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Abstract

This paper examines the role of cultural ecosystem services (CES) in guiding urban planning and regulations within green heritage zones to address climate change challenges, including the urban heat island effect, biodiversity loss, and extreme weather events such as droughts and floods. Employing a past-present-future approach, we demonstrate how informed heritage professionals can leverage traditional knowledge and skills to underscore the diverse and beneficial ecosystem services derived from the ongoing and precautionary management of green heritage zones, such as existing parks and gardens, thereby enhancing the quality of life for local residents. Our research presents findings from case studies conducted in urban Heritage Gardens situated within the central and greater Gothenburg area, including the Garden Society of Gothenburg, the Botanical Garden of Gothenburg, and Gunnebo House and Gardens. Through these case studies, we investigate how the strategic integration of CES can bridge the realms of heritage conservation, urban resilience, and adaptation. In contrast to practices that prioritize specific ecosystem services at the expense of others, such as creating monocultures in agriculture or forestry, resulting in reduced biodiversity and multifunctionality, we seek to highlight areas where a focused approach to enhancing individual ecosystem services can yield positive impacts within the context of heritage gardens. Our study aims to contribute to the discourse on CES by showcasing practical examples of how prioritizing certain ecosystem services within heritage gardens can foster urban resilience and heritage conservation.