Optimizing Urban Green Space Ecosystem Services for Resilient and Sustainable Cities
A special issue of Forests (ISSN 1999-4907). This special issue belongs to the section "Urban Forestry".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 9
Special Issue Editor
Interests: urban forestry; green space exposure; health; planning
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Rapid urbanization poses significant challenges to human well-being, environmental quality, and climate resilience. Urban green spaces (UGSs), including parks, gardens, green roofs, and urban forests, serve as vital green infrastructure that delivers essential ecosystem services (ESs). These services encompass air purification, urban heat island mitigation, stormwater management, biodiversity support, and recreation. However, the effective assessment, integration, and maximization of these multifunctional benefits into urban planning remains a critical challenge. This Special Issue compiles cutting-edge research on quantifying, modeling, and optimizing the ES provided by UGSs to enhance urban sustainability. We explore innovative methodologies for evaluating ES, spatial mapping, and scenario analysis, alongside strategies for designing and managing UGSs to leverage synergies between different services (e.g., cooling + flood control + recreation). Key focuses include the role of UGSs in climate adaptation, human health and well-being, social equity, and biodiversity conservation. Contributions cover diverse themes such as the following:
- ES Valuation and Modeling: Advanced techniques for measuring and mapping ES flow (e.g., carbon sequestration, air pollutants removal, and runoff reduction).
- Design and Management: Strategies for optimizing UGS configuration, vegetation selection, and maintenance for maximal ES delivery.
- Climate Resilience: The effectiveness of UGSs in mitigating urban heat islands and managing stormwater.
- Socio-Ecological Synergies: The links between UGS, human health, well-being, equity, and community engagement.
- Policy and Planning Integration: Frameworks for embedding ES assessment into urban land-use planning and policy decisions.
This issue aims to bridge scientific knowledge with practical application, offering insights for researchers, planners, and policymakers striving to create resilient, healthy, and sustainable urban environments through nature-based solutions.
Dr. Jinguang Zhang
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- urban green space
- ecosystem services
- nature-based solutions
- health
- air purification
- urban heat island
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