Values What are the values that lie in our vision? How are they related to the aforementioned issues?
Socio-Ecological Resilience
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Climate adaptation
Biodiversity conservation
Healthy cities
Multiple values based on the vision are formulated. These include; the ecological values which revitalise and integrate natural and human systems; economic values which focus on preventing the exploitation of the region for the benefits of a few and giving new opportunities to people to evolve and adapt to uncertainties; and finally, the social values that aim to create safer living conditions, healthier lifestyles and equal opportunities and access.
Rapid urbanisation has contributed to a loss of biodiversity in the GBA. It is caused mainly by the creation of hard flood protection systems, conversion of land for industrial and residential purposes. Biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. It influences the resilience of the environment and increases their ability to withstand the disturbances caused by environmental hazards and climate change.
Substantial areas of GBA are low-lying and are under sea level with a threat of flooding. Hard engineering systems were introduced to protect the vulnerable edges from rising sea levels, leading to problems such as air and water pollution or ground subsidence. Nature-based systems should be adopted as solutions to the changing climate and maintain resilience. They provide ways to purify water, clean soil and air (ASLA, 2018).
