Urban Ecosystem Services IV

A special issue of Land (ISSN 2073-445X). This special issue belongs to the section "Urban Contexts and Urban-Rural Interactions".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2024) | Viewed by 10825

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
School of Architecture and Built Environment, Faculty of Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
Interests: urban ecosystem services and disservices; nature-based solutions; biophilic urbanism; urban ecology; green infrastructure; urban agriculture; urban green spaces and health; ecological landscape design; sustainable planning; cultural landscapes; landscape architecture
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce the Special Issue of Land on “Urban Ecosystem Services Ⅳ”.

Urbanization, population growth, and climate change have negative impacts on ecosystem services (ES) in cities. Assessing and estimating the losses of ES due to rapid urban expansion plays a significant role in sustainable urban development [4]. However, studies on the effects of urbanization on ES have shown inconsistent and sometimes contradictory results [1–3].

Modern compact cities have been identified as having a high density and mixed-use pattern. Their features are believed to contribute to a form of functional urban design that supports sustainability and restresses the importance of ES. Urban green space plays a vital role in urban design and has an impact on how compact cities have developed; thus, a scientific debate on the amount of greenery that individuals require and to what extent contemporary approaches address this has been triggered. Given the meaningful influence of socio-ecological systems in cities, future cities should integrate them in their urban planning, management, and governance [3,5].

As a continuation of the last Special Issue on “Urban Ecosystem Services III”, this Special Issue will still seek to explore innovative approaches for enhancing urban sustainability and ES in the face of increasing urbanization concerns. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Assessing natural capital and ecosystem services;
  • Compact cities;
  • Ecology in cities;
  • Ecosystem services, ecosystem disservices, and well-being;
  • Ecosystem service degradation;
  • Edible green infrastructure;
  • Green infrastructure;
  • Green space;
  • Green walls;
  • Healing garden design;
  • Landscape architecture and urban design;
  • Mapping and assessing ecosystem services;
  • Modelling ecosystem services;
  • Nature-based solutions;
  • Social-ecological systems;
  • Sustainable urbanism;
  • Urban agriculture;
  • Urban biodiversity and ecosystem services;
  • Urban biosphere reserve;
  • Urban ecosystems;
  • Urban forest;
  • Urban geography and development;
  • Urban–rural interface;
  • Urban sustainability.

References

  1. Wang, J.; Zhou, W.; Pickett, S.T.A.; Yu, W.; Li, W. A multiscale analysis of urbanization effects on ecosystem services supply in an urban megaregion. Total Environ.2019, 662, 824–833.
  2. Russo, A.; Cirella, G.T. Edible Green Infrastructure 4.0 for Food Security and Well-being: Campania Region, Italy. In International Guidelines on Urban and Territorial Planning. Compendium of Inspiring Practices: Health Edition; Quinlan, V., Ed.; UN Habitat, HS/080/18E: Nairobi, Kenya, 2018; p. 72.
  3. Russo, A.; Cirella, G.T. Modern Compact Cities: How Much Greenery Do We Need? J. Environ. Res. Public Health2018, 15, 2180.
  4. Das, M.; Das, A. Dynamics of Urbanization and its impact on Urban Ecosystem Services (UESs): A study of a medium size town of West Bengal, Eastern India. Urban Manag.2019, 1–15.
  5. Schewenius, M.; McPhearson, T.; Elmqvist, T. Opportunities for Increasing Resilience and Sustainability of Urban Social–Ecological Systems: Insights from the URBES and the Cities and Biodiversity Outlook Projects. Ambio2014, 43, 434–444.

Dr. Alessio Russo
Prof. Dr. Giuseppe T. Cirella
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • assessing natural capital and ecosystem services
  • compact cities
  • ecology in cities
  • ecosystem services, ecosystem disservices, and well-being
  • ecosystem service degradation
  • edible green infrastructure
  • green infrastructure
  • green space
  • green walls
  • healing garden design
  • landscape architecture and urban design
  • mapping and assessing ecosystem services
  • modelling ecosystem services
  • nature-based solutions
  • social-ecological systems
  • sustainable urbanism
  • urban agriculture
  • urban biodiversity and ecosystem services
  • urban biosphere reserve
  • urban ecosystems
  • urban forest
  • urban geography and development
  • urban–rural interface
  • urban sustainability

