Seneviratne,

A Natural City is a concept that has emerged due to increasing urbanization and recognition of the need to incorporate natural systems and processes into urban planning and development. It is defined as a metropolitan area designed and managed to enhance and sustain the natural environment rather than degrading or depleting it (Yuan, Liu, & Zhang, 2020). In other words, a Natural City is an urban space that prioritizes environmental sustainability and promotes coexistence between nature and human activities. Traditionally, city boundaries have been delineated based on political or administrative borders. However, with the emergence of the Natural City concept, there is a need for novel methods to delineate city boundaries that incorporate the natural environment. This is important because the edges of a city not only define its physical extent, ecological footprint, and impact on surrounding areas (Mohajeri, Imani, & Ab Ghani, 2020). One novel method for delineating the natural city boundary uses remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) technologies. These technologies allow the analysis of different environmental factors, such as land use, vegetation, and water resources, to map a city's natural features and boundaries (Brattli, Sæþórsdottir, & Andersen, 2023). This method has been used successfully in cities such as Oslo, Norway, to identify and map green areas that can be integrated into urban planning and development (Brattli et al., 2023). Another approach to delineating the natural city boundary is through landscape ecology. This method emphasizes the importance of understanding the spatial relationships between different natural elements within the city, such as green spaces, water bodies, and wildlife habitats (Nielsen, Lucca, & Mattei, 2022). By analyzing and mapping these relationships, it is possible to identify the boundaries of the natural city and prioritize areas for conservation and restoration.

Furthermore, there is a growing trend towards participatory and community-based approaches in delineating the natural city boundary. This involves engaging local communities in identifying and mapping natural features and limitations within their city. These approaches provide valuable insights into the distribution of natural elements and foster a sense of ownership and stewardship among community members (Rauschmayer, Purcell, & Kistemann, 2021). In sum, a Natural City is an urban space that prioritizes environmental sustainability and promotes coexistence between nature and human activities. To accurately delineate the natural city boundary, novel methods such as remote sensing and GIS technologies, landscape ecology, and participatory approaches can be used. These methods provide a more holistic understanding of the natural environment and can inform urban planning and development practices that support the coexistence of nature and cities.

References:

1- Brattli, J., Sæþórsdottir, A. D., & Andersen, Å. S. (2023). Mapping ecosystem services and boundaries in Oslo, Norway, using remote sensing. Applied Geography, 130, 102500. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeog.2021.102500 _

2- Mohajeri, S., Imani, E., & Ab Ghani, M. H. (2020). Natural city: Concept, characteristics, and methods of delineation. Urban Ecosystems, 23(1), 177-192. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11252-019-00917-7

3-Nielsen, A. B., Lucca, M. G., & Mattei, V. (2022). Natural city boundary as a tool for urban green space governance – a practical approach for mapping urban nature. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 64, 126021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2021.126021

4-Rauschmayer, F., Purcell, T., & Kistemann, T. (2021). Participatory delineation of the natural city boundary: The case of Hamburg, Germany. Landscape and Urban Planning, 211, 104497. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2021.104497

5-Yuan, L., Liu, Y., & Zhang, T. (2020). Understanding natural city from the perspective of urban ecosystem services. Environmental Science & Policy, 106, 172-179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2020.02.013