Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Landscape Restoration: Strengthening Urban Planning with Innovative Ecological Approaches

Dear Colleagues,

(1) Introduction, including scientific background and highlighting the importance of this research area.

Urban and peri-urban landscapes are undergoing profound transformations due to climate change, soil degradation, biodiversity loss and increasing socio-economic pressures. In this context, nature-based solutions (NBS) offer an innovative and integrated framework to restore ecological functions, enhance ecosystem services and support resilient planning practices. By merging ecological knowledge, sustainable land management and adaptive design, NBS represent a crucial opportunity to regenerate degraded landscapes and reimagine cities as living systems.

(2) Aim of the Special Issue and how the subject relates to the journal scope.

This Special Issue aims to explore advanced approaches, tools and case studies related to nature-based solutions for urban landscape restoration. We welcome contributions that investigate the ecological, agronomic, social and spatial dimensions of NBS; assess their multifunctional benefits or propose new methodologies for evaluating effectiveness and long-term sustainability. Studies connecting urban green systems, agroecology, biodiversity conservation and environmental planning are particularly encouraged, in line with the scope of Land and its commitment to research sustainable land use.

The goal of this Special Issue is to collect original research and review articles that offer new scientific insights and practical guidance to strengthen urban planning through ecological innovation.

(3) Suggested themes and article types for submissions.

This Special Issue will welcome manuscripts addressing the following themes:

• Nature-based solutions for urban ecological regeneration and landscape restoration
• Ecosystem services and climate adaptation in urban planning
• Urban green systems, agroecology and sustainable land management
• Urban biodiversity, ecological networks and green infrastructure
• Urban governance and policy integration for NBS implementation
• Cross-cultural urban case studies and applied methodologies

We look forward to receiving your original research articles and reviews.

Dr. Marianna Olivadese
Prof. Dr. Maria Luisa Dindo
Prof. Dr. Patrizia Tassinari
Prof. Dr. Daniele Torreggiani
Guest Editors

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