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Human–River Interactions in Cities

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Urban and Rural Development".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 September 2023) | Viewed by 58855

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. G. Mathias Kondolf

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Guest Editor

Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, USA
EURIAS fellow, Collegium—Lyon Institute of Advanced Studies, ENS; CNRS UMR 5600 Environnement Ville Société, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
Interests: fluvial geomorphology; environmental planning; river restoration; sustainable floodplain management; urban rivers; social and biophysical connectivity of urban rivers; sustainable management of sediment in rivers and reservoirs; reservoir sedimentation; sediment starvation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Amir Gohar

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Guest Editor

Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, USA
Interests: urban planning; landscape design; ecotourism; sustainable tourism planning; public access to urban rivers; sustainability of global south, water front design, civic engagement in public space

Prof. Yves-François Le Lay

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Guest Editor

Ecole normale supérieure de Lyon, Department of Social Sciences, UMR 5600 Environnement Ville Société, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
Interests: social geography; environmental controversies; public perception of riverscapes; river history; water governance

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Most cities are located on rivers, and for very good historical reasons, which included navigation/commerce, fisheries, water supply, waste disposal, and quotidian uses, such as washing clothes. The identities and distinctive characteristics of many cities are closely tied to their rivers, and the many ways their residents interact with their urban waters. In recent decades, urban riverfront projects have become ubiquitous in the developed world, and increasingly promoted in the developing world. Both celebrated as revitalizing neglected urban centers and criticized for displacing the disenfranchised populations, these projects raise questions about what constitutes ‘restoration’ in the urban context, to what degree natural processes and ecological values can be restored in such contexts, and how sustainable ecological benefits will be in light of the urban context. In highly-dense cities, the social benefits of restoration likely overshadow the potential ecological benefits. Moreover, attempts to transplant waterfront restoration approaches from a successful application in one city to another with different characteristics commonly fail when the diversity of fluvial form and resulting culture is not adequate accounted for. Thus, there are fundamental questions about the sustainability of these projects, from the hydrologic, ecological, and social perspectives.

These themes were explored at the IS Rivers conference in Lyon, France, in June 2018, in a session on ‘City-River Interactions’, supported by the Collegium—Lyon Institute of Advanced Studies. A number of papers in our special issue derive from presentations and discussions at the IS Rivers conference, but the special issue is by no means restricted to papers presented there, and in fact the issue already includes papers published or in review that are independent of the conference. We invite your contributions to this Special Issue, edited with the support of the Collegium, exploring these rich human–river interactions in the urban environment.

Sincerely yours,

Prof. G. Mathias Kondolf
Dr. Amir Gohar
Prof. Yves-François Le Lay
Guest Editors

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Keywords

urban rivers
human-river interactions
urban waterfronts
revitalization

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 5290 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Beyond the Embankments: Virtual Training on Human–River Interaction for Fostering Safer Behaviors during Flood Emergencies

by Alice Bettelli, Elena Zanella, Leonardo Pierobon, Valeria Orso, Patrik Pluchino, Anna Spagnolli, Michele Ferri and Luciano Gamberini

Sustainability 2023, 15(20), 14855; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su152014855 - 13 Oct 2023

Viewed by 692

Abstract

Floods are an increasingly frequent phenomenon with catastrophic consequences for citizens and cities. Virtual reality (VR) has become a valuable training tool, simulating inaccessible or hazardous situations like emergencies and risk environments. This study evaluates a designed virtual training simulating a riverbank flood scenario. Beyond imparting factual knowledge, this environment aims to facilitate experiential learning by enabling users to repeatedly practice correct behaviors safely. We investigate the impact that different tutorials have on the ability of users to comprehend and retain the knowledge conveyed during the VR experience. To achieve this, three training experiences with different levels of contextualization and interaction tutorials were compared in a between-participant design. Data collection involved both self-reported measures (e.g., questionnaire) and objective measures (e.g., behavioral data). The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the virtual environment in acquiring knowledge of flood contents, particularly when the tutorial offers high levels of interaction, thereby reducing cognitive load. Furthermore, we observed that a lower level of contextualization in the tutorial phase enhances user efficiency in acquainting themselves with the virtual environment. This study emphasizes the potential of virtual training in augmenting preparedness, providing a valuable framework for the development of experiential learning tools in flood emergencies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human–River Interactions in Cities)

