Urban Ecosystems and Nature-Based Solutions: The Role of Data in Optimizing the Provision of Ecosystem Services

Growing urban areas are facing significant challenges, in terms of ecosystem health, human wellbeing and environmental quality. Ecosystems are composed of biotic and abiotic components and their interactions. Healthy urban ecosystems can provide numerous services, so-called ecosystem services that are benefits provided by nature to society and the economy. They are classified into provisioning services, regulating services, cultural services, and supporting services. As demonstrated by several studies and stated by the European Commission, nature-based solutions, depending on urban areas characteristics, can enhance the provision of relevant ecosystem services in cities. Nature-based solutions can therefore be planned, designed and integrated as means to improve urban ecosystem health. However, a systematic approach to optimize ecosystem services provision is often missed. Data collection and modelling allows evaluating biotic and abiotic interactions, the effects of anthropogenic activities and modifications. In this field, the chapter mainly focuses on the role of data toward an integrated design process, aimed at the optimization of the performances of nature-based solutions to improve urban ecosystem health.