Socio-Ecological Resilience and Sustainable Quality of Life

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Frontmatter

2. Introduction

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Chapter 1. Building Bridges: Conceptualising Socio-ecological Resilience for Sustainable Quality of Life

      Suraj Kumar Mallick, Avishek Bhunia, Ester Higueras, Shouraseni Sen Roy

      Abstract

      In twenty-first century, socio-ecological resilience and sustainable quality of life become a global concern. With the increasing urbanisation, climate change, and human population, sustainable quality of life poses under threat. So, it is important to point out those challenges that create hindrance in the progress of sustainable quality of life. Besides this, the idea of socio-ecological resilience provides a comprehensive perspective that allows us to study how societies adjust to changing environmental conditions while maintaining long-term quality of life. The way of making a bridge between socio-ecological resilience and sustainable quality of life is by emphasising a multidimensional framework on human adaptability. Still after that we will never fulfill the human needs, and societal issues have been persisted. But, by alleviating some certain societal issues, sustainable development goals (SDGs 11, 13, and 15) can be accomplished. Therefore, it is a crucial time for the researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to work together more closely to build a bridge between socio-ecological resilience and sustainable quality of life.

3. Human-Environment Nexus and QoL: A Transition Toward Sustainability

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Chapter 2. Ecofeminism Perspectives on Socio-ecological Resilience: Pathways to a Sustainable Quality of Life in Bengaluru

      Vinita Yadav, Renuka Gajanan Oka

      Abstract

      Social-ecological resilience (SER) establishes ecological health for human well-being. Quality of life (QoL) is a multidimensional concept to achieve human development goals. Ecofeminism aligns basic feminist tenets of equality with ecology. The intertwining of these concepts is important for a holistic understanding of sustainability. The chapter aims to assess the role of ecofeminism in achieving SER and QoL in the Indian context. Ostrom’s SER framework is used to analyse a lake as a resource system, the interactions of actors and identified ecological indicators. QoL is evaluated using parameters of gender inclusivity, access to urban commons and community-driven environmental activism. The chapter adopts a mixed-method approach, combining thematic analysis, case study examination and interviews. Bengaluru is the fifth highest populous metropolitan region in India. It is known for its natural beauty, including lakes and the information technology (IT) industry. Yet, it is undergoing a severe water crisis. Kaikondrahalli Lake project is a women-led initiative to rejuvenate a dying lake, making it an inclusive urban common for people of all age groups. The analysis proves improvement in biodiversity in and around the lake. Women’s participation is effective in ensuring environmental governance. Their role is critical for fostering SER and provides a pathway for sustainable QoL.

   3. Chapter 3. Empowering Young Agricultural Entrepreneurs in a Small Island Developing State: The Case of Mauritius

      Leenshya Gunnoo, Eric Bindah, Chiranjiv Dursany

      Abstract

      In recent years, entrepreneurship has been increasingly recognized as a key driver of economic growth and development, particularly in less developed countries like Mauritius. This recognition extends to the agricultural sector, where youth entrepreneurship is seen as a strategy to boost economic performance, ensure food security, and reduce poverty. In response, the Mauritian government has introduced several policies and programs aimed at supporting young agricultural entrepreneurs. However, despite these initiatives, many young people continue to face challenges such as limited access to finance, land, and technical training. This study investigates the effectiveness of these government policies in promoting youth entrepreneurship in agriculture. Using a convenience sampling method, data were collected from 116 respondents and analyzed using SPSS to test the study’s hypotheses. The research focused on five key factors: access to finance, land, technical skills and training, marketing support, and social and cultural influences. The findings revealed that access to finance, land, marketing support, and social and cultural factors significantly influence youth careers in agriculture, whereas technical skills and training showed no notable impact. These insights are essential for evaluating current policies and guiding the development of more effective strategies to encourage youth participation in agriculture.

   4. Chapter 4. Examining the Nexus Between Social Well-Being and Social Security: Focus on Marginalized Communities in Northeastern Part of India

      Arabinda Roy, Humayun Sarkar, Sanjeev Kumar

      Abstract

      Measuring social security, even when limited to people’s experience, is particularly challenging issue in India, and specifically, it is more challenging to rural marginalized communities that rely heavily on agriculture and fishing for a living. Social security is a broad concept which includes political and ethnic conflicts, incidence of violence, satisfaction in livelihood, victimization, terrorism, occupational injuries and many more and that’s why social security is a key component of people’s social well-being. The present chapter attempts to explore the nexus between social well-being and social security and also explore social well-being conditions in terms of social security of rural marginalized communities in Dakshin Dinajpur district which is located in the north-eastern part of India, specifically within the state of West Bengal. Comprehensive community-level in-person interviews and a case study methodology were used in this qualitative and exploratory study to look into the target and construct a Social Security Index (SSI) with six dimensions for better analysis. The study is mostly based on primary data that was gathered at the household level by multistage purposive sampling techniques, with a total sample size of 112. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods, Karl Pearson correlation coefficient, were employed for data analysis. The study depicts that the level and extent of social security is determined by large number of interconnected variables, and it has a great impact on socio-economic well-being of population. The study concludes by emphasizing the necessity of social security among the marginalized populations as well as citizens of India, as this will transform the social well-being and quality of life of populations.