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20 pages, 39411 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial-Temporal Evolution Relationship between Water Systems and Historical Settlement Sites Based on Quantitative Analysis: A Case Study of Hankou in Wuhan, China (1635–1949)

by Han Zou, Chen Chen, Wei Xiao and Lifu Shi

Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 14614; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su142114614 - 07 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1652

Abstract

When deciding on and creating their own settlement environment, humans’ relationships with water resources have evolved. From the earliest times when they observed water and learned about its characteristics and laws to create artificial rivers, to the gradual development and use of water resources to create water plants and pumping stations, to the management of water resources to set up customs and dams to prevent and manage water hazards.To lay the groundwork for more sustainable development of the relationship between humans and water in the city, it is important to understand and summarize this state of change. Wuhan, known as the “City of a Thousand Lakes”, is a typical case of studying the traditional relationship between Chinese people and water, and can better provide modern cities with the value of historical experience in sustainable development. Therefore, this study takes the Hankou town of Wuhan from 1635 to 1949 as the research object, uses historical maps and written materials as data sources, and creates a database of historical information based on the water system of Hankou and the sites of artificial settlements such as buildings and streets. It takes quantitative analysis and map visualization techniques of the GIS platform from the perspective of quantitative historical research. Firstly, it creates a database of historical information based on the water system of Hankou and the sites of artificial settlements such as buildings and streets. Secondly, it gives the quantitation about the human–water relationship in Hankou by applying the spatial analysis methods of buffer analysis. The study’s findings demonstrate that from 1635 to 1864 there were an increasing number of artificial settlement sites that were distributed along the water system, keeping a reasonable distance from the water; from 1684 to 1905, people constructed dikes to prevent flooding, which resulted in an increase in urban space; and from 1905 to 1949, the development of Hankou shifted toward the Hanjiang River and the Yangtze River. The procedure shows a change in the relationship between avoiding water and subsequently managing water and using water. The results of the study indicate the following: (1) Water is essential for the environment of human settlements. (2) Human activities have an impact on the structure of water systems. (3) There is a high degree of coupling between the Hankou urban water system and the sites of artificial settlements. It proves that the relationship between humans and water is very close in the process of modern urbanization in Hankou. In building a traditional habitat environment to regulate water, it is consistent with the ancient Chinese concepts of “harmony between man and nature” and “the best place to live is close to water conservancy but also avoid flood.” This paper is helpful for re-examining and establishing the harmonious relationship between humans and water to encourage sustainable urban growth and reshape the urban spatial environment with Chinese characteristics. It also provides a method based on quantitative analysis for studying the evolution history of urban settlement environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human–River Interactions in Cities)

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20 pages, 6441 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Morphological Suitability Analysis of Urban Greenspaces with Rivers: A Case Study of the Lixiahe Riverine Area

by Xiao-Jun Wang, Xiao Wei and Xin Chen

Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 13266; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su142013266 - 15 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1088

Abstract

Retaining river channels and constructing waterfront greenspaces are the primary tasks of urban waterfront development in China. However, the natural characteristics of the water network are not fully considered in some urban greenspaces system planning and subsequent construction. We proposed a simple evaluation system to assess the morphological suitability between greenspaces and rivers in both the existing and planning stages. The evaluation indicators consist of two-level factors, in which the types of greenspace defined by the distance to the nearest river are the primary factors, including urban greenspace, waterfront greenspace and near-water greenspace, and the spatial forms of each type of greenspace are the secondary factors. The evaluation system can reflect the characteristics of each city and provide an overall comparison to cities of the same scale in similar regions. This study also investigated the impact of greenspace system planning on the current greenspace form. The results showed that near-water greenspace is a key factor that affects the matching degree among all primary factors, and the layout of greenspaces has a substantial impact on morphological suitability. Significant correlations between matching degree and evaluation factors were also found. This paper provides an in-depth understanding of urban greenspace form with urban rivers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human–River Interactions in Cities)

