From Parks to Banks: Aligning Nature-Based Urban Green Space Assessment with Erosion Protection Goals

The integration of urban green space management into erosion control for streambanks and embankments addresses essential environmental challenges by linking urban green spaces (UGS) with natural hazard (NH) mitigation. This strategic approach emphasizes comprehensive management that harmonizes seemingly different domains. At first glance, erosion stabilization measures and UGS appear distinct, yet they address similar processes from different perspectives. Central to this integration is vegetation assessment, vital for functions such as erosion control and urban ecosystem enhancement. Assessing vegetation through field evaluations and remote sensing is key for understanding how it interacts with soil, especially in terms of soil moisture, which is vital for slope stability and drought mitigation. This process is essential for evaluating the health and type of vegetation and its structural characteristics.

Decision-making in system selection and management for erosion control should adopt a lifecycle perspective, encompassing environmental and economic impacts. This includes considerations from material selection to maintenance and eventual decommissioning, aiming for sustainable, cost-effective approaches. Additionally, there is a wealth of knowledge in communal and city green space management that can potentially be adapted and transferred to meet the requirements of erosion control. The choice of vegetation is crucial for decisions in both urban areas and for slope stabilization measures. The role of evapotranspiration in enhancing soil cohesion and reducing erosion risk, especially in urban green spaces (UGS) and nature-based systems, is significant. These methods not only ensure slope stability but also offer urban benefits, like mitigating urban heat island (UHI) effects. In adapting to climate change for effective erosion protection strategies, the key distinction is found in the detailed assessment of specific parameters from UGS and their application to erosion control methods. This focused evaluation ensures that erosion control measures are not only effective but also congruent with the distinct ecological aspects of urban environments. By carefully analyzing factors like vegetation type, soil characteristics, and water management in UGS, these insights become invaluable in strengthening the resilience and adaptability of erosion control strategies. This strategy goes beyond mere soil erosion reduction; it plays a pivotal role in enriching ecosystem capacities. By fostering biodiversity and refining the utility of green spaces, it contributes to the development of landscapes that are both sustainable and better equipped to adapt to climate change. This holistic approach underlines the multi-faceted benefits of integrating green space management into broader environmental resilience planning.