Description: The urban ecosystem refers to a complex network of interactions between living organisms and their urban environment, where humans, flora, fauna, and artificial elements coexist. This concept encompasses not only the biodiversity present in cities but also how human activities impact and are influenced by the environment. In an urban ecosystem, green spaces such as parks and gardens play a crucial role by providing habitats for various species while enhancing the quality of life for residents. Urban infrastructure, such as buildings, roads, and transportation systems, is also part of this ecosystem, affecting mobility, pollution, and resource use. Technology plays a fundamental role in managing these ecosystems, facilitating the collection of data on biodiversity, air quality, and water use, allowing cities to adopt more sustainable practices. Sustainability becomes a key objective as cities seek to balance economic development with environmental conservation and social well-being. In this context, the urban ecosystem presents itself as a dynamic model that reflects the interdependence between humans and their environment, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to address the environmental and social challenges faced by urban areas today.
History: The concept of urban ecosystem has evolved over time, beginning to take shape in the 1960s with the rise of urban ecology as a discipline. Researchers like Patrick Geddes and Lewis Mumford began to explore the relationship between cities and their natural environment, laying the groundwork for deeper studies on the interaction between humans and urban ecosystems. In the following decades, interest in sustainability and biodiversity in urban settings grew, especially from the 1990s onward, when sustainable development policies began to be implemented in many cities around the world.
Uses: Urban ecosystems are used to promote sustainability in cities, facilitating urban planning that integrates green spaces and biodiversity. They are applied in the management of natural resources, pollution reduction, and improving the quality of life for residents. Additionally, they are used in scientific research to study the effects of urbanization on biodiversity and climate, as well as in environmental education to raise awareness among the population about the importance of conserving ecosystems in urban settings.
Examples: Examples of urban ecosystems include green roofs in cities like New York, which help reduce temperature and improve air quality, and community gardens in cities like Detroit, which promote biodiversity and social cohesion. Another example is the restoration project of the Cheonggyecheon River in Seoul, which transformed a roadway into a green space, enhancing biodiversity and the quality of life for residents.