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22 pages, 7543 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Agroforestry Contributions to Urban River Rehabilitation

by Tzitzi Sharhí Delgado-Lemus and Ana Isabel Moreno-Calles

Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7657; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14137657 - 23 Jun 2022

Viewed by 2274

Abstract

The context of urban rivers is one of pollution of their courses, the degradation of riparian habitats, the loss of biodiversity, and the marginalization of the human populations that live next to them. Due to urban growth, the hydrological dynamics in entire basins and the hydromorphology of rivers are changing. This situation increases flooding, decreases the availability of water for human use, and disconnects the rivers from the dynamics of the city. Agroforestry is the integration of cultural, wild, and domesticated diversity with use, conservation, and restoration objectives. These practices in cities can contribute to addressing the problems mentioned. We analyze agroforestry practices and the socio-ecological contributions to urban river rehabilitation. We review 37 experiences worldwide. Agroforestry practices included in the review are trees and hedgerows; wetland agroforestry; aquatic, botanical, edible, educational, and rain gardens; bioswales; green parking lots; food forestry; vegetation in alleys and streets; vertical terrace walls, among others. Agroforestry contributes to efforts to solve urban river problems, improve water quality and access, restore riparian habitats, enhance river hydromorphology, support local economies, and create a river culture. We emphasize promoting multi-relational people–river interactions based on theoretical and practical frameworks that integrate diverse disciplines, perspectives, and experiences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human–River Interactions in Cities)

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17 pages, 3442 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Fit of Urban Waterfront Interventions: Matters of Size, Money and Function

by Pedro Janela Pinto and G. Mathias Kondolf

Sustainability 2020, 12(10), 4079; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12104079 - 15 May 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3682

Abstract

Urban riverfront interventions are ubiquitous throughout the developed world, and increasingly also in the Global South. Many have failed spectacularly. We conducted a systematic review of failed riverfront interventions to draw lessons that could improve future projects. Learning from past mistakes may be more important than observing successes, because successful elements in one city may not be repeatable elsewhere, as the context and opportunity could be specific to that one city. Recognizing what did not work elsewhere may provide clues needed to improve future projects. Our results show that poorly designed riverfront interventions typically fail on several levels: a bad program, with the wrong budget and timing, no concern for local needs or context, results in an unattractive and costly intervention, with reduced to no social or environmental benefit. To create more successful interventions in the future, we should acknowledge the local context, the morphology of the river valley, the time and budget a set of solutions entail, and select uses and functions that work for a diverse crowd and provide multiple benefits, including good flood management performance and the restoration of the rivers’ natural connectivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human–River Interactions in Cities)

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17 pages, 1728 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial–Temporal Evolution and Correlation Analysis of Ecosystem Service Value and Landscape Ecological Risk in Wuhu City

by Yanyan Jia, Xiaolan Tang and Wei Liu

Sustainability 2020, 12(7), 2803; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12072803 - 02 Apr 2020

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 3450

Abstract

The comprehensive application of ecosystem service value (ESV) and ecological risk index (ERI) assessment can provide better decision support for regional ecological environment protection. Based on the remote sensing image data of Wuhu city of 1995, 2005 and 2016, the paper analyzed the spatial-temporal evolution of ESV and ERI in Wuhu city and its associated characteristics using an ESV, ERI assessments and a bivariate spatial autocorrelation method. The results showed that (1) the total ESV of Wuhu city continued to decline from 1995 to 2016, with a decrease of US$ 363.664 million. The total ESV per unit area of the sampling plot decreased, and the high-value was mainly distributed in areas within 5–10 km along the Yangtze River floodplain. (2) Wuhu city was mainly dominated by a relatively low ERI and medium ERI from 1995 to 2016. The high-value areas were mainly distributed in the mainstream of the Yangtze River, and the overall ERI improved. (3) There was a positive spatial correlation between the total ESV per unit area and ERI in Wuhu city, and these areas were mainly distributed in the Yangtze River mainstream region. According to this research, it is necessary to pay attention to the protection of wetland and forest landscapes, strengthen wetland ecological protection based on the Yangtze River and protect and restore natural mountain forests, all of which play important roles in improving the ecosystem service function of Wuhu city and protecting the ecological environment of the Yangtze River. We should act on that knowledge, and produce effective environmental regulations and habitat restoration efforts that improve the ESV and reduce the ERI. The findings of the study can serve as a reference for the management and protection of ecological environments in river-crossing cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human–River Interactions in Cities)

