Urban Harvest: Exploring Global South Cities' Potential for Cultivating Food
by Sukanya Basu
Date of Examination:2024-10-01
Date of issue:2025-07-17
Advisor:Prof. Dr. Tobias Plieninger
Referee:Prof. Dr. Harini Nagendra
Referee:Prof. Dr. Peter Verburg
Referee:Prof. Dr. Nadia Kabisch
Persistent Address:
http://dx.doi.org/10.53846/goediss-11397
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Abstract
English
Urban blue infrastructure plays a crucial role in the sustainability and resilience of rapidly urbanizing areas. As cities expand, the integration of blue infrastructure with urban food systems offers a promising approach to address various environmental and social challenges. Blue infrastructure helps manage various ecosystem services especially regulatory services such as reduce urban heat islands, and improve air quality, which are essential for maintaining livable cities. Urban food systems, on the other hand, focus on the production, processing, distribution, and consumption of food within city landscapes potentially contributing to the provisioning services. Combining these systems with blue infrastructure can enhance food security, promote local agriculture, and foster community engagement. The synergy between these two systems can transform urban areas into multifunctional spaces that support biodiversity, recreation, and economic development. In rapidly urbanizing regions, the pressure on land and resources necessitates innovative solutions that maximize the benefits of both blue infrastructure and urban food systems. Indian cities are prime examples of areas that possess ecologically rich blue infrastructures yet face critical challenges due to rapid urbanization patterns. This interdisciplinary thesis examines urban blue spaces, encompassing the decision making context and the provision of food systems. My thesis consists of three chapters as three original scientific manuscripts. In chapter (Chapter 1), I first study urban wetlands and the perceptions of local stakeholders regarding the multiple ecosystem services provided by the wetlands, their linkages to the SDGs and threats pertinent to the wetlands. I then study the scale, motivation and values of urban foraging practices from the urban blue spaces across different cities (Chapter 2). In Chapter 3, I explore how urban restaurants dedicated to sustainable practices are reconnecting with these landscapes through the use of locally foraged ingredients. In summary, the results of my thesis shed light on some of the complex ecological and social processes of urban blue spaces in rapidly urbanizing cities. The findings reveal that community-managed wetlands in Indian cities are more socially inclusive and valued for a diverse range of ecosystem services, including cultural and provisioning services, whereas privately managed wetlands tend to prioritize economic benefits and livelihood security. In urban blue spaces, foraging is a widespread practice, especially among socioeconomically vulnerable groups, women, and individuals from underprivileged castes. These frequent foragers value the practice not only for its nutritional and economic benefits but also for its 2 cultural significance and the social capital it provides. Meanwhile, occasional foragers appreciate the natural qualities of foraged edibles and view the practice as a way to connect with cultural heritage. The research also highlights how urban restaurants in cities like Bengaluru, Kochi, Mumbai, and Kolkata are reconnecting with peri-urban landscapes by incorporating locally foraged ingredients into their menus. This approach helps promote biodiversity and cultural heritage while providing economic benefits to foragers, though challenges remain in ensuring equitable opportunities for all stakeholders. These findings underscore the importance of integrating local knowledge and supporting the multifunctionality of urban blue spaces in sustainable urban food systems.
Keywords: Urban food systems
