Natural Cities (Working Paper)

Urban Ecology and the Restoration of Urban Ecosystems

Author(s): Lord, Charles P., Eric G. Strauss and Aaron M. Toffler
Publication Date: April 2002

64 pages; Inventory ID WP01CL1; English


Natural Cities	290 KB

Abstract

The scientific community now embraces the emerging field of urban ecology as both valid and central to understanding the global environment. Given the concentration of human activity in urban centers, that humans are the dominant species in all ecosystems, and the pace of environmental change, urban ecology is a critical area for environmental research. Understanding urban natural resources and urban natural systems also has important implications for public health, economic development, education and community development in urban areas.

Since the late 1990s several cities have launched studies of their urban ecosystems. This paper presents a framework for urban ecosystem research that is accessible for community organizations and that includes a rapid assessment protocol that can link research to advocacy immediately. The paper also outlines specific legal and policy tools at the local, state and federal levels for protection and restoration of urban natural resources. The paper argues finally that by using the urban ecosystem as an organizing principle, urban residents can begin to reach across political and socio-economic divides to develop a cohesive vision for a metropolitan area.