Urban freshwaters, biodiversity, and human health and well‐being: Setting an interdisciplinary research agenda. (16th February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Higgins, Sahran L.; Thomas, Felicity; Goldsmith, Ben; Brooks, Stephen J.; Hassall, Christopher; Harlow, Julian; Stone, Dave; Völker, Sebastian; White, Piran
• Is Part Of: Wiley interdisciplinary reviews. Volume 6:Number 2(2019)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2019-02-16
• Subjects: freshwater -- urban -- biodiversity -- health -- blue space; Hydrology -- Periodicals; 553.705
• DOI: 10.1002/wat2.1339
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2049-1948

Abstract

Abstract : The findings of a national workshop that explored the social and environmental impacts, challenges, and research opportunities associated with the role of urban freshwaters for improved public health are discussed. Bringing together the collective expertise of academics, practitioners, policy, and user‐groups from urban aquatic ecology and human health backgrounds, this commentary develops a progressive agenda for future research by synthesizing current understandings and knowledge of urban aquatic biodiversity relative to health‐related ecosystem service outcomes, from a cross‐sectoral and cross‐disciplinary perspective. Key areas include (a) a need for greater interaction between sectors to maximize opportunities for collaboration and to promote the cobenefits (both environmental and health) associated with urban freshwater ecosystems; and (b) the need for a unified understanding and operationalization of the definition of aquatic biodiversity across sectors and disciplines, to improve our understanding of whether actual freshwater biodiversity or the perception of biodiversity is important for maximizing gains in health. Methods of valuation relating to ecosystem services and resource allocation and investment in urban freshwaters are critical in ensuring that research addresses the pathways and contexts within which health and environmental benefits from blue space can be maximized. This article is categorized under: Human Water > Value of Water Abstract : Urban aquatic ecosystems provide multiple co‐benefits including opportunities for recreations, cooling, flood alleviation and urban nature. How much biological diversity is present and how variations may differentially relate to variation in health outcomes is less understood (Wandsworth Common, UK. Courtesy of B. Goldsmith).