Related Special Issues

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 4283 KiB  
Article
The Ecological Potential of Poplars (Populus L.) for City Tree Planting and Management: A Preliminary Study of Central Poland (Warsaw) and Silesia (Chorzów)
by Jan Łukaszkiewicz, Andrzej Długoński, Beata Fortuna-Antoszkiewicz and Jitka Fialová
Land 2024, 13(5), 593; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050593 - 29 Apr 2024
Viewed by 220
Abstract
Urban environments face escalating challenges due to uncontrolled urbanization, rapid population growth, and climate changes, prompting the exploration of sustainable solutions for enhancing urban green spaces (UGSs). For this reason, poplars (Populus L.), due to their rapid growth, wide range adaptability to [...] Read more.
Urban environments face escalating challenges due to uncontrolled urbanization, rapid population growth, and climate changes, prompting the exploration of sustainable solutions for enhancing urban green spaces (UGSs). For this reason, poplars (Populus L.), due to their rapid growth, wide range adaptability to environmental conditions and versatility of use, have emerged as very promising. This comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge regarding poplar’s application in urban landscapes, emphasizing its multifaceted contributions and benefits. However, challenges arise from the variable lifespans of different poplar cultivars, necessitating strategic management approaches. Selecting cultivars based on growth rates, root system characteristics, and adaptability to urban conditions is pivotal. Adaptive replanting strategies, incorporating species with varying lifespans, offer solutions to maintain continual greenery in urban landscapes. Collaborative efforts between researchers, urban planners, and policymakers are essential for devising comprehensive strategies that maximize benefits while addressing challenges associated with their variable lifespans. In conclusion, harnessing poplar’s potential in urban greenery initiatives requires a balanced approach that capitalizes on their benefits while mitigating challenges. Further research and adaptive strategies are crucial for sustained and effective utilization to create resilient and vibrant urban landscapes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services IV)
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16 pages, 9599 KiB  
Article
Spatial and Temporal Changes in Supply and Demand for Ecosystem Services in Response to Urbanization: A Case Study in Vilnius, Lithuania
by Giedrius Dabašinskas and Gintarė Sujetovienė
Land 2024, 13(4), 454; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13040454 - 02 Apr 2024
Viewed by 490
Abstract
Intensification of urbanization is changing the supply capacities and demand levels of ecosystem services (ESs), and their mismatch has become a major problem for the sustainable development of urban areas. In this study, spatiotemporal changes of three ecosystem services (food provision, C sequestration, [...] Read more.
Intensification of urbanization is changing the supply capacities and demand levels of ecosystem services (ESs), and their mismatch has become a major problem for the sustainable development of urban areas. In this study, spatiotemporal changes of three ecosystem services (food provision, C sequestration, recreation) were quantified and imbalances between their supply and demand were identified in Vilnius County (Lithuania) in 2000–2020. The most significant land use transformation was the increase in forest and urbanized land at the expense of agricultural land. The lowest supply and the highest demand for food, carbon sequestration, and outdoor recreation were in the urban center. The urban land ratio had a negative impact on the provision of ecosystems’ services during the study period, most notably affecting food supply. Urbanization indicators—population density and urban land area—showed a negative relationship with the provision of ecosystem services. The balance of supply and demand changed during the 2000–2020 period—the growth of suburbs led to the distance of the supply areas from the city, and the area of the intense demand increased. The results of the study highlight the importance of spatial scale in determining the impact of urbanization on ecosystem functions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services IV)
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16 pages, 3571 KiB  
Article
Identifying the Optimal Area Threshold of Mapping Units for Cultural Ecosystem Services in a River Basin
by Ye Li, Junda Huang and Yuncai Wang
Land 2024, 13(3), 346; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030346 - 08 Mar 2024
Viewed by 702
Abstract
Mapping cultural ecosystem services (CES) in river basins is crucial for spatially identifying areas that merit conservation due to their significant CES contributions. However, precise quantification of the appropriate area of mapping units, which is the basis for CES assessment, is rare in [...] Read more.
Mapping cultural ecosystem services (CES) in river basins is crucial for spatially identifying areas that merit conservation due to their significant CES contributions. However, precise quantification of the appropriate area of mapping units, which is the basis for CES assessment, is rare in existing studies. In this study, the optimal area threshold of mapping units (OATMU) identification, consisting of a multi-dimensional indicator framework and a methodology for validation, was established to clarify the boundary and the appropriate area of the mapping units for CES. The multi-dimensional indicator framework included geo-hydrological indicator (GI), economic indicator (EI) and social management indicator (SMI). The OATMU for each indicator was determined by seeking the inflection point in the second-order derivative of the power function. The minimum value of the OATMU for each indicator was obtained as the OATMU for CES. Finally, the OATMU for CES was validated by comparing it with the area of administrative villages in the river basin. The results showed the OATMU for CES was 3.60 km2. This study adopted OATMU identification, with easy access to basic data and simplified calculation methods, to provide clear and generic technical support for optimizing CES mapping. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services IV)