   5. Chapter 5. Geostatistical Insights of Quality of Life Amongst Marginalised Communities in the Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput (KBK) Region, Odisha, India

      Avishek Bhunia, Subhajit Barman, Dayal Rana, Uttam Mahata, Abhinanda Bal

      Abstract

      Quality of Life (QoL) pertains to an individual’s state of well-being concerning the fundamental opportunities available to them. On the contrary, basic amenities are key to understanding QoL. The present study attempts to investigate the status of basic amenities as well as to compare the disparity in access to basic amenities between rural households of the KBK Region of Odisha and the state as a whole on the one hand and their spatial distribution (across districts) on the other. The study also contrasts the evaluation of parameters and determinants in the formulation of the Quality-of-Life Index and displays the degrees of availability and variability of necessary amenities and service infrastructure, amongst other things. Different statistical analyses are conducted using data from the 2001 and 2011 censuses, and all statistical and cartographic operations are carried out using SPSS-17 and Arc GIS-10.5 software, respectively. Variability of basic amenities as well as differentiation of QoL induce diverse regional disparities in the study area. Therefore, efforts should be made by the policymakers to address the target-specific needs of the marginalised (tribal dominated) deprived districts to uplift their QoL and promote socio-economic development in these areas. On the other extreme, massive awareness generation campaigns should be organised with the help of PRIs, NGOs, and CBOs.

   6. Chapter 6. Urban Quality of Life and Environment Nexus: EKLIPSE Methodology and Nature-Based Solutions in the New European Bauhaus

      Rafael Córdoba Hernández, Nerea Morán Alonso, Marian Simón-Rojo

      Abstract

      This chapter outlines the methodology developed within the European LIFESeedNEB project, which seeks to integrate the principles of the New European Bauhaus and Nature-Based Solutions to transform urban environments in Lorquí (Spain), Potenza (Italy), and Dunaújváros (Hungary). The project addresses local challenges by promoting biodiversity, enhancing climate resilience, and improving citizen well-being through actions such as the restoration of green spaces, pollution reduction, and climate risk mitigation. A participatory governance approach is adopted, ensuring active citizen engagement and fostering public–private collaboration to deliver inclusive, context-specific interventions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the European Urban Agenda. The methodology for identifying actions is based on local climate resilience challenges and follows the recommendations of the EKLIPSE Expert Working Group, incorporating indicators from the EU report Evaluating the Impact of Nature-based Solutions: A Handbook for Practitioners. This evidence-based framework ensures the relevance and effectiveness of the proposed interventions while supporting the integration of sustainability principles into local policies. Finally, the chapter examines how the methodology was adapted to the specific urban contexts of the three case studies, ensuring that the implemented solutions have a tangible impact on quality of life and contribute to the sustainable transformation of these European cities.

4. Socio-Ecological Threats and Quality of Life

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Chapter 7. Resilience Versus Quality of Life in Cities

      José Antonio Ondiviela García

      Abstract

      There is a direct relationship between Cities Resilience and Quality of Life (QoL). QoL will be approached by a combination of Lovable (Magnetism), Liveable (Performance), and Affordable (NetPurchasePower) Cities. We explore how Lovability is a main driver for talent attraction, then Liveability means high performance KPIs associated to quality of city services and Affordability (NetPurchasePower). All of them are crucial for Resilience (better preparation, reducing exposure and the impact of potential threats, also accelerating recovery). Based on the UFV World Observatory of Attractive Cities for Talent (175 cities), we built a QoL cities index, with around 120 KPIs approaching Lovability, Liveability, and Affordability. Similarly, we developed a resilience index, including factors describing Preparation and Risk. The analysis found a clear correlation between QoL and Resilience. Lovable cities are more attractive to talent. This capacity for innovation allows them to implement effective solutions to face challenges (natural disasters, economic crises or human actions). City’s ability to provide better services (Performance or Liveability) not only reduces its exposure to any vulnerability but also fosters a more adaptable and prepared urban environment.

