Ecosystem services: an interpretive paradigm of urban and territorial heritage. Strategies, guidelines and vision for sustainable cities

The current challenge in urban contexts is to achieve a sustainable balance between urban and rural areas, especially in conflict situations such as wars or natural disasters, where connectivity between ecosystems can be disrupted, causing a significant impact on ecosystem services (ES) provided by affected areas. For example, vegetation destruction can cause soil erosion and reduce water absorption capacity, increasing the risk of floods and avalanches. In a world plagued by the danger posed by climate change, it is necessary to reflect on the opportunities offered by ES that natural capital provides. How? This is the task of those, such as architects and designers, who can implement new paradigms of energy sustainability for resilient communities. It is a new opportunity that we must not miss for the ethics and mission that we have as builders of well-being. Cities are often places of conflict, where people struggle for limited resources, such as green spaces, water, clean air, and food. However, creativity can help solve these conflicts by finding new solutions that consider multiple interests and needs. For example, public art and music can be used to raise awareness about the importance of ES and to promote biodiversity conservation. Such initiatives can also contribute to strengthening the sense of community and improving people's psychological well-being, creating a positive impact on urban quality of life. While ecological connectivity and the promotion of ES are essential to create sustainable, resilient, and livable cities, the creation of green corridors and the promotion of urban biodiversity are just some examples of how connectivity can be promoted to improve the quality of the urban environment and the resilience of the city. But how can we integrate these concepts into urban design? My research aims to suggest some key strategies. First, it is important to consider ES in urban planning from the beginning so that they can be appropriately integrated into urban design. Second, ecological connectivity must be promoted in urban design through the creation of green corridors, the promotion of urban biodiversity, and the use of green infrastructure such as green roofs and walls. Finally, it is important to involve the community in urban design to arrive at solutions appropriate to local needs and expectations. This green balance is essential to ensure the conservation of biodiversity and the production of ES that positively influence human well-being. My doctoral thesis focuses on the use of ES in a specific area of the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria (Calabria, Italy) to interpret urban and territorial heritage and understand how they can contribute to the sustainability of the city. The goal is to create a replicable model for enhancing green in urban, peri-urban, and extra-urban contexts, increasing the ecological functions of ecosystem services, and raising community awareness of their importance. The research methodology will follow a transdisciplinary and participatory approach, involving the community in the evaluation process..