Article
Urban Studies
Luca Battisti, Giovanni Giacco, Massimiliano Moraca, Giacomo Pettenati, Egidio Dansero, Federica Larcher
Summary: This study aims to identify the neighborhoods in the city where Nature-based Solutions (NbS) can be implemented to maximize their social impact. The authors used the 3-30-300 rule and proposed an index to identify neighborhoods for prioritized NbS implementation. The results highlight 10 neighborhoods in the city with a high need for NbS implementation.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Peter Brokking, Ulla Mortberg, Berit Balfors
Summary: Based on three case studies in the Stockholm region of Sweden, this study found that urban planning and design can engage local communities, enhance ecological perspectives, and nurture expected outcomes. However, institutional conditions such as legal frameworks and landownership may pose challenges to the planning process.
Review
Ecology
Aura-Luciana Istrate, Perrine Hamel
Summary: Adopting nature-based solutions (NbS) in urban planning is not common due to lack of knowledge or motivation. Game-based approaches can increase NbS adoption by educating and engaging urban stakeholders. This research develops a conceptual framework for assessing games' purpose and their representation of important concepts in NbS and urban planning. It also provides a database of 'Urban Nature Games' and maps their relevance to urban planning and NbS types.
LANDSCAPE AND URBAN PLANNING
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Janina M. Kowalski, Tenley M. Conway
Summary: Interest in planting urban food trees (UFTs) in public spaces is growing, but there is minimal research on governance and policy aspects. To fill this gap, this study investigates UFT site governance in four Canadian cities. The findings reveal minimal municipal engagement, basic knowledge gaps, and conflicting by-laws. The study highlights the value of co-governance and a shift in focus from risks to benefits.
URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Davide Longato, Chiara Cortinovis, Mario Balzan, Davide Geneletti
Summary: Mapping and assessing the demand for ecosystem services (ES) in urban areas can support the allocation of nature-based solutions (NbS) to deliver ES where they are most needed. This study presents a method that combines the spatial assessments of ES demand and numeric scores reflecting the capacity of different typologies of NbS to supply multiple ES. Results show that urban forest is the most needed NbS type across the study area, being the one with the highest capacity to supply most of the analysed ES.
LANDSCAPE AND URBAN PLANNING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nadja Kabisch, Niki Frantzeskaki, Rieke Hansen
Summary: This perspective paper introduces five principles for urban nature-based solutions (NBS) design, planning and implementation, aiming to address the specific challenges in urban areas and advance the scientific discourse towards more effective and sustainable urban development.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Christian Albert, Mario Brillinger, Paulina Guerrero, Sarah Gottwald, Jennifer Henze, Stefan Schmidt, Edward Ott, Barbara Schroeter
Summary: This paper presents a framework for planning Nature-based Solutions (NBS), which includes six planning steps and five guiding principles. Drawing on empirical insights from a case study, suitable methods and a checklist for application of the framework are provided.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Konstantinos Tzoulas, Juanjo Galan, Stephen Venn, Matthew Dennis, Bas Pedroli, Himansu Mishra, Dagmar Haase, Stephan Pauleit, Jari Niemela, Philip James
Summary: This article discusses the integration of social and ecological systems in nature-based solutions, presenting a conceptual model that aims to bridge normative gaps in existing frameworks for consistent international comparisons. The theoretical considerations outlined inform practitioners, policymakers, and researchers about essential components of nature-based solutions.
Review
Forestry
Xiangqi Kong, Xinna Zhang, Chengyang Xu, Richard J. Hauer
Summary: The concept of nature-based solutions (NBS) has been proposed to promote sustainable living in urban environments as human living environments face increasing challenges. Urban forests and trees play important roles in urban ecosystems, with their potential as NBS being promising. Research on NBS in urban environments has increased, but studies specifically focusing on urban forests as NBS are relatively scarce and require a more comprehensive approach.
Article
Plant Sciences
Barbara Mackiewicz, Raul Puente Asuero
Summary: This paper compares public and private allotment gardens in terms of the importance attributed by gardeners, environmental and socioeconomic impacts, development and management differences, and demographic profiles. Both types of AGs are nature-based solutions with positive impacts on users' health and wellbeing, and their coexistence is fostered by their multifunctionality. The choice between private and public AGs seems to be more related to freedom of cultivation and access rather than economic reasons, highlighting the need for territorial, legal, and institutional frameworks within urban policies exploring NBS.
URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Studies
Orta-Ortiz M. Susana, Geneletti Davide
Summary: Nature-based solutions (NbS) can synergistically improve human well-being and biodiversity in urban areas by enhancing ecosystem functions and services. Scaling out NbS, understood as the widespread application of NbS in multiple contexts, is an important policy ambition to increase the number of people and regions benefiting from NbS.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REVIEW
(2023)
Review
Environmental Studies
Clare Adams, Niki Frantzeskaki, Magnus Moglia
Summary: Nature-based solutions are gaining attention in urban sustainability discussions, particularly in climate adaptation and increasing resilience. However, there are barriers to their adoption and a lack of clarity around the concept of mainstreaming. This article proposes a new framework and definition for mainstreaming nature-based solutions in cities, helping to operationalize these processes and transform urban planning practices.
Article
Development Studies
Yuexin Liu, Yang Gao, Lulu Liu, Cuiling Song, Dong Ai
Summary: This paper proposes an NbS-based framework that integrates ecosystem services into the delineation of urban growth boundaries to address challenges brought by unplanned urban expansion. By considering ecosystem services in the urban planning process, the framework can coordinate urban expansion and ecological protection.
HABITAT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Niki Frantzeskaki, Judy Bush
Summary: As cities increasingly utilize nature-based solutions, the role of intermediaries becomes crucial in linking different sectors, levels of government, and disciplines to facilitate urban transitions. Intermediaries play a dynamic role in enabling institutional spaces for mainstreaming nature-based solutions in cities, and must be understood as a fundamental governance activity for scaling climate adaptation planning. The contributions of intermediaries are critical in collaborative planning and governance for nature-based solutions in complex metropolitan contexts.
URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ilse M. Voskamp, Claudia de Luca, Monserrat Budding Polo-Ballinas, Helena Hulsman, Reinder Brolsma
Summary: Despite the recognized potential of nature-based solutions (NBSs) to support climate adaptation, there are still wide barriers for a wider uptake of such NBS in urban areas. While tailored NBS tools could facilitate and accelerate this process, a comprehensive mapping of their availability and capacity to respond to cities' challenges is missing. This research aims to provide an overview of tools that intend to facilitate the uptake of NBS for urban climate adaptation supporting cities in overcoming their challenges.
Article
Ecology
Sam Nicol, Marie-Josee Cros, Nathalie Peyrard, Regis Sabbadin, Ronan Trepos, Richard A. Fuller, Bradley K. Woodworth
Summary: This article introduces the concept of FlywayNet, a discrete network model based on observed count data, to determine the structure of migratory networks in birds. By modeling noisy observations and flexible stopover durations using interacting hidden semi-Markov models, this approach advances previous studies and provides a flexible framework for studying migratory networks in birds and other organisms.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Xu Shi, Cheng Hu, Joshua Soderholm, Jason Chapman, Huafeng Mao, Kai Cui, Zhijun Ma, Dongli Wu, Richard A. Fuller
Summary: Interpretation of weather radar signals has been used to monitor bird migration patterns in Europe and America, but not yet in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF). This study discusses the feasibility and challenges of using weather radar to complement on-ground bird migration surveys in the EAAF. The authors conclude that the weather radar network could be a powerful resource for monitoring bird movements in the EAAF, especially in remote regions.
REMOTE SENSING IN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jeremy S. Simmonds, Andres Felipe Suarez-Castro, April E. Reside, James E. M. Watson, James R. Allan, Scott C. Atkinson, Pasquale Borrelli, Nigel Dudley, Stephen Edwards, Richard A. Fuller, Edward T. Game, Simon Linke, Sean L. Maxwell, Panos Panagos, Philippe Puydarrieux, Fabien Quetier, Rebecca K. Runting, Talitha Santini, Laura J. Sonter, Martine Maron
Summary: Global efforts to achieve internationally agreed goals such as reducing carbon emissions and halting biodiversity loss lack integration. To unify these goals, we have derived specific area-based targets for retaining natural and seminatural terrestrial vegetation worldwide. At least 50% of Earth's terrestrial surface needs to be preserved in order to contribute to biodiversity, climate, soil, and freshwater conservation objectives under 4 United Nations' resolutions.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Casey L. L. Taylor, Siobhon L. L. Egan, Alexander W. W. Gofton, Peter J. J. Irwin, Charlotte L. L. Oskam, Dieter F. F. Hochuli, Peter B. B. Banks
Summary: Little is known about which native and introduced small mammals maintain tick populations in urban landscapes of Australia, preventing host-targeted tick management and leading to human-wildlife conflict. This study found that introduced black rats and long-nosed bandicoots are the main hosts for urban tick populations and medically significant tick species.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Xiaotong Ren, Shen Zhang, Ke Huang, He-Bo Peng, Changlin Li, Ding Zhao, Dehong Pang, Yong Wu, Peng Liu, Peng Chen, Rong Hou, Richard A. Fuller, Fangyuan Hua, Pinjia Que
Summary: This study provides the first assessment of the breeding season habitat use of the Wood Snipe. The results indicate that Wood Snipes prefer alpine meadow habitats with lower elevation and moderate soil moisture. The actual distribution range of the Wood Snipe during the breeding season may be smaller than expected. Further research is needed to better understand the ecology of this rare species.