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20 pages, 9134 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Spatial Characteristics Contributing to Urban Cold Air Flow
by Hyunsu Kim, Kyushik Oh and Ilsun Yoo
Land 2023, 12(12), 2165; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12122165 - 14 Dec 2023
Viewed by 821
Abstract
To mitigate the urban heat island phenomenon at night, cool, fresh air can be introduced into the city to circulate and dissipate the heat absorbed during the day, thereby reducing high urban air temperatures. In other words, cold air flow (CAF) generated by [...] Read more.
To mitigate the urban heat island phenomenon at night, cool, fresh air can be introduced into the city to circulate and dissipate the heat absorbed during the day, thereby reducing high urban air temperatures. In other words, cold air flow (CAF) generated by mountainous and green areas should be introduced to as wide an area as possible within the city. To this end, it is necessary to first understand the characteristics of urban spatial factors that impact CAF, and to conduct concrete and quantitative analyses of how these urban spatial characteristics are contributing to air temperature reduction. In this study, the following are conducted: (1) an analysis of the relationship between cold air volume flux (CAVF) and the amount of air temperature reduction; (2) urban spatial categorization; (3) an analysis of the relationship between CAVF and the amount of air temperature reduction by urban spatial type; (4) a regression analysis between the amount of air temperature reduction and urban spatial characteristic factors that affect CAF; and finally, (5) the use of CAF to reduce urban air temperatures in urban planning and a design is proposed. Urban space was categorized into nine types using the results of the tertile analysis of CAVF and urban temperature reduction. It was determined that building height (BH) has a positive (+) influence on all urban spatial types, while building area ratio (BA) has a negative (−) effect. However, in the case of wall area index (WAI), the direction of influence varied depending on the development density; relatively low BA areas should focus on development that increases height to increase WAI, while relatively high BA areas should focus on development that reduces BA to reduce WAI by targeting development types closer to the tower type. And even in areas with similar development density, influence varies depending on the terrain elevation. Moreover, it is necessary to prepare improvement measures to increase the factors with CAF that positively influence air temperature reduction and decrease those with negative influence according to the characteristics of urban spatial types. Such results quantitatively and specifically confirmed the effects of spatial factors that affect CAF by urban spatial type on air temperature reduction. The results of this study can be used as useful information for the efficient use of CAF, a major element of urban ecosystem services. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services IV)
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16 pages, 3810 KiB  
Article
Soil Dynamics in an Urban Forest and Its Contribution as an Ecosystem Service
by María de la Luz Espinosa Fuentes, Oscar Peralta, Rocío García, Eugenia González del Castillo, Rosa María Cerón Bretón, Julia Griselda Cerón Bretón, Eric Tun Camal and Faustino Zavala García
Land 2023, 12(12), 2098; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12122098 - 23 Nov 2023
Viewed by 883
Abstract
Forests embedded in an urban matrix are an important site to investigate the effects of multiple anthropogenic influences that can lead to the modification of biogeochemical cycles and, consequently, of the ecosystem services they provide. In this study, the main soil properties, exchangeable [...] Read more.
Forests embedded in an urban matrix are an important site to investigate the effects of multiple anthropogenic influences that can lead to the modification of biogeochemical cycles and, consequently, of the ecosystem services they provide. In this study, the main soil properties, exchangeable cations, and heavy metal concentrations were measured to assess soil quality and fertility, as well as soil carbon stock (SCS) and CO2 effluxes (Rs) at the Natural Protected Area Bosque de Tlalpan (BT). Four study zones were considered: strict protection zone (Z1), restricted use protection zone (Z2), extensive public use zone (Z3), and intensive public use zone (Z4) during three climatic seasons (rainy, dry-cold, and dry-warm seasons). The concentration of heavy metals in the BT soil showed that these elements are within the reference limits accepted by Mexican standards and are not considered toxic to the environment, except for mercury, which exceeded the standard with double the concentration. The results revealed significant variations in the SCS and soil organic matter (SOM) among the different sites. The highest mean values of SCS (3.01 ± 0.63 and 4.96 ± 0.19 kg m−2) and SOM (7.5 ± 1.01% and 8.7 ± 0.93%) were observed in areas of high protection and extensive public use. CO2 effluxes showed significant differences between sampling seasons, with fluxes being highest during the rainy season (3.14 ± 1.01 µmol∙m−2∙s−1). The results suggest that the level of conservation and effective management of the sites played an important role in the carbon storage capacity and in the physicochemical properties of the soil. This not only provided insights into the current state of an urban forest within a large urban area but also emphasized the significance of conserving such ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services IV)
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18 pages, 32507 KiB  
Article
Prediction of Urban Trees Planting Base on Guided Cellular Automata to Enhance the Connection of Green Infrastructure
by Yi Le and Sheng-Yang Huang
Land 2023, 12(8), 1479; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12081479 - 25 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1335
Abstract
Urbanization and climate change pose significant challenges to urban ecosystems, underscoring the necessity for innovative strategies to enhance urban green infrastructure. Tree planting, a crucial aspect of green infrastructure, has been analyzed for optimized positioning using data metrics, priority scoring, and GIS. However, [...] Read more.
