Dremel, M.; Goličnik Marušić, B.; Zelnik, I. Defining Natural Habitat Types as Nature-Based Solutions in Urban Planning. Sustainability2023, 15, 13708.
Dremel, M.; Goličnik Marušić, B.; Zelnik, I. Defining Natural Habitat Types as Nature-Based Solutions in Urban Planning. Sustainability 2023, 15, 13708.
Dremel, M.; Goličnik Marušić, B.; Zelnik, I. Defining Natural Habitat Types as Nature-Based Solutions in Urban Planning. Sustainability2023, 15, 13708.
Dremel, M.; Goličnik Marušić, B.; Zelnik, I. Defining Natural Habitat Types as Nature-Based Solutions in Urban Planning. Sustainability 2023, 15, 13708.
Abstract
The study focuses on solving urban challenges such as temperature reduction, urban stormwater management, noise reduction, air quality improvement, and CO2 concentrations reduction, and suggests terrestrial and freshwater habitat types (HTs) found in Europe, as innovative forms of nature-based solutions (NBS) for them. Establishment of native HTs in different urban environments to solve urban challenges would enhance biodiversity at different levels and integrate this aspect in urban planning. This contribution builds on the recognition that surfaces of vegetated terrain are the most versatile NBS in addressing the broadest range of environmental problems in urban areas and that the processes running within these green spaces offer the key to socio-ecological improvements of such areas. Employing narrative literature review, qualitative content analysis, and interdisciplinary expert discussion this paper defines why and how native HTs of unchanged nature can be implemented as NBS in the urban environment, indicate potential HTs for specific urban challenges and presents an approach to the inclusion of HTs as NBS into spatial planning documents at national, regional, and local levels. The proposed planning approach attributes added value to HT, and by linking the concepts of NBS and HT integrates them into urban planning.
Environmental and Earth Sciences, Environmental Science
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