The Benefit Concept—How People Can Benefit from Urban Nature

Abstract

“Urban ecosystem services”Ecosystem services refers to benefitsBenefit for city residents provided by urban natureUrban nature. They are based on ecological functions that offer a direct or indirect benefitBenefit for human well-being. They are components of nature, directly enjoyed, consumed or used by urban residents. The concept of urban ecosystem servicesEcosystem services aims to analyse, measure and assess the usefulness of urban natureUrban nature for city residents and provides a foundation for urban development and planningPlanning. Studies list the most important services in more detail under the following: (1) urban natureUrban nature supports good living conditions; (2) urban natureUrban nature improves healthHealth; (3) experiencing and learning about nature in the city; (4) urban natureUrban nature provides services; (5) urban natureUrban nature is a location factor. The chapter explains which urban ecosystems provide which ecosystem servicesEcosystem services and how these can be measured, assessed, monitored and planned. UrbanUrban biodiversity biodiversityBiodiversity is not merely the result of natural processes, but also that of conscious and unconscious shaping by humans. This means a paradigm shift regarding the traditional ideas of nature conservationNature conservation that focus on preserving pristine habitatsHabitat and exclusively on indigenous species. UrbanUrban biodiversity biodiversityBiodiversity is often the only biodiversityBiodiversity that many people directly experience. Experiencing urbanUrban biodiversity biodiversityBiodiversity will be the key to halt the loss of global biodiversityBiodiversity.