Multifunctional approach in ecosystem-centred urban planning and urban living labs in landscape conservation

Ternell, Anna and Lagerqvist, Bosse and Nilsson, Anders M. and Sagastuy Klie, Mauricio and Berg, Martin and Pedersen, Martin Andre-Bae and Lasocki, Maciej and Kreidlmayer, Márta and Oláh, Csaba and Szekér, Zoltán and Némethy, Sándor (2024) Multifunctional approach in ecosystem-centred urban planning and urban living labs in landscape conservation. ECOCYCLES, 10 (2). pp. 114-127. ISSN 2416-2140

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Abstract

Landscape conservation requires the system-level understanding of the natural world and the human environment, making a paradigm shift in three levels: shift in geographic scale where site specific arbitrary boundaries are abandoned to maintain biodiversity and climate resilience, shift in perspectives to define the landscape as a whole with all types of land uses, habitats, urban and rural areas in an integrative manner, and shift in the conservation process based on collaborative governance structures and community participation. In urban areas with mainly grey infrastructures and very limited green areas the ecosystems are deficient, since natural producers and decomposers are missing, reduced, or altered. Thus, introducing the concepts of multifunctionality in land use and urban agriculture are vital for sustainable and re-silient circular economies. A new urban metabolism model has been developed to serve as a tool for urban planning, taking into consideration all relevant processes of land use and changes in land use, production, consumption, energy systems, material and energy flows, waste management, use of natural resources, and recycling to enable urban planners to identify the core areas of green infrastructure planning and nature-based solutions. This study investigates the integration of ecosystem-centred urban planning and multifunctional land use into landscape conservation strategies to foster sustainable and resilient urban environments. The research addresses the gap in existing literature by providing a novel urban metabolism model that synthesizes ecological and urban planning principles. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines a comprehensive literature review, case study analysis from various European cities, and the development of a conceptual framework and an urban metabolism model. The results demonstrate how urban agriculture and ecosystem-centred planning can be effectively utilized to enhance landscape conservation and urban sustainability. Key findings include the identification of practical strategies for implementing nature-based solutions, such as Urban Living Labs, and policy recommendations to facilitate the integration of ecosystem services into urban planning. The study highlights the critical role of urban agriculture in promoting biodiversity, enhancing local food security, and reducing the environmental footprint of cities. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of developing collaborative governance structures and community participation. The urban metabolism model proposed in this study offers a robust tool for urban planners and policymakers, enabling a system-level understanding of material and energy flows within urban ecosystems.

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