Urbanization and climate change pose significant challenges to urban ecosystems, underscoring the necessity for innovative strategies to enhance urban green infrastructure. Tree planting, a crucial aspect of green infrastructure, has been analyzed for optimized positioning using data metrics, priority scoring, and GIS. However, due to the dynamic nature of environmental information, the accuracy of current approaches is compromised. This study aims to present a novel approach integrating deep learning and cellular automata to prioritize urban tree planting locations to anticipate the optimal urban tree network. Initially, GIS data were collated and visualized to identify a suitable study site within London. CycleGAN models were trained using cellular automata outputs and forest mycorrhizal network samples. The comparison validated cellular automata’s applicability, enabled observing spatial feature information in the outputs and guiding the parameter design of our 3D cellular automata system for predicting tree planting locations. The locations were optimized by simulating the network connectivity of urban trees after planting, following the spatial-behavioral pattern of the forest mycorrhizal network. The results highlight the role of robust tree networks in fostering ecological stability and cushioning climate change impacts in urban contexts. The proposed approach addresses existing methodological and practical limitations, providing innovative strategies for optimal tree planting and prioritization of urban green infrastructure, thereby informing sustainable urban planning and design. Our findings illustrate the symbiotic relationship between urban trees and future cities and offer insights into street tree density planning, optimizing the spatial distribution of trees within urban landscapes for sustainable urban development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services IV)
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27 pages, 39633 KiB  
Article
Natural Protected Areas within Cities: An International Legislative Comparison Focused on Romania
by Atena-Ioana Gârjoabă, Cerasella Crăciun and Alexandru-Ionut Petrisor
Land 2023, 12(7), 1279; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12071279 - 23 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1008
Abstract
Urbanization occurs now more rapidly than before, due to the development of compact cities or urban sprawl, threatening quasi-natural areas, especially those protected within/near built-up ones. Europe lacks laws dedicated to natural protected areas within built-up areas, which are subject to the same [...] Read more.
Urbanization occurs now more rapidly than before, due to the development of compact cities or urban sprawl, threatening quasi-natural areas, especially those protected within/near built-up ones. Europe lacks laws dedicated to natural protected areas within built-up areas, which are subject to the same provisions as natural protected ones, or a legislative vacuum. This research aimed to find the best planning approach for resiliently conserving and developing these areas and establishing grounds for a new tool used for planning the proximity of natural areas within cities. The methodology involved selecting two groups of countries, Nordic and eastern European, and treating these areas differently. The choice was based on specific political history. The study analyzed the legislative and planning framework and compared the approaches of 11 analyzed countries to pinpoint the basic aspects accounted for and applied to other European territories, in order to preserve the characteristics of urban morpho-typology and the particularities of local landscapes. The comparison results suggest solutions such as adopting specific regulations for urban protected areas and their adjacent zones through legal documents, completing/detailing environmental legislation in Nordic countries, adopting laws dedicated to protected natural areas within and/or close to built areas, and changing the approach to protecting natural areas with urban planning or land use tools. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services IV)
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16 pages, 16658 KiB  
Article
Assessing Relativeness in the Provision of Urban Ecosystem Services: Better Comparison Methods for Improved Well-Being
by Goran Krsnik, Sonia Reyes-Paecke, Keith M. Reynolds, Jordi Garcia-Gonzalo and José Ramón González Olabarria
Land 2023, 12(5), 1088; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051088 - 18 May 2023
Viewed by 1229
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated alternative methods for comparing the provision of ecosystem services among urban areas, stressing how the choice of comparison method affects the ability to compare the ecosystem service outcomes, in order to improve the management actions in urban green [...] Read more.
In this study, we evaluated alternative methods for comparing the provision of ecosystem services among urban areas, stressing how the choice of comparison method affects the ability to compare the ecosystem service outcomes, in order to improve the management actions in urban green areas, reduce environmental inequality, and ensure satisfactory levels of human well-being. For the analysis, ten spatial indicators were quantified to assess the provision of urban ecosystem services in Barcelona, Spain, and Santiago, Chile. Two comparison methods were applied in both cities to evaluate the differences in their provision scores. The analysis was performed using the Ecosystem Management Decision Support (EMDS) system, a spatially enabled decision support framework for environmental management. The results depicted changes in the values of the provision of ecosystem services depending on the methodological approach applied. When the data were analysed separately for each city, both cities registered a wide range of provision values across the city districts, varying from very low to very high values. However, when the analysis was based on the data for both cities, the provision scores in Santiago decreased, while they increased in Barcelona, showing relativeness and a discrepancy in their provisions, hindering an appropriate planning definition. Our results emphasise the importance of the choice of comparison approach in the analyses of urban ecosystem services and the need for further studies on these comparison methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services IV)
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Review

