Ecosystem Restoration Using the Near-Natural Method in Shanghai

Abstract

Recently, there has been a growing trend toward developing eco-cities that are rationally structured, function effi ciently, and maintain a harmonious relationship with the environment. Functional eco-cities demonstrating symbiosis with nature are not merely a current urban development goal, but also make an important contribution to the establishment of sustainable development strategies across the world. The "near-natural" method of ecological construction and restoration has attracted attention worldwide, and has been widely proven to be an effective method of constructing ecological cities in practice. It will also play a key role in urban landscaping and greening in China. After studying the problems associated with constructing an ecocity in Shanghai, we proposed the use of the near-natural method to construct an urban ecosystem in the city and introduced a theory and methodology for creation of "near-natural forests" and "near-natural water systems." All the cases we studied demonstrated that restoration using the near-natural method could be more effective, long lasting, and economical than existing methods, and that the method is now worthy of promotion as a means of constructing environments for human settlement.