Resourceful and Resilient Cities and Marine Ecosystem Services

Abstract

The great wealth of coastal areas, whether in terms of access to the sea, maritime trade, tourism, fishing, or natural resources, increasingly attracts urban populations. However if this precious coastal capital is unsustainably managed, the potential of its benefits can be easily undermined. Coastal urbanisation affects land use and cover of the shore, biodiversity, soil, water and air quality and global climate. Responsible coastal cities try to reduce their ecological debts on land and the sea. Urban coastal organs and functions have to boost the resilience of places and assist in transition to a civilisation of sustainability. Sustainable cities and oceans, among the priority areas of the Rio+20 conference and the dialogue for the post-2015 sustainable development goals, need ecological and environmentally friendly cells and neurons to thrive in harmony with the planet and the seas. Together with their citizens and stakeholders, they can play a cardinal role for exploration and protection of our precious marine resources.