Exploring the Application of Ecosystems Approach to Urban Planning: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

The current patterns of urbanization across the globe are characterized by rapid growth and development scenarios, often resulting in deteriorated urban environments. With the growing urban population, the pressure on infrastructure and services is elevated, resulting in stress on natural systems and poor health and well-being of citizens. In response to these challenges, the researchers are exploring approaches for urban planning leading to sustainable urban futures. The ecosystem's approach to urban planning was once such a concept, creating cities with high-quality urban life by managing the dynamics between social, economic, and environmental systems. Thus, a systematic literature review of 105 research papers using the PRISMA methodology to identify the most pertinent themes for applying the ecosystems approach in urban planning is conducted. In addition, a bibliometric analysis from 2007 to 2021 is performed using a VOS viewer to analyse the literature trends graphically. The articles were identified from the Scopus database, and the annual research publications trends, contributing countries, and the collaboration of keywords were retrieved. The review identifies three key themes: ecosystem services, socio-ecological systems, and biodiversity, forming the basis for applying the ecosystems approach in urban planning to strengthen sustainable city development.