Ecosystem restoration using the near-natural method in Shanghai

Abstract

Recently, there has been a growing trend toward developing eco-cities that are rationally structured, function efficiently, and maintain a harmonious relationship with the environment. Functional eco-cities demonstrating symbiosis with nature are not merely a current urban development goal, but also make an important contribution to the establishment of sustainable development strategies across the world. The near-natural method of ecological construction and restoration has attracted attention worldwide, and has been widely proven to be an effective method of constructing ecological cities in practice. It will also play a key role in urban landscaping and greening in China. After studying the problems associated with constructing an eco-city in Shanghai, we proposed the use of the near-natural method to construct an urban ecosystem in the city and introduced a theory and methodology for creation of near-natural forests and near-natural water systems. All the cases we studied demonstrated that restoration using the near-natural method could be more effective, long lasting, and economical than existing methods, and that the method is now worthy of promotion as a means of constructing environments for human settlement.