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15 pages, 3375 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Multi-Dimensional Cognition on the Formation of the Sense of Place in an Urban Riverfront Space

by Ling-Qing Zhang, Wei Deng, Jing Yan and Xiao-Hong Tang

Sustainability 2020, 12(1), 178; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12010178 - 24 Dec 2019

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2624

Abstract

Urban riverfront spaces and associated riverine landscapes play important roles in promoting human-river interactions and shaping the regional characteristics of a city. This paper explored the urban riverfront space from the material level of the riverine landscape to a multi-dimensional cognitive level and constructed a theoretical exploration model of the influence of three cognitive dimensions (sensual cognition, intellectual cognition, and rational cognition) on the ‘sense of place’ (SOP) in urban riverfronts. In addition, the measurement scales for different cognitive dimensions were explored and designed. The structural equation model (SEM) was used to analyse 329 valid survey questionnaires in June 2019 in Dujiangyan Yihu Park, China. The analysis of the case study results showed that the overall theoretical model had a good model fit. The sensual cognition, intellectual cognition, and rational cognition all had a significant influence on the SOP in the riverfront park, of which the intellectual cognition had the most significant influence. Strengthening the creation of a riverine landscape for intellectual cognition is expected to enhance the SOP in riverfront spaces more effectively and achieve more enriched interactions between people and rivers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human–River Interactions in Cities)

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25 pages, 7982 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Regeneration Projects Bound to Water, along and towards the Tagus Estuary (Portugal)

by Caterina Anastasia

Sustainability 2019, 11(23), 6578; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11236578 - 21 Nov 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4533

Abstract

Water is becoming a support for landscape and urban projects in a densely urbanised area settled along the Tagus Estuary, dubbed the City of the Tagus Estuary (CTE). Analysing two recent projects along and towards the Tagus Estuary hydrographic network, this article highlights how the most evident limit (the water) can function as the strongest binder, natural link, and shared public space of the CTE. Located, respectively, on the north and south banks of the estuary, the analysed projects become a way to think about urban strategies and promotions that use water as a way to build (re-build or reformulate) the image of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. Today, open spaces bound to waterlines support an appealing and winning urban regeneration formula. Our goal is to understand what kind of role water is called to play with regard to the CTE. We ask: is the water called to play merely the role of building a new image of the city as a ground for investors? Is water the way to build a green and habitable CTE? This article concludes that the analysed projects contribute (as expected) to the promotion of the surrounding areas and propose appropriate solutions while occasionally overcoming the current local urban planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human–River Interactions in Cities)

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12 pages, 720 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Furthering Internal Border Area Studies: An Analysis of Dysfunctions and Cooperation Mechanisms in the Water and River Management of Catalonia, Aragon and the Valencian Community (Spain)

by Albert Santasusagna Riu, Ramon Galindo Caldés and Joan Tort Donada

Sustainability 2019, 11(16), 4499; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11164499 - 20 Aug 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3281

Abstract

Cooperation between countries or regions that share a political border is one of the primary concerns of border studies. However, while cooperation between states is a well-established field based on international agreements, the cooperation between internal-state regions is not as well understood and requires more exhaustive study. Cooperation agreements between regions are frequently based on the shared and collaborative management of environmental resources such as river basins. This paper aimed to identify mechanisms of river basin cooperation in the internal border area between Catalonia, Aragon and the Valencian Community (Spain), with the objective of analyzing dysfunctions in their water management and identifying the territorial needs for the efficient management of these resources. Focus group sessions were conducted with 84 public administration stakeholders and a total of 53 border municipalities were involved in the project. In our study area, we identified a considerable number of dysfunctions that affected different levels of water management (e.g., supply, navigation and reservoirs) and which impeded effective cooperation between different administrations (above all, between town councils and the public water agencies). However, we also identified several interesting initiatives to promote water management in both the medium and long term, including river contracts, river commonwealths and river tourism projects managed by border municipalities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human–River Interactions in Cities)

