Possible nature(s) in urban spaces: plurality and agency to tackle socio-ecological challenges

Diogo Guedes Vidal, Fátima Alves, and Edmundo Gallo, researchers from the Societies and Environmental Sustainability Research Line at the Centre for Functional Ecology - Science for People & the Planet, Associated Laboratory Terra at the University of Coimbra and its extension at the Open University of Portugal, have concluded a special issue in the journal Frontiers in Environmental Science, titled "Possible nature(s) in urban spaces: plurality and agency to tackle socio-ecological challenges." This editorial project also included contributions from Marluci Menezes of LNEC - National Laboratory for Civil Engineering, I.P., and Pedro Tomé from CSIC.

This special issue aimed to promote a deep reflection on new ways to understand nature in cities, challenging the traditional view that sees it as a passive backdrop. Contributions were gathered that highlight nature as an active agent capable of transforming cities into more sustainable and resilient spaces. The editorial emphasizes the need to include multiple voices and knowledge, recognizing the importance of interdependencies among natures, societies, and cultures. Only in this way can we envision more just and adaptive urban futures to face socio-ecological challenges.

The editors thank everyone who contributed to this special issue and hope that the reflections presented inspire transformative change!

Enjoy reading at Frontiers in Environmental Science and share it!