   3. Chapter 8. Understanding Environmental Stressors in the Anthropocene: A Socio-Ecological Impact Assessment of Renewable Energy Pathways and Global Change Dynamics

      R. Venkatesh, D. Gnanasangeetha

      Abstract

      This chapter considers the socio-ecological effects of the global transition to renewable energy with attention to the rich interplays among ecological processes, human health, and energy generation. With anthropogenic drivers remaining in the lead in Earth’s systems, the transition to renewable energy is both an opportunity and a challenge. The research evaluates emerging risks that are emerging in land use transformation, resource conflict, and social injustice in this transition. For example, the development of solar and wind power plants minimizes greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 40–50%, but at the same time causes habitat destruction, particularly in high-biodiversity areas, where solar farms and wind farms encroach agricultural or natural land use. Renewable energy technologies can result in resource overuse, particularly rare materials used for batteries and solar panels. This study proves that renewable energy can work for the environment but might result in problems if not well handled. For it to be sustainable, we must balance the environment, justice, and resilient communities simultaneously. Policymakers and energy planners must have a balanced policy that works for nature and society. This research provides concepts for developing cleaner energy systems that make the future more desirable for all.

   4. Chapter 9. Urban Air Quality Factors that Affect Children’s Health

      Melanie Waidler Heiseke, Sheila Galindo Ortiz, Estefanía Sánchez-Reyes, María del Mar Barbero-Barrera

      Abstract

      Air pollution is the leading environmental health risk, responsible for approximately one in eight deaths each year (6.7 million worldwide) and respiratory diseases that affect hundreds of millions of people. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their underdeveloped lungs and immune system as well as their higher air intake relative to body weight. Prolonged exposure to air pollution can lead them to adverse cardiovascular effects, hinder cognitive development, and impair brain maturation, among others. These effects are especially pronounced in urban environments, where children are exposed to a range of biotic (pollen, spores, bacteria) and abiotic (particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide) pollutants of different nature. Given the diversity of pollutants and factors that determine their concentration and dispersion, in this chapter, a new methodology based on a multidisciplinary approach is proposed. Monitorization to, wherever possible, adequately predict the evolution of environmental urban air quality is a key issue to identify the high-risk areas in cities and mitigate them. Furthermore, this methodology would collaborate in the definition of the specific proposals and solutions in areas in which the children spend a very long time such as schools and their playgrounds.

   5. Chapter 10. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Quality of Life in Informal Settlements: A Case Study of Iran

      Parsa Ahmadi Dehrashid, Hossein Mansourian

      Abstract

      More than one billion people worldwide reside in informal settlements, particularly vulnerable to crises such as pandemics. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the quality of life (QoL) in these communities. This study aimed to assess the effects of the pandemic on the QoL in the informal settlement of Sabzdasht in Iran. With a population of approximately 70,000, Sabzdasht faced challenges during the crisis, including a lack of healthcare infrastructure, increased livelihood instability, and social inequalities. The research employed a mixed-methods approach utilizing structured questionnaires, field data, and statistical analyses. The findings indicate that the pandemic led to a considerable decline in economic, psychological, health, and environmental indicators for residents. In addition to analyzing various aspects of QoL, this study emphasizes the importance of enhancing the resilience of informal settlements. Policy recommendations include strengthening healthcare infrastructure, providing targeted economic support, and encouraging active community participation in urban planning processes. The results of this study can serve as a foundation for designing of effective policies aimed at improving the QoL and reducing vulnerabilities in informal areas in Iran and other developing countries.

5. Socio-Ecological Resilience and Quality of Life-Restorative Environments

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Chapter 11. The Relationship Among Individual, Neighbourhood, Community, and Country Factors in Shaping Quality of Life and Well-Being

      Rajani Karnwal, Khwairakpam Sharmila

      Abstract

      The relationship among individual, neighbourhood, and community-level factors significantly impacts Quality of Life (QoL) and overall well-being. This chapter examines these relationships using a socioecological framework, highlighting the significance of personal well-being, environmental quality, and social cohesion in fostering sustainable living. This chapter aims to analyse the interactions of these elements in shaping both collective and individual resilience in urban and rural contexts. To address this issue, Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was employed to analyse the intricate relationships among variables including perceived individual well-being, neighbourhood safety, access to community resources, social support networks, environmental quality, and community engagement, aiming to identify their direct and indirect effects on overall Quality of Life (QoL). The results indicate that individual well-being is significantly affected by neighbourhood safety, access to public infrastructure, and the presence of environmental resources. Social support networks and community participation serve as important mediators, amplifying the beneficial effects of neighbourhood characteristics on quality of life. The findings emphasize disparities in resource availability among communities, indicating the necessity for equitable distribution and inclusive policymaking. This study underscores the significance of cultivating resilient neighbourhoods through the mitigation of systemic inequalities, the promotion of social trust, and the enhancement of community participation in decision-making processes. These strategies can enhance socioecological resilience and contribute to achieving a sustainable quality of life for individuals and communities.

