Cities are major contributors to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions, notwithstanding other sources of pollution, conditioning planet health and citizens wellbeing. The increase in urban growth and urbanization results in an expansion of urban hazards - including water scarcity, air pollution and other environmental issues. Therefore, to respond to the need for new urban development, it is necessary to introduce a new systems-based approach able not only to maintain the existing environmental indicators, but to guarantee their improvement. 

To address this complexity, in this work we explore Regenerative Design (RD) definition, scale and proprieties to rethink the ecological challenges we face in a holistic and systematic manner.  Regenerative Design approach, in this study, aspires to demonstrate that order to achieve net-positive outcomes and address social and ecological issues, it is necessary to move beyond the only intention of environmental harm mitigation. The regenerative design process leads to design processes that utilize the insights and relationships of ecological systems of the place as the basis for projects in which human actions positively contribute to the self-healing properties of nature. Therefore, an integration of nature-inspired solutions throughout the design process is required.

This study evidence that a transformative shift towards regenerative design requires not only a change in way of thinking and practice, but also in worldviews and values. It starts with the awareness the way we approach analysis of a design process might not be regenerative. Therefore, there is need for systems change to tackle root causes of degeneration, where the context and the place-based design decisions are of crucial importance.

How to cite: Boskovic, S., Giambona, J., Mijic, A., and Baldock, D.: Social and environmental benefits of regenerative design, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-19795, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-19795, 2024.

Urban Green Spaces (UGS) serve as crucial ecological and social assets in urban areas, significantly contributing to the sustainability and well-being of city life. This research delves into the assessment of UGS quality in Delhi, aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, specifically Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities. This study emphasizes the importance of UGS as Nature-Based Solutions. Previous studies have explored diverse attributes to evaluate UGS quality, incorporating elements like percentage green, built-up density, and proximity to green spaces. However, these studies often focused on specific aspects associated with any of the three important elements: impervious areas, vegetation, and population. This approach leaves a gap in comprehensively assessing the overall status of UGS, even if one element is taken out of the picture. To address these limitations, this study adopts a holistic approach by considering nine key attributes, including Proportional Population, Impermeable Surface Area, Proportional Impermeable Surface Area, Per-capita Green Index, Buffer Area around UGS, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index, Green Space Coverage, and Proportional Green, to offer a quantitative measure of UGS quality in Delhi. The Urban Green Spaces Assessment Index (UGSAI), derived from these attributes, provides a comprehensive understanding of UGS in the city, ranging from 0 to 100. The UGSAI categories, divided into five - Very Low (<20), Low (20-35), Moderate (35-50), High (50-65), and Very High (>65), were carefully determined for effective representation, revealing significant variations among wards. A higher UGSAI value indicates better green space conditions, signifying areas that are more accessible, sufficient to cater to the needs of the population of the particular ward, and have higher-quality green spaces. UGSAI values for the wards ranged from the lowest at 6.10 to the highest at 76.32. The study unveils that over 60% of wards fall into the Very Low to Low category, 33% in Moderate, and only 5% in the High to Very High category of UGSAI. Additionally, the correlation of the nine attributes used was tested with UGSAI, and the results indicated strong correlations between UGSAI and Green Coverage, SAVI, and NDVI (r=0.90), along with a strong negative correlation with Impermeable Surface Area (r = -0.87), revealing the attributes that are crucial for improving the UGSAI of a ward. This underscores the need for local-level improvements in management and an increase in UGS, especially in the identified critical areas. This research, grounded in Nature-Based Solutions, provides valuable insights for decision-makers, promoting informed choices that foster resilient and sustainable urban ecosystems. Moreover, the robust methodology and effectiveness of the Urban Green Spaces Assessment Index (UGSAI) presented in this study underscore its potential as a valuable tool applicable beyond Delhi, offering a comprehensive framework for assessing UGS in diverse urban contexts and guiding sustainable development initiatives.

How to cite: PANWAR, M. and Mina, U.: Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable Cities using Urban Green Spaces Quality Assessment Index (UGSAI), EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-721, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-721, 2024.

Urban agriculture is a nature-based solution to increase the economic, social and environmental sustainability of cities and city food systems. However, sustainability is difficult to measure, and there is therefore discussion about whether urban agriculture really contributes positively to sustainability. Monitoring data could provide evidence of the impacts of urban agriculture and help inform decision makers about whether and where to prioritise different forms of urban agriculture above competing interests.

Using case examples from five European cities, we identified the challenges involved in monitoring urban agriculture, from selecting indicators and gathering data, to using the results. We found large differences in approach in terms of what topics to monitor and who was responsible, who gathered the data and when, what data was recorded and how they were stored, and how findings were disseminated or published. Based on these experiences, we recommend stronger involvement of existing interest groups and educational institutions in monitoring urban agriculture, and promotion of convenient tools for data collection by citizen science and for long-term data storage.