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16 pages, 10875 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is the High-Density Housing Layout Affected by River Direction? Lessons from Seoul, South Korea

by Youngsang Kwon, Youkang Seo and Jihyun Hwang

Sustainability 2019, 11(11), 3013; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11113013 - 28 May 2019

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4801

Abstract

This study analyzes apartment building configurations in waterfront residential areas relative to water flow direction and assesses the waterfront impact on apartment construction planning. It surveyed 197 apartment buildings around Yangjaecheon, Gulpocheon, and Anyangcheon, three branches of the Han River, a major South Korean river, to ascertain the correlation between stream flows and apartment building configurations. The apartments were classified into four spatial-configuration categories relative to the adjacent stream’s flow axis—perpendicular, parallel, diagonal, and other—and three orientation categories—east- and/or west-facing, south-facing, and other. South-facing apartments were predominant around west- and north-flowing streams. The proportion of east- and/or west-facing apartments built and the percentage of south-facing apartments were relatively low, indicating that apartment building layouts are more diverse around north-flowing streams than around west-flowing streams. A t-test analysis of east- and south-facing apartments’ proportions relative to stream flow direction was statistically significant, and there were relatively higher percentages of east- and west-facing apartments near north-flowing streams than west-flowing ones. This suggests that the relationship with rivers is still important in urban housing in South Korea, and the importance of landscapes over the river is of increasing significance for planning urban settlements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human–River Interactions in Cities)

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20 pages, 18655 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Urban River Transformation and the Landscape Garden City Movement in China

by Shuhan Shi, G. Mathias Kondolf and Dihua Li

Sustainability 2018, 10(11), 4103; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su10114103 - 08 Nov 2018

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6299

Abstract

The practice of enhancing existing rivers and creating entirely new waterscapes has exploded in China over the past two decades. In our study of 104 randomly selected cities across China, we identified 14 types of river projects based on grey literature reports and their appearance on sequential aerial imagery, falling into three categories: ‘engineering’, ‘waterfront spaces’ and ‘ecological’ projects. ‘Waterfront spaces’ is the most common (60.5%), followed by ‘engineering’ (28.7%) and ‘ecological’ (10.8%). Using multiple stepwise regression, we found that the types of projects undertaken were strongly influenced by factors such as climate, social-economic setting, and ‘Landscape Garden City’ designation. Designation as a ‘Landscape Garden City’ was correlated with ‘waterfront spaces’, but not ‘engineering’ and ‘ecological’ projects. We found that cities in drier climates (as measured by ‘precipitation minus evaporation’) constructed more projects and they included many projects that impounded seasonal rivers to create year-round water bodies. Based on our results, we conclude that Chinese cities are still in the process of ‘decorating’ rivers, and that the ‘Landscape Garden City’ designation promoted such ‘decorating’ projects, especially ‘linear greening’ projects and ‘public spaces along rivers’. The results also demonstrate that the new river projects in China are often at odds with the local climate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human–River Interactions in Cities)

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11 pages, 2168 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Perceptual Range on Human Perceived Restoration

by Moohan Kim

Sustainability 2018, 10(9), 3139; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su10093139 - 03 Sep 2018

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3293

Abstract

In daily living environments, an individual’s different state of mind influences their spatial perception. The current study, based on Attention Restoration Theory, aimed to explore differences in the health utility of nature according to individual differences in spatial perception. It focused on Cheonggyecheon stream in Seoul, South Korea. Cognitive mapping and the Perceived Restorativeness Scale (PRS) were used to assess two groups’ different perceived spatial ranges and the restorative effect of the environment. After gathering data, two groups were defined: one describing only the internal area of the research site (composed of green materials), and the other illustrating the external area of the site, including buildings and roads. The former had higher overall PRS, Being Away, Fascination, and Compatibility scores. The latter had higher scores only on the Coherence subscale. These results illustrate that the frequency of nature visits and time spent traveling influence the two groups’ attentional restoration, which has great implications for highly stressful urban environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human–River Interactions in Cities)

