortoises operating in the park;
– Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) – two current research projects are in progress within the park, in close cooperation with the park’s personnel;
– Ramat Ha Nadiv nature park – takes part in the gazelle reintroduction programme as the first destination for the preliminary reintroduction attempts. Data and samples from the park are shared with researchers studying the mountain gazelles at Ramat Ha Nadiv;
– Several schools, both City run and private, including special education programmes, take part in regular weekly volunteering sessions;
– A national youth volunteering initiative of the Ministry of Education encourages high school students to fulfil a considerable number of hours volunteering.
2.3 Design of NbS incorporates risk identification and risk management beyond the intervention site
No evidence found during the evaluation.
ISSUES ADDRESSED
Societal challenges
Climate change / Food security / Water security / Disaster risk / Human health / Economic and social development
Biodiversity net-gain
CRITERIA
3. NbS result in net gain to biodiversity and ecosystem integrity
INDICATORS DESCRIPTION
3.1 NbS actions directly respond to evidence-based assessment of the current state of the ecosystem and prevailing drivers of degradation and loss
A comprehensive survey of flora and fauna was conducted before the Park’s formal establishment and influenced the infrastructure planning for the park and the botanic enrichment programme, which rehabilitates the site’s ecosystem and contributes to the conservation of endangered flora.
3.2 Clear and measurable biodiversity conservation outcomes are identified, benchmarked and periodically assessed
An ongoing CES bird-ringing research project has been taking place on site since 2012, in order to evaluate the effects achieved by the habitat rehabilitation efforts.
3.3 Monitoring includes periodic assessments of unintended adverse consequences for nature arising from the NbS
An amphibian survey performed by HUJI researchers was launched in order to assess the possible negative effects some interventions in the park had on two threatened amphibian species.
3.4 Opportunities to enhance ecosystem integrity and connectivity are identified and incorporated into the NbS strategy
Evaluations of the numbers and diversity of migratory birds is routinely carried out by staff and volunteers, alongside the data collected by the CES ringing research. These efforts are aimed at evaluating the growing diversity of breeding bird species on site, including the locally critically endangered ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca). Another research project aims at evaluating the dispersal of small to medium-sized mammals into the city’s urban nature sites from the surrounding mountains. Gazelle Valley nature park is one of the main sites this research will focus on.
ISSUES ADDRESSED
Economic feasibility
CRITERIA
4. NbS are economically viable
INDICATORS DESCRIPTION
4.1 The direct and indirect benefits and costs associated with the NbS, who pays and who benefits, are identified and documented
No evidence found during the evaluation – pending.
4.2 A cost-effectiveness study is provided to support the choice of NbS including the likely impact of any relevant regulations and subsidies
No evidence found during the evaluation.
4.3 The effectiveness of the NbS design is justified against available alternative solutions, taking into account any associated externalities
As mentioned in section 1.3, the current park administration appointed by the SPNI must reapply periodically in an open tender, and their performance is evaluated and compared to the offers made by competing organisations.
4.4 NbS design considers a portfolio of resourcing options such as market-based, public sector, voluntary commitments and actions to support regulatory compliance
Volunteers are an integral part of the management of the park, receiving the public, monitoring the wildlife and undertaking routine maintenance. During recent lockdown periods volunteers have been given special passes to allow the Park to continue to function.
ISSUES ADDRESSED
Inclusive governance
CRITERIA
5. NbS are based on inclusive, transparent and empowering governance processes
INDICATORS DESCRIPTION
5.1 A defined and fully agreed upon feedback and grievance resolution mechanism is available to all stakeholders before an NbS intervention can be initiated
No evidence found during the evaluation.
5.2 Participation is based on mutual respect and equality, regardless of gender, age or social status, and upholds the right of Indigenous Peoples to Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC)
All materials and signage are produced and published in three languages:
Hebrew, Arabic and English. Staff and volunteers of all abilities are encouraged to become part of the Gazelle Valley Community.
5.3 Stakeholders who are directly and indirectly affected by the NbS have been identified and involved in all processes of the NbS intervention
The Gazelle Valley Park was established in its current form following years of public participation in the planning process. A resident’s convention from the adjacent neighbourhoods gave the public the opportunity to voice their opinions and eventually vote for their preferred design for the park, which was subsequently implemented.