   3. Chapter 12. Influence of the Environment on Microclimatic Variations at the Pedestrian Scale: Tools for Climate-Sensitive Design

      Carlos Bustamante-Oleart, Rosa Chandia-Jaure, Andrés Cataldo-Cunich, Juan Jorquera Hernandez, Mario Villagrán-Escobar, Carlos Bustamante Espina, Francisca Fernández Cano

      Abstract

      Public perception of local climate forecasts is typically based on data collected from meteorological stations with broad territorial coverage. However, such data may not adequately represent microclimatic conditions at the pedestrian scale—conditions that are crucial for urban design decisions and public health. Thermal perception of individuals, along with local indicators such as temperature, wind, humidity, and solar radiation, can differ significantly from the readings obtained by broad-coverage meteorological stations. This chapter reports the results of research in which we studied microclimatic behavior and its potential influence on urban design. To do so, we explore two places in central areas in Santiago de Chile and demonstrate how fixed meteorological stations, placed at a maximum height of 1.5 m in dense neighborhoods, can yield distinct climatic measurements even when only 270 m apart. Findings identify key factors—including surrounding morphology, vegetation, wind corridors, and solar exposure—that alter microclimates at fine spatial scales. By detecting those factors, the chapter proposes design tools tailored to local microclimatic conditions. Climate-sensitive interventions can improve thermal comfort in public spaces, benefit pedestrians, and help mitigate the impacts of rising extreme temperatures in an era of global climate change.

   4. Chapter 13. Neighborhood Design: Walking Access to Urban Services and the Impact on Quality of Life in Kayseri

      Zeynep Arda-Ergen

      Abstract

      Neighborhood planning and design are important topics that affect the quality of life in urban areas. In this chapter, the issue of access to urban services is examined to determine the quality of life in the Sümer Yeni Mahalle neighborhood of Kayseri province in Turkey. Network analyses were conducted using Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) software, and the data were holistically evaluated using the overlay method. This chapter evaluated access to urban services with network analysis using the overlay method. As a result, all buildings in the Sümer Yeni Mahalle neighborhood had access to green spaces and high school services, and the service that the fewest number of buildings had access to was pre-primary education. Furthermore, the access rate to urban services was 64.34%, considering all urban services as a whole. Holistic evaluation of access to urban services using the overlay method helped elucidate which parts of the neighborhood had a higher quality of life in terms of accessibility. Overall, plan standards are important tools for improving the quality of urban life, and walking distance is one of the main criteria to consider regarding access to services in cities.

   5. Chapter 14. The Role of Housing in Urban Planning: A Tool to Achieve Quality of Life and Generate Community? The Case of Madrid

      Cristina Fernández Ramírez, Raquel Rodríguez Alonso, Iván Rodríguez Suárez

      Abstract

      Housing is the main element of the city. Besides being the most abundant, it is essential for the development of civic life. It addresses one of the basic needs of human beings: shelter. It is also the space where life projects unfold. In short, housing is a fundamental element in the quality of life and well-being. Since the beginning, one of the challenges of urban planning has been the design of policies aimed at ensuring access to housing. Although needs have changed, the objectives have never been fully met: that housing is sufficient, affordable, and well located and meets the necessary physical characteristics to be habitable. In the current context, old challenges are joined by new ones that involve adapting the city and territory to make them more resilient and more sustainable and to guarantee quality of life and eco-social justice. And housing must be part of these new orientations. The article reviews the conditions that public policies and urban planning in the Madrid region can and should establish to address old challenges and new ones, attempting to transcend the immediate: housing as a generator of quality of life, well-being, citizenship, and community.

