Urban and Rural Development for Well-Being and Sustainability
A section of Challenges (ISSN 2078-1547).
Section Information
This section of Challenges explores transformative approaches to urban and rural development that advance human well-being and environmental sustainability. As communities worldwide grapple with climate disruption, ecological degradation, and widening social inequities, this section highlights the need for integrated, place-based strategies that restore connections between people, place, and planet.
Key topics include reimagining urban planning and rural revitalization to support social cohesion, health, and ecological resilience; improving infrastructure and access to essential services; and fostering nature-based and community-led solutions grounded in local knowledge and cultural values. This includes emerging innovations such as microbiome-inspired green infrastructure (MIGI), which harnesses the principles of microbial ecology to inform design strategies that support biodiversity, ecosystem function, and human health.
This section also addresses the need to bridge urban–rural divides and transform the systems that underpin spatial and structural inequities. These include rethinking land use, food systems, transportation, housing, and circular economies to support regenerative and resilient communities. Emphasis is placed on policies, participatory governance, and technological tools that facilitate adaptive, inclusive development across diverse geographies.
We welcome research, perspectives, and case studies that explore how integrated urban and rural development—including novel concepts such as MIGI and bioinspired design—can contribute to sustainable well-being, equity, and planetary health. Contributions should examine bold ideas, grounded practices, and cross-sector collaborations that support flourishing communities while respecting ecological boundaries.Keywords
- sustainable infrastructure
- nature-based solutions
- regenerative design (both buildings an land)
- regenerative cities and related concepts, i.e., 15-minute city, 15-minute neighbourhood
- sustainable urban development
- rural revitalization
- microbiome-inspired green infrastructure (MIGI)
- planetary health
- environmental justice
- social cohesion
- ecosystem services
- circular economy
- community resilience
- bioinspired design
- equity in development
- healthy built environments
- participatory planning
- local knowledge
- place-based solutions
- infrastructure for well-being
- human–environment interaction
