Integrating ecosystem services performance into urban planning tools: the case of Varese city (Italy)

Abstract

In recent years, Ecosystem Services (ES) mapping and assessment have become essential for supporting the design of multisystemic Green Infrastructures (GI) integrated into urban planning tools and processes.
The present research introduces some relevant analysis and first results dedicated to recognising and assessing natural capital and ES provisions as a precondition to improve Varese’s climate adaptive capacity through an urban planning resilient perspective.
The spatialization and interpretation of ES values data allow for the combination of climate proof strategies and regulatory urban planning instruments. The definition of an ‘ES oriented’ zoning, characterised by clustering homogeneous biophysical performance, establishes a site-specific advanced scientific groundwork able to define ‘tailor-made’ interventions for preserving, enhancing and improving the ES delivery capacities.

Keywords: ecosystem service, urban planning tools, climate adaptation, vulnerability, resilience