Landscape-Based Approach for Sustainable Water Resources in Urban Areas

Abstract

Water security in urban areas is a highly challenging issue. Urban areas have caused dramatic changes in the freshwater environments by activities such as damming, channel modification, increase in impervious surfaces, disconnected waterways and increasing pollutants. Accordingly, this chapter argues for a landscape-based approach for water security through better human–nature connections with areas that are related with better urban water security. It is argued that wise management of urban water landscapes can enhance conditions that support water supply, habitat provision, natural sewage treatment and spaces for recreations and cognitive interactions among others. The chapter brings case studies from Japan, India and the Philippines for exemplifying key human–nature interactions that can ensure urban water environments through ecosystem-based land-use practices.