Greening the Bronx (USA)

Majora Carter, from the Bronx, New York, has created world-renowned initiative "Greening the Bronx" and helped change the self-image of young people within a decaying neighbourhood to one strongly associated with the sustainability agenda, green jobs, and social integration.

Carter created the first open-waterfront park in South Bronx in 60 years. She then she received $1.25 million in federal funds for a greenway along the waterfront, bringing pedestrian and bike paths, and space for mixed-use economic development. She was awarded a 2005 MacArthur "genius" grant, and served as executive director of Sustainable South Bronx for seven years, where she promoted both co-friendly practices (such as green and cool roofs) and, equally important, job training and green-related economic development for a vibrant neighborhood to emerge.

She has since formed the economic consulting and planning firm: the Majora Carter Group, to bring her pioneering approach to within the cities of New Orleans, Detroit and the small coastal towns of Northeastern North Carolina. The Majora Carter Group is putting the green economy and green economic tools to unlock the potential of every place: from urban cities and rural communities, to universities, government projects, businesses and corporations.