Conscious Cities Preserve Natural Capital

"Cities house large populations that consume considerable quantities of goods and services. These goods and services are often thought of in terms of shopping, healthcare, transportation, education, recreation, safety, entertainment, and so on. What are often overlooked are the goods and services provided by the surrounding environment such as clean water, fresh air, fertile soil, and wildlife. These environmental goods and services are part of the natural capital that cities need to ensure a high quality of life.

A literature review and web search were conducted to gather information on examples of cities acting as stewards of land beyond their boundaries. Fifteen case studies were selected and provide an overview of how cities can be land stewards by protecting, enhancing, and managing the natural capital upon which they depend.

The following case studies reveal how cities can be stewards of areas beyond their borders by incorporating the protection and enhancement of regional natural capital into city plans. They are emblematic of local authorities understanding that population and consumption rates affect the stability of the surrounding natural environment and that the health of this environment is critical to the well-being of their city."