Complexity of urban ecosystem services in the context of global change

Abstract

Bezak P., Lyytimaki J.: Complexity of urban ecosystem services in the context of global change. Ekologia (Bratislava), Vol. 30, No. 1, p. 22–35, 2011. Occurrence and quality of urban green space is important for the well-being of urban populations. Access to green spaces generally improves human well-being and well planned urban green areas can play an important role in economic development as well. Benefits of urban green spaces are well documented, although in many cases they are not acknowledged and taken fully into account by all key stakeholders, or incorporated to planning, construction and maintenance practices. Furthermore, conflicts persist regarding different types of land use and design of urban green areas. Therefore, careful planning will be necessary in order to support both protection and enhancement of biodiversity and the needs of urban dwellers. This will require an interdisciplinary approach integra ting quantitative and qualitative information on ecological, social and economical factors. Even more importantly, a transdisciplinary approach integrating science with urban planning is needed in order to manage the complexity of urban ecosystem services in the context of global change.