Topical Collection on "Urban Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning"

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026

Collection Editors:

Topical Collection Information:

Dear Colleagues,

Urbanization is a primary driver of global biodiversity loss, altering environments and displacing native species, which in turn impairs ecosystem functioning and the provision of vital services. Yet, a paradox emerges: urban ecosystems can harbor surprising reservoirs of biodiversity, with rich and functionally viable dynamic communities underpinning critical ecological processes and human well-being.

Despite its importance, urban biodiversity remains understudied, particularly its complex interplay with anthropogenic and socio-economic factors - a crucial understanding for guiding effective sustainable policies.

This Topic Collection aims to become a prominent platform for cutting-edge research on urban biodiversity. We seek contributions that explore its structural and functional dimensions, from genes to ecosystems, across both terrestrial and aquatic environments worldwide. Our mission is to illuminate the hidden ecological wealth of our cities and its implications for a sustainable development of urban ecosystems.

Collection Editors

Dr. Alessandro Bellino
Dr. Vincenzo Baldi

Keywords:

• Urban ecosystems
• Urban biodiversity
• Ecosystem services
• Blue and green urban areas
• Aquatic and terrestrial environments
• Sustainable urban planning