How can cities design urban spaces that truly integrate people, animals and other more-than-human stakeholders into healthy ecosystems? In today’s world, where economic gains often take priority and where socio-political and environmental crises intersect, the livability of our cities is inextricably linked to the health of our planet.
Following this premise, the One Health approach, launched by the World Health Organisation in 2017, gains significance. This holistic framework aims to sustainably balance and optimise the health of the planet, recognising that human, animal, and environmental health form an integrated whole.
In GreenInCities, an EU-funded initiative by the EU Climate and Cities Missions that promotes the use of nature-based solutions (NBS) for climate adaptation and mitigation in urban areas, the One Health approach is central to the project, focusing on reducing the likelihood of extreme weather events that could adversely impact human and ecosystems health while fostering inclusive urban design for all.
According to LAND, an international landscape consultancy and one of the project’s partners responsible for designing urban interventions with a focus on animals and nature, this approach is based on the systemic interconnectedness of human and non-human, landscape and environmental conditions over time, making it a powerful framework for re-greening cities.
The multiple connections between habitats, territories, and the human and non-human stakeholders who inhabit them all, contribute to what we recognise as the broader wholeness of the Landscape. The One Health approach seeks to create inclusive spaces that exist in harmony with Nature and its components, embracing everything from large-scale habitats to the micro-dimension of urban biotopes.
Taking care of the overall well-being of our planet, starting with the needs of our cities, is a fundamental duty of policymakers and practitioners within GreenInCities. As Professor Consonni wisely states, “The planet will not be saved unless we save the cities first!” (2024). We encourage today's readers to recognise that the health of our planet hinges on numerous interconnected factors, from current socio-political crises to the environmental challenges posed by climate change, which we are all too aware of.
Consequently, to design a replicable and scalable One Health approach to re-greening our urban spaces, we should outline the following operational strategies.
1. Design and management of Urban Green Spaces & Health Promotion
Did you know that urban planning can affect our mental health? Initiatives like planting trees to combat urban heat through tree canopy plans and afforestation programmes in urban planning have an impact on our daily lives. Ecologically-sound and climate-prone parks and green areas can reduce urban heat, increase biodiversity, and consequently improve air quality. These urban green infrastructures have a positive impact on our mental and physical health only by providing a stronger bond with nature.
On the other hand, promoting local food production in spaces such as Community Gardens can improve balanced and sustainable nutrition, and enhance community cohesion, while also preserving local knowledge and cultural heritage.
2. Community Engagement and Capacity building on Nature
A sense of belonging can be fostered through inclusive urban design. By raising awareness of the benefits of biodiversity and sustainable practices within communities, we can promote engagement and build capacity in green space design and maintenance, fostering ownership and stewardship through participatory planning.
In GreenInCities, we embrace a holistic methodology that incorporates diverse perspectives through a deeply integrated co-creation process. Our approach unfolds in three dynamic stages - co-analysis, co-design, and co-monitoring - ensuring that every phase of urban development is collaborative, innovative, and inclusive.
3. Cross-collaborative actions
Interdisciplinary Partnerships play a key role in research projects especially aligned with urban development, as they promote green policies that align with health and environmental goals. This approach follows the international framework of sustainability and policy integration with Nature. By enabling collaboration among urban planners, public health officials, ecologists and community organisations strategic actions can be effectively implemented.
4. Monitoring and Research
The health impacts of urban greening initiatives can be monitored through a series of metrics and systematic procedures for data collection. Residents can also be engaged in monitoring local biodiversity and environmental health through innovative citizen science approaches.
By incorporating One Health principles into urban planning and design, GreenInCities aims to raise awareness of the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant, and environmental health, and to promote the development of sustainable and resilient urban environments that support the health and well-being of everyone involved.
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Written by LAND and Ideas for Change.