Nature’s renaissance: rethinking brownfields through ecological regeneration

How can the spontaneous renaturation of brownfields contribute to sustainable urban regeneration while integrating ecological, social, and economic objectives? The study examines the potential of spontaneous renaturation in brownfields, with the purpose of valorising the ecological regeneration methodology. The rapid deindustrialisation of the 20th century left behind a vast number of brownfield sites, profoundly reshaping urban landscapes across the world (Adams et al., 2010). Often characterised by environmental contamination and degradation, brownfields have contributed to socioeconomic decline (Mikelbank, 2008), reflecting broader demographic and planetary urban shrinkage trends. Furthermore, both human and non-human populations are impacted by their ecological degradation, which has serious health repercussions (Bambra et al., 2014). Despite these challenges, brownfields present a strategic opportunity for sustainable urban redevelopment (Jacek et al., 2022). In line with European directives, such as the EU Soil Strategy 2030 and the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, brownfields have often been redeveloped to contain urban sprawl and limit land consumption. Their transformation, however, has mainly served commercial and residential purposes (Preston et al., 2023). Nevertheless, given the ongoing global environmental crises, it is imperative to re-think these spaces as ecological resources (Graham & Healey, 2017). Land consumption and biodiversity loss, two of the main consequences of uncontrolled urban sprawl and human activities, weaken the capacity of cities to sustain resilient ecosystems and exacerbate their vulnerability. Ecological regeneration of brownfields is therefore crucial for sustainable urban planning reducing environmental impacts while fostering livable and adaptable cities.