5 Highlights of Sustainable Urban Land Restoration

Urban areas are rapidly expanding, and with them, the challenges of land degradation are growing. Cities exert high pressure on land resources through their intensive land use. To reduce, revert or avoid degradation, land restoration is needed. As cities are projected to triple in size by 2050, understanding the critical role of sustainable urban land restoration is more urgent than ever. Here are five key highlights to consider, to build a future where urban growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand:

Urban land is more than soil — it’s the foundation of ecosystems and communities.

Urban land encompasses much more than what lies beneath our feet. It includes water, biodiversity, air and the dynamic social and economic interactions of city life. Roads, parks, conservation areas and even buildings form a complex network that forms urban ecosystems. Yet, as cities expand, their dependence on external ecosystems and their services grows, often degrading natural landscapes and disconnecting urban areas from the intrinsic value of nature in supporting urban life.

Restoring urban land enhances ecosystems and human well-being.

Sustainable urban land restoration aims to revive ecological integrity and maximize the benefits nature provides to people. Fully restored urban land retains its cultural, economic and functional values, while supporting biodiversity and ecosystem functions. By prioritizing nature’s role in cities, we can create healthier urban spaces that balance environmental resilience with community needs.

Urban planning must consider preventing, reducing and restoring land degradation.

Urban areas are set to expand significantly in the coming years, making thoughtful city planning more critical than ever. To create sustainable urban environments, we must prioritize strategies that prevent land degradation before it starts, such as adopting proactive and long-term restoration approaches. Addressing existing damage is equally important, which includes reducing the impacts of current urban sprawl and mitigating further harm. Restoring and rehabilitating degraded urban areas can revive ecosystems and enhance the quality of life for residents. Rethinking how we design and build cities — integrating ecological principles, valuing ecosystem services and raising awareness about land stewardship — is essential for fostering urban resilience and sustainability.

Nature-based solutions are key to resilient urban design.

Nature-based and hybrid approaches have the power to transform cities into sustainable and resilient spaces. These solutions integrate ecological principles into every stage of urban development — planning, design and construction — while being mindful of available resources. Tailoring strategies to local climates, geographies and community needs ensures their effectiveness. Involving residents fosters ownership, while partnerships between governments, NGOs and private stakeholders drive innovation and collaboration.

Designing cities to work in harmony with nature creates multiple benefits for both people and the environment.

Nature-based solutions don’t just address environmental challenges; they bring co-benefits like climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, improved food security, economic opportunities and enhanced quality of life. Cities that embrace their relationship with nature and that are mindful of land resources can sustainably provide ecosystem services essential for residents’ well-being. Training urban planners in ecological principles and supporting policies that incentivize sustainable practices are critical steps toward achieving these goals.