Novel Urban Ecosystems: Opportunities from and to Landscape Architecture

Catarina Patoilo Teixeira, Cláudia Oliveira Fernandes and Jack Ahern
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Catarina Patoilo Teixeira: InBIO-Rede de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Biologia Evolutiva, CIBIO, Campus Agrário de Vairao, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairao, Portugal
Cláudia Oliveira Fernandes: InBIO-Rede de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Biologia Evolutiva, CIBIO, Campus Agrário de Vairao, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairao, Portugal
Jack Ahern: Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003-2901, USA

Land, 2021, vol. 10, issue 8, 1-12

Abstract: Novel assemblages of biotic, abiotic, and social components resulting from human-induced actions (e.g., climate change, land-use change, species movement) have been labeled as “Novel Ecosystems”, or “Novel Urban Ecosystems” when emerging in urban contexts. This concept has been shifting perspectives among some scientists and making them question traditional values about human-nature interactions in a rapidly changing era dominated by anthropogenic actions (Anthropocene). Controversial dimensions surrounding the Novel Ecosystems and Novel Urban Ecosystems terms may be preventing the evolution and further research of these concepts. The environmental problems that our society will soon face support a search for innovative solutions and transdisciplinary efforts. For that reason, this discussion should not cease, rather should expand to other fields of knowledge that can contribute with pertinent insights and collaborations. This way, this short communication aims to reflect on the opportunities from Landscape Architecture to the discussion, research, and application of the novel ecosystems concepts in the real world, particularly in the urban landscape, and also reflect on the opportunities of this debate to the Landscape Architecture field. Ultimately, Landscape Architecture can contribute with innovative and creative perspectives, acceding valuable and advanced tools, facilitating dialogues between fields of knowledge, and bridging gaps between science, people, and nature.

Keywords: Anthropocene; concept; controversy; design; human-nature interactions; landscape; novel ecosystems; transdisciplinarity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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