Introduction: Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) has emerged as an eco-sensitive, cost-effective, and locally adaptive nature-based strategy that enhances ecosystem services while reinforcing resilience to climate-induced vulnerabilities (1,2,3). The idea of EbA is fundamentally people-centric, aiming to reduce vulnerability while contributing to urban resilience by mitigating floods, improving water quality, sequestering carbon, and conserving biodiversity (1, 4). Importantly, these ecological benefits, in turn, enhance human health, wellness, and quality of life (QoL) in both urban and rural areas, underscoring the broader implications of EbA (5,6,7).

The application of EbA strategies is particularly significant in the context of urban river restoration, as it facilitates the rehabilitation of degraded water systems into ecologically functional ones (1,2,8). A pertinent case study in this regard is the Emscher River Restoration project, which demonstrates the effectiveness of EbA principles in revitalising an industrially degraded river into a resilient urban ecosystem. Located in the Ruhr region of Germany, the Emscher River was historically one of the most polluted water bodies due to industrialisation and urban expansion. For over a century, the river served as a biologically dead "open sewer", functioning as an open wastewater channel that led to severe ecological degradation and loss of biodiversity. However, the Emscher River Restoration Project, initiated in the late 20th century and led by the Emschergenossenschaft water management association (Emscher Cooperative), has sought to integrate blue-green infrastructure, improve water quality, and restore biodiversity. The overarching objective of (Emscher-Renaturierung) project is to transform the river into a sustainable ecological corridor that enhances climate resilience while fostering social wellbeing (9,10,11,12,13).

The research underscores that EbA strategies are pivotal in strengthening socio-ecological connectivity by linking urban communities to green spaces and promoting environmental stewardship through recreational and participatory engagement (1,3,6,14). This dual functionality—ecological restoration coupled with social enhancement—positions EbA as an effective mechanism for revitalising degraded urban riverbanks. Thus, the Emscher River provides a compelling case study for evaluating the impact of EbA interventions on ecosystem services, water quality, and community engagement in a post-industrial landscape.

Problem Statement: Despite growing acclaim for EbA approaches in urban resilience planning, empirical evidence regarding their effectiveness in urban river restoration remains limited. Evaluating the ecological, climatic, and socio-economic impacts of EbA interventions is essential for refining adaptation strategies and guiding future restoration efforts. The transformation of the Emscher River presents a vital opportunity to assess the success of these strategies in enhancing ecological functions and providing social benefits in an urban setting.

Research Aims and Objectives: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of EbA strategies implemented along the Emscher River, which has undergone extensive transformation from an open wastewater channel into a restored ecological corridor. By employing a mixed-method approach that incorporates remote sensing, spatial analysis, and socio-ecological assessments, this research aims to generate insights into the capacity of urban river restoration and renaturalisation efforts to build resilience.

Research Objectives:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of EbA strategies in restoring ecological functions along the Emscher River.
• To assess the socio-ecological benefits of EbA interventions, such as habitat and biodiversity enhancement, water management, health and wellbeing.
• To apply innovative methodologies, including remote sensing, GIS-based analysis, and community-led participatory monitoring, in assessing the impact of EbA strategies.
• To formulate recommendations for enhancing the integration of EbA approaches in urban river restoration projects.

Student learning objectives: This research will provide valuable insights into how EbA strategies contribute to urban resilience, offering students the opportunity to refine EbA strategies and promote sustainable water management practices and social cohesion and equity. Furthermore, students will develop proficiency in advanced methodological techniques, encompassing quantitative and spatial analysis, problem-oriented design solutions, and an in-depth understanding of regulatory frameworks relevant to EbA. These competencies will equip students with the skills necessary to contribute to creating sustainable and climate-resilient urban environments.

Recommended Methodologies: This study will employ a mixed-method approach that integrates qualitative and quantitative research techniques:

• Remote Sensing and GIS Analysis: Satellite imagery and LiDAR data will be analysed to assess land cover changes, vegetation health, biodiversity and water quality indicators before and after EbA interventions.
• Semi-structured Interviews and Surveys: Residents and key stakeholders will be surveyed to evaluate perceptions of EbA benefits, including water management, biodiversity restoration, renaturation of water bodies and floodplains, community engagement, and recreational value.
• Community-based Participatory Monitoring: Citizen-led approaches, such as participatory mapping and mobile-based data collection, will be employed to enhance real-time data gathering on biodiversity, water quality and vegetation growth.

Veranstaltungsnr.: 09202104

8SWS/10Sredits

max. Teilnehmer: 8

Montags 08:30-11:45 Uhr wöchtenlich; beginnend am 07.04. - 14.07.2025

Mittwochs 08:30-11:45 Uhr wöchentlich; beginnend am 09.04. - 16.07.2025

Durchführung: Dr. M. Bashirizadeh und Dr. M. Rayan

Bemerkung

A digital pre-registration (mood picture) takes place in the week before the start of lectures. The distribution of all offered M-projects and M-drafts takes place during the first lecture period of the semester. Please note the information on the faculty's homepage.

Nachweis

Individual marks will be awarded on the basis of contributions to group work and the quality of the final report and disputation.

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