An Ecosystem-Enriched (EDPSEEA) Methodology for Sustainable Urban Development of Communities in Egypt

Abstract

Despite efforts to achieve environmental sustainability, the globe is not yet on the right track; various difficulties have lately emerged because of development, including natural resource depletion, biodiversity loss, and pollution issues. The strategic objectives of the environment for the year 2030 aim to achieve rational management of natural resource assets and the maintenance of the balance of ecosystems and biodiversity, and hence, it is necessary to deal with the important challenges of current urban development, which directly and indirectly affect resources and ecosystems, and human health. This has led to development of tools to consider the relationship between human activities and environmental sustainability in a policy-relevant way. Such tools can identify policies that might simultaneously achieve sustainability, preserve resources while protecting health and equity. This paper aims at understanding the impact of various urban development sectors on environmental ecosystems through employing a systematic framework to formulate appropriate measures and policies to confront these challenges. Various methodological frameworks are reviewed leading to selection of the ecosystems-enriched Drivers, Pressures, State, Exposure, Effect Action (eDPSEEA) as an appropriate tool for assessing and determining the cause and effect of an ecosystem to guide and direct responses and actions in the Egyptian context. El Fayoum Governorate is selected as a case study to test the suitability of this framework. The study concludes that the application of this systemic methodological approach can enhance understanding of the interrelationships among the multifaceted components within the urban system and its impacts on ecosystems, helping to enhance the decision-making and implementation processes.