The Urban Ecology Australia vision is the transformation of conventional cities into Ecological Cities - vibrant, equitable, socially supportive, ecologically sustaining and economically viable communities.
What are ecological cities?
They comprise networks of high and medium density urban settlements of limited size separated by green spaces, with most people living within walking, cycling or public transport distance of their workplace.
They are threaded with natural habitat corridors, to foster biodiversity and to give residents access to nature for recreation.
They incorporate natural ecosystems into urban areas, to host local wildlife, and to enhance the experience of urban public spaces.
They use vegetation to control urban microclimates – to stabilise temperature and humidity.
They enhance the life of the community and relationships between people, by creating convivial social environments.
They support an innovative culture which enables people to flourish and develop their creative potential, and use new technologies to improve liveability.
They have frequent public transport connecting local centres.
They comprise buildings that make the best use of sun, wind and rainfall to supply the energy and water needs of occupants. These should include multi-storey buildings to maximize the land available for green space.
They contain industry and commerce that minimise the throughput of raw materials, that involve the re-use and recycling of materials and minimise the transportation of materials.
They produce much of their own food and other goods within their borders or from nearby areas.
Ecological cities incorporate natural ecosystems into urban areas, to host local wildlife, and to enhance the experience of urban public spaces.
