Enhancing Natural and Social Sustainability in Urban Forests

Urban forests are vital components of city ecosystems, offering a plethora of ecosystem services that significantly contribute to both natural and social sustainability. These services include crucial processes such as air purification, water filtration, and mitigation of urban heat islands, directly impacting the quality of urban living. Recent studies underscore the importance of integrating ecosystem service valuation into urban and regional planning, highlighting the role such green infrastructures can play in disaster risk reduction and transboundary water resource management. Despite these advancements, gaps persist in employing comprehensive strategies that cohesively link ecosystem services with urban planning to address ongoing environmental challenges and enhance human wellbeing.



This Research Topic aims to delve into the multifaceted interplay between ecosystem services, natural resource management, and the mental health and wellbeing of urban populations. Key objectives include evaluating the valuation processes of ecosystem services, enhancing their integration into urban planning, and developing sustainable management practices that cater to conserving biodiversity and adapting to climate change. Additionally, it seeks to explore the profound effects of urban green spaces on psychological recovery and emotional health, focusing on urban design's role in fostering wellbeing.



To gather further insights in the nexus between ecosystem services, resource management, and wellbeing, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:



- The valuation of ecosystem services within urban environments and implications for policy-making

- Strategies for incorporating ecosystem services into urban and regional planning frameworks

- The role of ecological infrastructure in disaster preparedness and risk mitigation

- Biodiversity conservation strategies adaptable to climate change scenarios

- The impact of urban green spaces on mental health and their potential to enhance emotional resilience



Submissions can be made across various article types, such as original research articles, reviews, case studies, and theoretical papers, to foster a multidisciplinary discussion and further our understanding of building sustainable urban ecosystems that support both the natural environment and human wellbeing.

Keywords: Ecosystem Management Public health Urban forests

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.