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12 pages, 8544 KiB  
Review
Decision Support Systems in Forestry and Tree-Planting Practices and the Prioritization of Ecosystem Services: A Review
by Neelesh Yadav, Shrey Rakholia and Reuven Yosef
Land 2024, 13(2), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13020230 - 12 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1049
Abstract
In this study, tree-selection/plantation decision support systems (DSSs) were reviewed and evaluated against essential objectives in the available literature. We verified whether existing DSSs leverage multiple data sources and available online resources such as web interfaces. We compared the existing DSSs, and in [...] Read more.
In this study, tree-selection/plantation decision support systems (DSSs) were reviewed and evaluated against essential objectives in the available literature. We verified whether existing DSSs leverage multiple data sources and available online resources such as web interfaces. We compared the existing DSSs, and in this study mainly focused on five main objectives that DSSs can consider in tree selection, including (a) climate resilience, (b) infrastructure/space optimization, (c) agroforestry, (d) ecosystem services, and (e) urban sustainability. The climate resilience of tree species and urban sustainability are relatively rarely taken into account in existing systems, which can be integrated holistically in future DSS tools. Based on this review, deep neural networks (DNNs) are recommended to achieve trade-offs between complex objectives such as maximizing ecosystem services, the climate resilience of tree species, agroforestry conservation, and other benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services IV)
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22 pages, 4188 KiB  
Review
How Informed Design Can Make a Difference: Supporting Insect Pollinators in Cities
by Sheila K. Schueller, Zhelin Li, Zoe Bliss, Rachelle Roake and Beth Weiler
Land 2023, 12(7), 1289; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12071289 - 26 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1856
Abstract
Pollinators are responsible for the reproduction of many plant and crop species and provide important diversity for food webs and cultural value. Despite the critical ecosystem services provided by pollinators, rapid pollinator declines are occurring in response to anthropogenic activities that cause the [...] Read more.
Pollinators are responsible for the reproduction of many plant and crop species and provide important diversity for food webs and cultural value. Despite the critical ecosystem services provided by pollinators, rapid pollinator declines are occurring in response to anthropogenic activities that cause the loss of suitable habitat. There is an opportunity for urban green space to support pollination ecosystem services locally and across the landscape. However, there is a lack of practical but evidence-based guidance on how urban green space can be designed effectively to provide floral resources and other habitat needs to a diverse assemblage of pollinators. We examine the existing pollinator research in this paper to address the following questions specific to insect pollinators in temperate urban settings: (1) Which pollinators can be the focus of efforts to increase pollinator ecosystem services in cities? (2) Which plants and what arrangements of plants are most attractive and supportive to urban pollinators? (3) What do urban pollinators need beyond floral resources? (4) How can the surrounding landscape inform where to prioritize new habitat creation within cities? Using these questions as a framework, we provide specific and informed management and planning recommendations that optimize pollinator ecosystem value in urban settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services IV)
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