How to cite: Eiter, S., Fjellstad, W., and van Schaik, L.: Monitoring urban agriculture: a nature-based solution to transform city food systems, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-20438, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-20438, 2024.

The political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal (PESTEL) dimensions in a local community shape the adoption of specific nature-based solutions (NbS) to improve water ecosystem services. This study provides crucial insights on integrating NbS tailored to smallholder indigenous and peasant communities in four central Ecuadorian provinces, covering 43.2% of the Andean region. These communities are located in the páramo, a highly valued ecosystem for water-related ecosystem services. However, they face high levels of poverty and malnutrition. Combining a participatory multi-stakeholder approach with a literature review, we gathered insights into PESTEL dimensions impacting páramo ecosystem services. A bibliometric and decision tree analysis was then employed to reveal NbS aligned with PESTEL dimensions in these communities. As a result, limited financial support, urban-centric environmental investment, and insufficient acknowledgment of water-related ecosystem services significantly impact the health of páramo ecosystems from economic and political dimensions, respectively. In the environmental dimension, the overexploitation of this ecosystem, driven by high soil carbon storage combined with superior water quality and the high vulnerability to climate change, contributes to the decline of the páramo remnants. Social, legal, and technological dimensions involve community dissatisfaction and resistance to conservation, lack of sustainable land and water management, and the mismatch between technology, the economy, and data availability. These impacts on páramo ecosystem services occur directly through water purification, regulating soil formation, and maintaining populations and habitats. Indirectly, they affect the provision of water for drinking and non-drinking purposes, fishing and aquaculture, recreation, and spiritual and symbolic appreciation. To enhance water-related ecosystem services, we propose the establishment of artificial floating islands such as NbS. These islands are seen as an innovative restoration method with multiple benefits, such as the need for only limited financial support, the engagement of local communities, the lack of land requirements for implementation, and the use of indigenous community knowledge of appropriate plant species for water treatment, which can even generate additional income. Passive restoration complements this by removing disturbances in the páramo, allowing natural regeneration in basins by state-led land purchase initiatives to ensure the protection by Ecuadorian conservation laws. Our study offers decision-makers a practical approach to secure ecosystem services for vulnerable populations, critically assessing alternatives based on the dimensions and needs of these communities.

How to cite: Fonseca, K., Ilbay, M., Espitia-Sarmiento, E., and Breuer, L.: Improving water-related ecosystem services to developing country communities through nature-based solutions, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-1829, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-1829, 2024.

This study compares and analyzes the impact of land use changes on ecosystem services and ecological security in different ecological backgrounds in Stockholm and Panjin. Using Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA), Analytic Hierarchy Process, and Circuit Theory, the dynamic changes in ecosystem services and ecological security patterns are assessed in these two regions. Based on the characteristics and land use changes from 2000 to 2020, four scenarios for 2050 are simulated using the PLUS model: Business-as-Usual (BAU), Priority Urban Development (PUD), Priority Ecological Protection (PEP), and Balanced Urban-Ecological Development.The results show that in Panjin, the growth rate of construction land was 21.49% from 2000 to 2020, and when this probability was applied to the transfer probability of Priority Urban Development in the Stockholm region, there was a significant change in the ecological security pattern. In contrast, in Stockholm County, the correlation between the change rates of all land use types and other indicators was weak, suggesting limited influence of these factors on land use changes. However, in Panjin, there was a strong positive correlation between the change rates of construction land, unused land, and population and GDP. This implies that in regions with lower economic levels, there is a higher dependence on ecosystem services and ecological security patterns compared to higher economic regions.Observations reveal an increase in forest and grassland area in Panjin City. However, the distribution of high-value ecological source areas is not concentrated enough and exhibits a high rate of change. In contrast, the Stockholm region has maintained a stable pattern of ecological source areas over the past 20 years. The Stockholm region has developed a relatively reasonable ecological security pattern, which is the result of continuous ecological protection and planning efforts over many years.

How to cite: wu, H.: The impact of urbanization on ecosystem services and ecological security patterns, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-20661, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-20661, 2024.

The integration of Eco-DRR practices in geopark management is a promising method to strengthen community resilience. In the context of the Caota dunes geopark, the level of engagement and support from local residents could significantly contribute to the effectiveness of Eco-DRR approaches through fostering awareness, strengthening the local economy, enhancing ecosystem services, promoting sustainable resource use and facilitating the adoption of resilient livelihood practices. However, it is essential to first understand the needs of the community before implementing these strategies. This study aimed to identify critical factors by exploring community needs and challenges through interviews and focus groups to identify pathways for an inclusive and community-centered approach to the geopark's implementation and conserve the essential functions of the dune landscape.  