BIRD CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Slade Allen-Ankins, Donald T. McKnight, Eric J. Nordberg, Sebastian Hoefer, Paul Roe, David M. Watson, Paul G. McDonald, Richard A. Fuller, Lin Schwarzkopf
Summary: Effective monitoring tools are crucial for tracking biodiversity loss and informing management strategies. Passive acoustic monitoring has the potential to be a cheap and effective method for monitoring biodiversity, but extracting useful information from long audio recordings is still difficult.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Rita Sousa-Silva, Marion Duflos, Camilo Ordnez Barona, Alain Paquette
Summary: Urban tree planting initiatives have been flourishing worldwide to combat climate change and promote healthy living environments. However, many of these initiatives lack clear objectives, hindering their success in achieving desired benefits. To improve their effectiveness, we propose seven principles, including planting the right types of trees where they are most needed and will have the greatest impact.
LANDSCAPE AND URBAN PLANNING
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Camilo Ordonez Barona
Summary: Researchers studying urban nature should use qualitative social methods (QSM) to understand how people think and behave in cities. QSM involves collaborating with participants to generate knowledge and includes descriptive, exploratory, and explanatory research procedures. It provides insights into the influence of urban nature on humans and vice versa.
URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Dan Du, Stephen J. Livesley, Stefan K. Arndt, Camille Truong, Rebecca E. Miller
Summary: A study found that the use of compost tea did not have a positive effect on the growth and root mycorrhizal colonization of container-grown trees. This suggests that compost tea may not be beneficial for tree growth in a nursery setting, and further research is needed to investigate its potential benefits in urban landscapes.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Casey L. Taylor, Henry W. Lydecker, Dieter F. Hochuli, Peter B. Banks
Summary: Zoonotic disease vectors, their wildlife hosts, and the surrounding landscape interact in complex ways that vary spatially, temporally and with anthropogenic change. A study in peri-urban areas of Australia investigated the drivers of human-tick encounters at both the local and landscape scales. The results showed that sightings of potential hosts and broader landscape traits were important predictors of reported tick encounters. These findings provide a critical foundation for further research and tick management strategies in urban environments.
Article
Environmental Studies
Camilo Ordonez Barona, Ana Alice Eleuterio, Alexis Vasquez, Tahia Devisscher, Mariana Dias Baptista, Cynnamon Dobbs, Luis Orozco-Aguilar, Elvia Melendez-Ackrman
Summary: Addressing urban forest management and governance challenges is crucial for implementing urban forest policies. This research focused on urban forest actors in Latin American and the Caribbean cities and examined their participation in collective decision-making, the current state of urban forest management and governance, and interactor contact. The study found that increased contact among actors led to greater participation in collective decision-making and more positive views on the state of urban forest management and governance. Additionally, optimistic views about management and governance resulted in higher trust in local governments, with government actors displaying higher levels of trust than non-government actors. The findings highlight the importance of not only having sufficient resources, but also engaging in collective decision-making and building trust in institutions responsible for implementing urban forest policies.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Joshua P. P. Wilson, Tatsuya Amano, Richard A. A. Fuller
Summary: The increase in drone use has led to a need for regulations on flights near vulnerable wildlife, but a lack of data on drone-induced wildlife disturbance has hindered these efforts. This study characterizes the disturbance caused by drones among mixed-species shorebird flocks to provide guidance for drone management near shorebirds. The researchers conducted drone approaches on roosting non-breeding shorebirds in Moreton Bay, Australia and found that the flight initiation distance varies depending on the species and certain factors such as drone noise, approach velocity, and distance. The researchers recommend careful regulation of drone use, evaluation of disturbance risk in drone surveys, and seeking alternatives in the absence of disturbance data.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Camilo Ordonez, Caragh G. Threlfall, Dave Kendal, Jess Baumann, Cherese Sonkkila, Dieter F. Hochuli, Rodney van der Ree, Richard A. Fuller, Melanie Davern, Kelly Herzog, Alex English, Stephen J. Livesley
Summary: This study experimentally quantifies the benefits of urban trees on humans and wildlife by taking advantage of scheduled tree removals. The results demonstrate that the removal of trees in urban parks led to a decrease in bird and possum abundance, an increase in invertebrate predation, and a decrease in people's perception of the importance of trees.