5.4 Decision-making processes document and respond to the rights and interests of all participating and affected stakeholders
There are detailed minutes in Hebrew of the planning processes for the park both in the Municipality and in Public Participation (available on request).
5.5 Where the scale of the NbS extends beyond jurisdictional boundaries, mechanisms are established to enable joint decision making by the stakeholders in those jurisdictions affected by the NbS
Not applicable.
ISSUES ADDRESSED
Balance trade-offs
CRITERIA
6. NbS equitably balance trade-offs between achievement of their primary goal(s) and the continued provision of multiple benefits
INDICATORS DESCRIPTION
6.1 The potential costs and benefits of associated trade-offs of the NbS intervention are explicitly acknowledged and inform safeguards and any appropriate corrective actions
The water run-off management was the driving force behind the support by the local water authority for the infrastructure of the Park. Since copious amounts of rainwater have been collected by the natural filtration systems, there has been no local flooding. Seasonal flooding of the area had been damaging to road infrastructure as well as personal property. This has now ceased because of NbS.
6.2 The rights to, usage of and access to land and resources, along with the responsibilities of different stakeholders are acknowledged and respected
The stakeholders in this case are acknowledged as the mountain gazelles.
Two-thirds of the park is set aside for their use only. The public may visit the other third but the defining line between the public and the wildlife is only a thin cord. This is a new concept to many of the visitors and is often a test of self-restraint.
6.3 Established safeguards are periodically reviewed to ensure that mutually agreed trade-off limits are respected and do not destabilise the entire NbS
No evidence found during the evaluation.
Adaptive management
CRITERIA
7. NbS are managed adaptively, based on evidence
INDICATORS DESCRIPTION
7.1 An NbS strategy is established and used as a basis for regular monitoring and evaluation of the intervention
The park staff and management apply established policies regarding the mountain gazelles, the water circulation system, and the botanic enrichment and endangered flora conservation programmes. Any intervention only takes place after considering its possible repercussions and with regard to crucial time periods for the ecosystem such as breeding periods, the dry and wet seasons, and the various annual cycles of the plantlife.
7.2 A monitoring and evaluation plan is developed and implemented throughout the intervention lifecycle
The main subject of the intervention – the local population of mountain gazelles – is being closely monitored by staff members employed for this sole purpose.
Varied tracking options are in use, and veterinary professionals, government officials and university researchers are included in the decision-making processes regarding the gazelles.
7.3 A framework for iterative learning that enables adaptive management is applied throughout the intervention lifecycle
No evidence found during the evaluation.
ISSUES ADDRESSED
Mainstreaming
CRITERIA
8. NbS are sustainable and mainstreamed within an appropriate jurisdictional context
INDICATORS DESCRIPTION
8.1 NbS design, implementation and lessons learnt are shared to trigger transformative change
The park’s master plan, as well as documents containing specific information about the flora and fauna, are publicly available on the park’s website.
8.2 NbS inform and enhance facilitating policy and regulation frameworks to support their uptake and mainstreaming
No evidence found during the evaluation.
8.3 Where relevant, NbS contribute to national and global targets for human well-being, climate change, biodiversity and human rights, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
The Gazelle Valley Urban Nature Park is used as a successful example of NbS for other projects both within Jerusalem and nationwide.
© IMAGE SOURCE: https://www.gazelle-valley.com/ https://www.gazelle-valley.com/
Malta. The Alter Aqua. Non-Conventional Water Resources Programme (NCWRP)
Malta is acknowledged as the water-poorest country in Europe. With limited freshwater resources, further depleted due to climate change impacts, a dense population and a rising water demand, the Maltese Islands suffer from water scarcity and heavily depend on desalination to tackle their water deficit. Responding to the need to bridge the gap between water demand and supply, along with promoting a new water culture, locally and nationally, the Alter Aqua Programme aims to advance the utilisation of non-conventional water resources, such as rain-, storm- and greywater, for secondary uses, as a sustainable, cost-effective way to enhance water availability and adapt to climate change. In parallel, it raises awareness among educational and technical community audiences, the authorities and the wider public, towards a more responsible attitude to water saving.
The Alter Aqua programme is an ongoing multi-stakeholder initiative started in 2011, designed and implemented by the Global Water Partnership – Mediterranean, in partnership with the Energy and Water Agency within the Ministry for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development, the Ministry for Gozo and the Eco-Gozo Project, as well as The Coca-Cola Foundation and General Soft Drinks Co. Ltd.