Capacity building has contributed to an increased sense of responsibility and commitment from the local community. Nevertheless, insights from local community members highlighted the urgent need for economic benefits and future stability for the geopark through more defined development plans and increased community involvement. This study highlights the importance of incorporating community insights early in the development process  and promote bottom-up approaches, providing greater opportunities for active participation in geopark planning, management, and monitoring.

How to cite: Lin, T.-Y. and van Onselen, V.: Local insights into community participation and Eco-DRR strategies for sustainable geopark management at Caota Sand Dunes Geopark, Taiwan, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-2990, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-2990, 2024.

The coastal region of Bangladesh is greatly impacted by high soil and water salinity levels, worsened by tropical cyclones and rising sea levels. Understanding the extent of salinity and its challenges is vital for sustainable agriculture and safe drinking water. This study employed both quantitative methods, focusing on soil and water parameters, as well as qualitative approaches such as focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs). The objectives of this research were to assess soil and water salinity, and soil nutrient content, and to investigate adaptive practices and challenges in agriculture and drinking water management in six sub-districts in the southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh. Qualitative information obtained from 18 FGDs and 16 KIIs was assessed by thematic and content analysis to evaluate the community-based adaptive techniques and challenges in sustainable agriculture and water management in the salinization-affected region. Using a one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests, the soil and water parameters of the collected 165 soil samples (croplands), and 132 water samples (ponds and canals) were analyzed to assess the soil nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and soil and water salinity in six sub-districts.

The soil nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents exhibited significant variations, whereas there was no notable difference in soil salinity content across the studied sub-districts. Upon examination of pond water salinity levels, significant variations were observed among the six sub-districts. The salinity levels (ds cm^-1) in pond water ranged between 13 and 14 ds cm^-1 in these sub-districts. Among them, Shyamnagar recorded the highest level of pond water salinity (13.99), followed by Assasuni (13.96), Dacope (13.91), Koyra (13.58), Morrelganj (13.33), and Mongla (13.19) sub-districts. Pairwise comparisons of salinity levels in pond and canal water show that the salinity level in most water samples varied significantly among sub-districts.

Respondents in FGDs and KIIs consistently identified salinity as a major challenge in agriculture and drinking water in the studied sub-districts. Additionally, climate-induced stresses, such as untimely precipitation, and pest outbreaks during droughts were recognized as significant issues impacting sustainable agriculture. In terms of adaptive practices, this research emphasizes the feasibility of rainwater harvesting as an effective technique for managing drinking water and mitigating water and soil salinity. This approach offers a viable solution for addressing water scarcity and salinity issues in the coastal region. One notable finding in agriculture from the research is the positive impact of organic fertilizer (vermicompost) in reducing soil salinity levels. This finding highlights the potential of utilizing organic fertilizer as a nature-based solution to mitigate salinity in the affected regions of Bangladesh and globally. By adopting such adaptive strategies, the region can promote resilient agricultural systems and ensure sustainable water management.

In summary, the study highlights the prevalence of soil and water salinity in the coastal region of Bangladesh and the associated challenges it poses for agriculture and drinking water management. The research emphasizes the significance of adaptive practices, specifically rainwater harvesting and organic fertilizer, as a practical solution to address water scarcity and salinity issues in the region.

How to cite: Shapna, K. J., Li, J., Khandker, S., and Hossain, M. L.: Exploring community-based adaptive approaches in agriculture and water management to address salinity impacts in coastal Bangladesh, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-5654, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-5654, 2024.

The Coastal Bend Region (CBR) of Texas is vulnerable to acute and chronic environmental stressors stemming from natural and industrial sources, including flooding and erosion from high tides, storm surge events, and ship traffic, as well as higher levels of air and water pollution due to expansion of nearby industrial operations. Communities in the CBR are diverse, spanning a range of sizes, demographics, and geographies, and have varying levels of exposure, vulnerability, and capacity to respond and adapt to the cumulative threats posed by climate change and industrial expansion. Currently, residents of the CBR are engaging in a variety of community organizing and advocacy efforts, including through existing and newly established community-based organizations. These organizations span a range of experience levels and capacities in interfacing with local decision-makers and engaging in collective action to address environmental threats, but all have expressed a need for more comprehensive data about environmental and industrial conditions to advocate for and make informed decisions about risk reduction strategies that mitigate negative impacts on air, water, and land resources.

Here, we discuss an ongoing research program to examine how smart and connected technologies can be integrated into regional communication and advocacy networks to increase awareness of natural and anthropogenic hazards and build community adaptive capacity equitably among the diverse residents in the CBR. We first present the results of a year-long planning study conducted in partnership with one CBR community to (1) evaluate the structure and function of the local communication, information-sharing, and policy-making networks and (2) co-develop a real-time, wireless sensor network and community dashboard to monitor environmental conditions. This study led to the formation of interdisciplinary, academic-civic partnerships that centered community needs in the design and implementation of the research objectives. We then discuss challenges and opportunities in expanding this work to the regional scale to engage a broader diversity of CBR residents using a bottom-up, participatory design approach, with the goal of supporting frontline communities as they advocate for more sustainable and equitable policies for hazard management.

