Applied urban ecology for sustainable urban environment

Excerpt

Urban ecology is recognized as a well-established science but may need a consolidated theory (Niemelä 1999). The classical urban ecological studies are predominantly focused on the bio-physical research of the urban environment and lack addressing its social context and applicability in planning, design and management (Grimm and Redman 2004; Breuste and Qureshi 2011). However, the recent developments in applied urban ecology demonstrate multidisciplinary approaches and application rapidly improving the theoretical foundations of this science (Young 2009; Qureshi et al. 2010). Urban ecosystems still need improved understanding of the processes, functions, stability and usability of interdisciplinary concepts that are applicable in urban environment (Qureshi et al. 2013). Nonetheless, the existing knowledge needs to be applied in planning, design and management of cities and towns. Urban ecology has substantially contributed to the activities strengthening and improving social wellbeing in urban environments across the globe. A framework to implement urban ecological knowledge in practice is already available (Opdam 2010) but needs transdisciplinary approaches—to bridge disciplinary gaps that limit the application of this knowledge in real world—for improving social wellbeing (Qureshi et al. 2014). Application of urban ecological knowledge will not only build a healthy urban livelihood but also contribute to achieving sustainability in urban areas (Breuste et al. 2013). …