Islands of Biodiversity

The City Garden with Wild Plants and Flowers initiative aims to increase urban biodiversity, promote nature-based solutions in urban environments and support the work of landscape architect Mariya Hristova. The initiative focuses on creating small urban habitats with wild and native flowering plants that support pollinators, improve soil quality, and contribute to healthier urban ecosystems.

In October 2024, within the project “Islands of Biodiversity”, a 400 m² area with wild flowers was established in South Park – Part III in Sofia. The initiative was implemented in partnership with the Green System Directorate of Sofia Municipality, Municipal Enterprise “Parks and Gardens”, the University of Forestry (Landscape Architecture programme), ManEco Foundation, and the project authors, as part of the Academy for Visionaries of Sofia Municipality.

The initiative demonstrates how urban spaces can be transformed into biodiversity-friendly habitats that improve environmental quality while engaging citizens in sustainable urban development.

Creation of biodiversity islands with native and wild flowering plants in an urban public park area. The project involved preparing the soil, planting wildflower species suitable for the local climate, and engaging volunteers and citizens in the planting process.

Educational and awareness activities accompanied the implementation, inviting citizens to participate in creating a more sustainable urban environment. The initiative also connects with other circular actions implemented by ManEco, including community composting and urban environmental education.

The project established approximately 400 m² of wildflower habitat designed to support pollinators and urban biodiversity. The garden uses native and climate-adapted plant species that require limited irrigation and maintenance.

The planting design focuses on natural ecological patterns rather than ornamental landscaping, allowing plants to grow in mixed clusters that mimic natural ecosystems. This approach improves soil quality, supports insects and pollinators, and increases resilience to urban climate conditions.

The initiative is implemented in cooperation with landscape architecture experts and environmental organisations to ensure appropriate plant selection and ecological design.

Citizens were invited to participate in the creation of the biodiversity area through volunteer planting activities. The initiative involved students, volunteers, environmental organisations, and local residents.

Public communication and media reflection helped explain the importance of wild plants, pollinators, and biodiversity in urban environments. The project encourages citizens to take part in creating greener cities and to better understand the role of nature-based solutions in urban sustainability.

The initiative successfully created a 400 m² biodiversity area with wild plants and flowers, contributing to increased urban biodiversity and improved environmental awareness among local residents for the next two years in which new and new species of the planted flowers and plants will appear and grow reminding citizens of the wild nature and its importance.

The project supports pollinators such as bees and butterflies, improves soil quality, and demonstrates practical nature-based solutions for urban areas. It also strengthened cooperation between civil society organisations, academic institutions, municipal authorities, and citizens.

One of the challenges was introducing biodiversity-friendly landscapes in urban areas where traditional expectations often favour highly managed green spaces. Public awareness and educational communication were essential to explain the ecological benefits of wildflower habitats.

Another challenge was coordinating multiple partners and volunteers during the planting phase. However, the collaboration between the landscape architect, municipal institutions, universities, volunteers and civil society organisations proved to be a strong model for implementing nature-based solutions in urban environments.

This activity was a project based one initiated by Mariya Hristova who as participant to the Academy of Visionaries and supported by mentorship from ManEco foundation dedicated her project funding and time to make the idea reality.

Cities should support biodiversity-friendly urban landscapes that use native plant species and require minimal maintenance. Small biodiversity islands can significantly improve ecological connectivity in urban areas and provide habitat for pollinators.

Cooperation between municipalities, universities, civil society organisations, and citizens is key to successfully implementing such initiatives. Public participation and educational activities help ensure long-term support and understanding of the ecological value of these spaces.