Urban Biodiversity and Design

Dear colleagues,

The ongoing process of urban sprawl and densification of many cities worldwide has a negative impact on biodiversity, posing challenges to the existence of urban and native ecosystems and the survival of species within cities. In this regard, developing biodiversity-friendly cities is acknowledged as an essential element of sustainable urban development, resilience, and human wellbeing. This Topic is aiming to demonstrate and discuss the value of urban biodiversity in providing ecosystem services and the role of design and planning in mitigating urban environmental pressure on biodiversity. We also focus on the variety of approaches/pathways/perspectives developed in order to better understand and reinforce biodiversity in the urban environment; methods for assessing/evaluating urban biodiversity and practical measures for designing, restoring, and maintaining biodiversity in urban areas; interdisciplinary researches related to urban biodiversity; practical applications and guidelines related to urban biodiversity; theoretical overviews; cases studies of realised projects that are relevant to urban biodiversity and design. We welcome contributions that deal with the following topics:

• biological, cultural, and social values of urban biodiversity (linked to ecosystem services);
• urban flora and fauna, how to integrate nature into the urban neighborhood and achieve the balance (human–nature interaction);
• biodiversity-sensitive landscape design actions and other approaches/best practices for better integration of biodiversity into the urban planning process and landscape architecture practice;
• nature-based solutions and their multiple co-benefits linked to biodiversity aspects;
• methodical approaches (e.g., a variety of participatory processes) and practical implications used to co-create biodiversity objectives with diverse stakeholders;
• analysis, assessment, and evaluation of urban biodiversity linked to social and educational issues;
• urban conservation policies and their implementation in the development of sustainable cities: practical measures for restoring and maintaining biodiversity in urban areas;
• challenges and opportunities for the future of urban biodiversity (e.g., ongoing climate change, the impact of COVID-19 pandemics, other societal challenges).

Prof. Dr. Maria Ignatieva
Dr. Diana Dushkova
Prof. Dr. Charles Nilon
Topic Editors