How to cite: Hummel, M., Jenewein, O., Bezboruah, K., Liu, Y., Masten, K., Choi, B., and Sakalker, A.: A Community-Led Approach to Environmental Monitoring and Adaptive Capacity Building in the Coastal Bend Region of Texas, USA, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-6142, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-6142, 2024.

This study addresses the urgency to re-strategize our local action to prevent future climatic risk as a result of extreme weather events, urbanization, anthropogenic activities in a changing climate. While progress has been made in implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction since its adoption in 2015, no country is on track to achieve the outcome and goal by 2030. Malaysia is not an exception. A holistic approach to multi-scale disaster risk reduction and climate resilience is critically needed to examine new prospective agenda for accelerated action. This study provides a new insight into galvanizing technological advancement, multi-tier partnership and community-led approach to entail more coordinated and programmatic action towards translating resilience thinking approach into risk-informed decision-making. Equipping cities and communities with knowledge and capabilities to manage complexity of risks is a step forward to re-build a resilient society and rejuvenate resilience thinking. UNDRR’s global reports indicated that by providing a 24-hour early warning can reduce the resulting damage by 30%. Therefore, investing in the development of people-centered, end-to-end, multi-hazard early warning system (EWS) is highly regarded to support the 2027’s Early Warning for All agenda. This study highlights smart partnership into co-designing, co-developing, and co-implementing an impact-based EWS for geological risk in Jerai Geopark (Yan, Kedah), towards rejuvenating local resilience strategy through the development of DRR Yan Model and Resilience Living Lab in a national geological heritage area dominated by tourism industry. The key for successful community-led disaster risk reduction (CLDRR) lies in maintaining interest in resilience culture and motivation for local agenda at the grassroot level. We also demonstrate community-led DRR program with a unique localization strategy that addresses dam-related disaster risk. This study acknowledged that 40% of large dams in Malaysia are aging, necessitating new approaches to dam safety. Moreover, regional benchmarking for technological-based sociotechnical systems enabled by collaborative foresight and disaster informatics are a way forward to assess future emerging hazards, systemic risk, and compounding disaster. With good risk governance, evidence-based risk investment, and risk-informed decision making, as supported by all-of-society approach particularly in advancing a new partnership model for the public-private-academia-civil society, this study reports current demands for de-risk strategies that shall be systematically incorporated into decision-making, governance, and investments. The development of new strategies, actions, and initiatives are mutually explored towards inculcating targeted investments related to systemic risk reduction, and mainstreaming urban development planning of unattended risks should be made based on science, coupled by the Local, Traditional and Indigenous Knowledge (LTIK) approach. The de-risk investment efforts often jeopardize by a series of sudden, large-scale geological-induced disaster, resulting into the prolonged economic impacts continues to escalate and underscores the multi-scale investment for DRR agenda at a local level. By adopting a transdisciplinary approach to DRR and forward-looking risk-informed approach, this vulnerable region can further develop its resilience capacity to tackle complex challenges of climate risks. As a conclusion, risk-informed pathway in development planning, and a paradigm shift, can contribute towards promoting equitable and sustainable resilience in geologically risk sensitive regions.

How to cite: Razak, K. A., Ramlee, L. H. S., Sapiee, H. Y., Siow, Y. M., Muda, R. S., Abu Bakar, R., Mohamed, Z., Ramli, Z., and Koh Poh Lee, C. S. N.: Advancing Local Disaster Resilience Strategies: A Transdisciplinary Approach, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-18315, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-18315, 2024.

Professional societies can play important roles in society's climate change response. Sitting at the junction of scientific innovation, policy advocacy, and community engagement, professional societies are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between principal investigators (PIs), governments, and local communities. As non-governmental actors, these groups streamline the transfer of research into actionable strategies by facilitating knowledge exchange, standardizing methodologies, and fostering multi-stakeholder collaborations.

This presentation will outline how professional societies can amplify the reach and relevance of scientific endeavors and help ensure that community priorities are at the forefront of environmental policies and practices. It will argue for their enhanced involvement in driving interdisciplinary approaches, advocating for inclusive and informed policy-making, and empowering communities through accessible, science-based solutions. The session aims to inspire a cohesive dialogue among community leaders, scientists, and policymakers, highlighting the necessity of a united front to effectively address the pressing environmental challenges of our times. Lastly, the talk will highlight the joint Optica-AGU Global Environmental Measurement and Monitoring Initiative.

How to cite: Lang, D. and Shimamoto, M.: Amplifying Impact: The Role of Professional Societies in Community-Led Environmental Science, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-22285, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-22285, 2024.