A Review of Ecosystem-Based Elements to Mitigate City Vulnerabilities

Ecosystem-based elements (EBE) are considered effective solutions to address adaptation to climate variation and mitigation in urban areas, offering the potential to decrease vulnerability and enhance resilience. This study examines ecosystem-based adaptation (EBA) to mitigate urban vulnerability via a review of the literature. The factors hindering the application of EBE in urban precincts were identified, and their applications to reduce urban risks were explored. Inadequate partnership, limited skills, scarce budgetary provisions, and bureaucratic administrative processes were some significant challenges to the successful adoption of EBE. Some application strategies to mitigate the identified problems include the formulation of robust environmental policies, harmonisation of public and private financing collaboration, as well as monitoring the mechanisms of EBE integration. Abiotic EBE, like water bodies, roof gardens and greenery in cities, offer practical gains which include the reduction of carbon footprint and urban heat island syndrome, improving the ecosystem and promoting community cohesiveness. Thus, to promote the well-being of city dwellers and the adaptive capacity of natural ecosystems, this study stresses the importance of integrated approaches for EBA and mitigation actions known as climate-resilient administration. By tackling extant urban risks and instituting a basis for future environmental and spatio-physical benefits, incorporating EBE could make cities adaptable. Policy-makers, construction industry experts, and property owners could adopt this study’s outcomes to build inclusive, intelligently sustainable, and liveable cities.