Urban Rewilding: Reconnecting Cities with Nature

Course Description

This engaging and innovative course explores the critical intersection of urban development and environmental conservation. As our world becomes increasingly urbanized, with an estimated two-thirds of the global population living in cities by 2050, the need for sustainable urban planning and nature integration has never been more pressing.

Urban rewilding is a cutting-edge approach to restoration ecology that aims to reintroduce nature into developed urban areas, creating a harmonious balance between human needs and environmental preservation. This course delves into the theories, practices, and benefits of urban rewilding, offering students a comprehensive understanding of how to transform cityscapes into thriving ecosystems that benefit both people and the planet.

What Students Will Learn

• Key concepts and definitions of rewilding
• Environmental challenges faced by modern urban areas
• The positive effects of nature on human health
• Integration of rewilding concepts in urban contexts
• Comparison of urban rewilding with Nature Based Solutions
• Identification of challenges in urban rewilding
• Practical applications of rewilding in various settings
• Project planning and implementation skills
• Personal reflection on rewilding in one's own environment

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course. It is designed to be accessible to everyone interested in urban sustainability and environmental studies, regardless of their background or prior knowledge.

Course Content

• Introduction to rewilding and its importance in urban contexts
• Environmental challenges in modern cities
• The relationship between nature and human health
• Urban heat islands and climate adaptation strategies
• Biodiversity regeneration in urban areas
• Nature-based solutions for urban problems
• Planning and implementing urban rewilding projects
• Case studies of successful urban rewilding initiatives
• Personal project development and peer feedback

Who This Course Is For

• City residents interested in improving their local environment
• Urban planners and designers
• Environmental studies students
• Sustainability enthusiasts
• Anyone interested in the intersection of urban development and nature conservation

Real-World Applications

The skills and knowledge gained from this course can be applied in numerous ways:

• Implementing small-scale rewilding projects in personal spaces (e.g., balconies, gardens)
• Advocating for green initiatives in local communities
• Contributing to urban planning and development discussions
• Designing more sustainable and nature-inclusive urban spaces
• Improving personal and community health through nature integration
• Addressing climate change impacts at a local level
• Enhancing biodiversity in urban environments

Syllabus

Module 1. Rewilding and Cities

• Introduction to rewilding concepts
• Urban challenges and their environmental impacts
• Key concepts and project planning initiation

Module 2. Urban Rewilding

• Application of rewilding in urban contexts
• Unique aspects of urban rewilding
• Project design and peer sharing

Module 3. Practice of Urban Rewilding

• Real-life examples of urban rewilding
• Practical tips for personal rewilding projects
• Project finalization and presentation
• Exploration of additional rewilding possibilities

This course offers a unique opportunity to gain practical skills in urban sustainability while contributing to the creation of healthier, more resilient cities. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to become urban gamechangers, capable of transforming their environments and improving the quality of life for themselves and their communities.