The programme was funded through a $1.4 million investment by the Coca-Cola Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company. The programme aimed at mobilising non-conventional water resources to increase water availability in a sustainable, cost-effective way and promote a new water culture, at both local and national level. In this framework, the programme has implemented significant green infrastructure works, including installation and reinstatement of non-conventional water resource systems such
as rainwater harvesting, stormwater management and greywater reuse systems in selected public buildings and areas. Through its practical actions the programme has positively impacted the lives of 65,000 people (around 15% of the population) in the Maltese Islands by collecting and reusing more than 19 million litres of water annually – equivalent to the monthly water consumption of over 1,000 families in Malta. Its applications to install greywater recycling systems and reinstate rainwater harvesting reservoirs have opened up new opportunities to collect rainwater for use in landscape irrigation and new forestation projects as well as green roof irrigation.
The programme included various awareness-raising campaigns and capacity building towards sustainable water use. The target groups for these actions were school students, teachers, local authorities, local technicians and national NGOs. The current phase (2019–2021) focuses on engaging college and university students and young professionals in studying and applying non-conventional water resources and nature based solutions for improved water management in the Maltese Islands. This could definitely represent a best practice example of sustainable water resource management in Mediterranean countries and regions.
FINALISED
Documents
Good Practice Example 21: The Alter Aqua - Non-Conventional Water Resources Programme in Malta.
www.gwpmed.org/NCWR
GRETA - “GReen infrastructure: Enhancing biodiversity and ecosysTem services for territoriAl development”- ESPON https://www.espon.eu/green-infrastructure
ReNature: Promoting research excellence in nature-based solutions for innovation, sustainable economic growth and human well-being in Malta. http://renature-project.eu/
© IMAGE SOURCE: https://www.gwp.org/globalassets/global/ncwr/ gwp_brochure_body_for_web.pdf
CRITERIA
1. NbS effectively address societal challenges
INDICATORS DESCRIPTION
1.1 The most pressing societal challenges for rights holders and beneficiaries are prioritised
Yes, the programme focused mainly on the following challenges:
Protecting biodiversity
Mitigating and/or adapting to climate change Promoting health and well-being
Enhancing the green economy Enhancing urban attractiveness.
1.2 The societal challenges
addressed are clearly understood and documented
Yes, there have been intense educational and awareness-raising campaigns.
Science in The City showcases the success of the Alter Aqua Project capacity-building and awareness-raising activities for:
– The local and regional councils of the Maltese Islands to enhance their capacity to manage non-conventional water resources;
– National NGOs;
– Youth and particularly tertiary education students and young professionals;
– The general public, to sensitise them to sustainable water use and the NCWR solutions that can be easily and cost-effectively applied at domestic and community level.
1.3 Human well-being outcomes arising from the NbS are identified, benchmarked and periodically assessed
No evidence found during the evaluation.
ISSUES ADDRESSED
Societal challenges
Climate change / Food security / Water security / Disaster risk / Human health / Economic and social development
© IMAGE SOURCE: https://www.gwp.org/globalassets/global/ncwr/gwp_brochur
ISSUES ADDRESSED
Design at scale
City-wide / District / Urban acupuncture CRITERIA
2. Design of NbS is informed by scale
INDICATORS DESCRIPTION
2.1 Design of NbS recognises and responds to the interactions between the economy, society and ecosystems
The programme has a holistic approach towards non-conventional water resources management, aiming to:
PROMOTE the use of non-conventional water resources, especially rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling, through demo applications, as a useful method for increasing local water availability and climate change adaptation;
CULTIVATE a new culture of sustainable water use and saving and the utilisation of non-conventional water resources among targeted stakeholders and the general public, through education, training, capacity building and awareness raising;
SHARE knowledge and experiences on non-conventional water resources management, as good practice with replication potential in further water-scarce areas.
The following works were completed during the first phase of the programme (2011–2013):
− Installation of 4 innovative rainwater harvesting systems in 4 public schools on the Island of Gozo. The rainwater collected is used for toilet flushing.
− Reinstatement of 5 existing rainwater harvesting systems in 3 schools and on the Experimental Farm. The rainwater collected is used for toilet flushing
− Reinstatement of 5 existing rainwater harvesting systems in 3 schools and on the Experimental Farm. The rainwater collected is used for toilet flushing