Eco-services for urban sustainability in the Yangtze River Delta of China: strategies for physical form and planning

Abstract

?? 2012 Dr. Jieqiong Wang

This research considers the provision of eco-services in the urban development process, demonstrating that ecological degradation in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) of China has resulted from environmentally insensitive planning and design. This research sets out to achieve three objectives ??? to clarify the impacts of physical form on the provision of eco-services, to propose a method of quantifying eco-services, and to explain the institutional and procedural arrangements of Chinese planning, with respect to the delivery of eco-services. The research investigates the case of Lingang New City, correlating planning and design processes with formal outcomes using a GIS-based Eco-service Evaluation Model to clarify the ways in which the planning system facilitates and impedes eco-services delivery.

The research presents a GIS-based evaluation model, the GEEM, to measure physical form impacts on the provision of eco-services. The GEEM is built upon GIS modeling and spatial analysis within a raster-based environment. It is tested by evaluating the case of Lingang New City. It provides maps and evidence to assist decision-making.

At Lingang, the design traditions of indigenous urban and landscape forms, the desire for modernity, and approaches based upon modern engineering impeded contributions to eco-services. The lack of conservation processes, including the identification of ecological resources, was a major weakness in planning that prevented the provision of eco-services. Guidelines for planning and design that support effective eco-services are proposed for the YRD as a result of this analysis.

In terms of strategies to planning for the delivery of eco-services, this research suggests that three issues merit more attention. The first concerns the relations between levels of government and, in particular, the position of the Central Government of China and the increasing importance of regional planning. The second issue is concerned with determining the best allocation of decisive powers, versus wider inclusion in decision-making processes, arguing for the particular importance of ecological and environmental expertise in ???Chancellor???s Will??? forms of decision-making. The final issue concerns the values that direct the operations of the planning system, arguing for increased best practice guidelines and professional ideals for ecological innovation.