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27 pages, 7205 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Model-Based Evaluation of Urban River Restoration: Conflicts between Sensitive Fish Species and Recreational Users

by Aude Zingraff-Hamed, Markus Noack, Sabine Greulich, Kordula Schwarzwälder, Karl Matthias Wantzen and Stephan Pauleit

Sustainability 2018, 10(6), 1747; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su10061747 - 26 May 2018

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 6587

Abstract

Urban rivers are socioecological systems, and restored habitats may be attractive to both sensitive species and recreationists. Understanding the potential conflicts between ecological and recreational values is a critical issue for the development of a sustainable river-management plan. Habitat models are very promising tools for the ecological evaluation of river restoration projects that are already concluded, ongoing, or even to be planned. With our paper, we make a first attempt at integrating recreational user pressure into habitat modeling. The objective of this study was to analyze whether human impact is likely to hinder the re-establishment of a target species despite the successful restoration of physical habitat structures in the case of the restoration of the Isar River in Munich (Germany) and the target fish species Chondostroma nasus L. Our analysis combined high-resolution 2D hydrodynamic modeling with mapping of recreational pressure and used an expert-based procedure for modeling habitat suitability. The results are twofold: (1) the restored river contains suitable physical habitats for population conservation but has low suitability for recruitment; (2) densely used areas match highly suitable habitats for C. nasus. In the future, the integrated modeling procedure presented here may allow ecological refuge for sensitive target species to be included in the design of restoration and may help in the development of visitor-management plans to safeguard biodiversity and recreational ecosystem services. Full article

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48 pages, 5274 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Urban Stream and Wetland Restoration in the Global South—A DPSIR Analysis

by Karl M. Wantzen, Carlos Bernardo Mascarenhas Alves, Sidia Diaouma Badiane, Raita Bala, Martín Blettler, Marcos Callisto, Yixin Cao, Melanie Kolb, G. Mathias Kondolf, Marina Fernandes Leite, Diego Rodrigues Macedo, Obaidullah Mahdi, Moana Neves, M. Elfritzson Peralta, Vincent Rotgé, Guillermo Rueda-Delgado, Andres Scharager, Anna Serra-Llobet, Jean-Louis Yengué and Aude Zingraff-Hamed

Sustainability 2019, 11(18), 4975; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11184975 - 11 Sep 2019

Cited by 56 | Viewed by 10706

Abstract

In many countries of the Global South, aquatic ecosystems such as streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands are severely impacted by several simultaneous environmental stressors, associated with accelerated urban development, and extreme climate. However, this problem receives little attention. Applying a DPSIR approach (Drivers, Pressures, State, Impacts, Responses), we analyzed the environmental impacts and their effects on urban hydrosystems (including stagnant waters), and suggest possible solutions from a series of case studies worldwide. We find that rivers in the Global South, with their distinctive geographical and socio-political setting, display significant differences from the Urban Stream Syndrome described so far in temperate zones. We introduce the term of ‘Southern Urban Hydrosystem Syndrome’ for the biophysical problems as well as the social interactions, including the perception of water bodies by the urbanites, the interactions of actors (e.g., top-down, bottom-up), and the motivations that drive urban hydrosystem restoration projects of the Global South. Supported by a synthesis of case studies (with a focus on Brazilian restoration projects), this paper summarizes the state of the art, highlights the currently existing lacunae for research, and delivers examples of practical solutions that may inform UNESCO’s North–South–South dialogue to solve these urgent problems. Two elements appear to be specifically important for the success of restoration projects in the Global South, namely the broad acceptance and commitment of local populations beyond merely ‘ecological’ justifications, e.g., healthy living environments and ecosystems with cultural linkages (‘River Culture’). To make it possible implementable/practical solutions must be extended to (often poor) people having settled along river banks and wetlands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human–River Interactions in Cities)

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