   6. Chapter 15. Revamping Greens of Jaipur: The Insights, Impacts, and User Ecosystem

      Swena Sharma, Pooja Nigam

      Abstract

      Jaipur, a UNESCO World Heritage city, faces ecological degradation due to expeditious urban sprawl, with a population of 1.5 million in 1991, and is expected to reach 5.4 million by 2025. This expansion has reduced green spaces to just 1.60 m² per person, far below the UN-recommended 9 m², posing threats to biodiversity and public health. The decline in greenery threatens biodiversity and public health, making revitalizing green areas essential. This research employs GIS-based statistical techniques and remote sensing data to analyze land use changes over three decades, revealing an annual loss of approximately 1.60 m² of green cover. The findings highlight the demand for strategic urban planning to restore and enhance these vital green spaces, which provide essential ecosystem services and recreational opportunities. By evaluating the Master Development Plan 2025, which aims to increase open spaces from 5.43 km² in 2011 to 58.50 km² by 2025, this study offers actionable insights for policymakers and urban planners, reinforcing Jaipur’s green infrastructure, ensuring a sustainable urban environment supporting ecological health and the well-being of its residents while preserving the city’s unique cultural heritage.

   7. Chapter 16. Reconfiguring Energy Geopolitics Through the Biofuel Alliance: India–Africa Partnerships for Socio-Ecological Resilience and Sustainable Quality of Life

      Rashmi Rani Anand, Kavita Arora

      Abstract

      Today, access to energy is critical to sustaining growth and development in each country of this planet. If any government fails to supply, it could be disentangled, be it an authoritarian regime or a democratic one, as people are now more aware, demanding, and desirous. Because of all these reasons, the energy providers gain political power. Buyers must compete for supplies, prices, energy providers’ wealth, and the capacity to perform regional and international political roles. With global climate change, these conventional considerations of global energy politics became more complicated. The fragility of international oil and gas markets, energy security, and climate change attracted global attention to nonrenewable energy resources and Africa and Asia as a new landscape of energy politics. In this direction, the Global Biofuel Alliance was launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 9, 2023, during the G20 summit. According to the International Energy Agency, biofuels will very soon play an important role in decarbonizing different sectors. Africa is well known for its biofuel potential. Biofuels are an alluring alternate energy option because they are renewable and have the potential to lower carbon emissions and environmental impacts while also reducing import dependence. Considering these prospective benefits, India also outlined a broad strategy for the biofuels program and policy measures to support the program. In this background, this study reconfigures global energy geopolitics through the Biofuel Alliance, especially in India and Africa, by situating them in global energy diversification politics.

6. Moving Towards Sustainable Environment, Management and Quality Life

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Chapter 17. An Evaluation Model to Assess the Urban Sustainability of Development Projects in Hilly and Arid Areas of Mendoza, Argentina

      Ana Laura Castillo, Erica Norma Correa

      Abstract

      This chapter presents an evaluation model designed to categorise urbanisation developments in hilly areas, with a particular focus on the preservation of ecological systems and the thermo-energetic performance of developments. The model enables a comprehensive assessment of the sustainability of each urban scheme. Besides, the categorisation is based on the results of an evaluation of the microclimatic performance of these schemes, validating the model’s ability to assess thermal and ecological impacts. It incorporates variables related to landscape preservation, such as slope and the creation of ecological corridors, as well as thermo-energetic factors, including maximum, minimum and average temperatures, which are influenced by spatial layout and urban characteristics. This tool provides municipal and provincial authorities with an effective means of diagnosing the conditions of existing urban developments, identifying areas for improvement and selecting growth strategies. Furthermore, the model uses parametric relationships and data derived from cadastral maps, enabling evaluations without the need for complex monitoring. In this way, it promotes a sustainable approach to urban planning that strikes a balance between human well-being and ecological conservation, fostering responsible development in hillside regions. These tools support urban development strategies that consider the unique characteristics of these areas, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience.

   3. Chapter 18. Healthy Urban Design: A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis in the Basque Country (Spain)

      Emilia Román López, Gustavo Romanillos Arroyo, Melanie Waidler Heisecke

      Abstract

      Health is understood not merely as the absence of disease but as a complete state of physical and mental well-being. In cities, where large populations concentrate, the urban environment plays a critical role in shaping public health. Assessing this interaction is essential for informing effective urban plans, projects, and programs. The objective of this study is to address this need by diagnosing cities and neighbourhoods from a health perspective. Following an extensive review of key documents and international best practices, the Health Diagnosis Matrix (HDM) is proposed. This methodology, based on the Guide for Planning Healthy Cities (Fariña et al. in Guide to planning healthy cities. Ministerio de Sanidad, FEMP, 2022), integrates quantitative and qualitative analyses to comprehensively answer key health-related questions. The HDM enables a systematic evaluation of public spaces, supporting local governments in prioritizing interventions that enhance the quality of life in residential areas, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 11. Additionally, the study develops an online dashboard to visualise and analyse the results through interactive maps and graphs. The results provide a rich assessment of key urban determinants of health and a critical evaluation of the methodologies applied. Finally, the study acknowledges certain limitations and offers important recommendations to guide future research in similar contexts.