Urban farming has been a part of London's culture for centuries, providing local residents with small-scale community agricultural plots. These plots offer a variety of benefits, from environmental protection to increased food security. Despite the evidence of their positive impact, urban farming is at risk of decline due to the increasing demand for land in the city. This article provides an expert's perspective on the research being conducted on urban farming in London.
It examines the current state of urban farming in the city and explores the potential for its use in disaster preparedness and recovery. It also looks at the tools and strategies that can be used to preserve this vital resource. Urban farming has been shown to provide a range of ecosystem services, such as pollination, nutrient cycling, water purification, flood water management, local climate regulation, and air quality and soil fertility. These benefits extend beyond the boundaries of the plots and reach those who are not directly involved.
Studies have also found that urban farming can improve soil health and act as a haven for biodiversity in an urban environment. In addition to its environmental benefits, urban farming can also serve as a stepping stone or corridor between larger habitat areas. This can help create a network of habitats that can support a variety of species. Urban agriculture has also been recognized for its potential to increase food security and provide numerous community and social benefits. Despite these advantages, many communities do not consider urban agriculture as part of their earthquake or disaster preparedness programs.
This paper explores how integrating urban agriculture into these programs can increase food security and improve resilience after an earthquake. Through a case study focused on Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada), this research examines how urban agriculture can be used for recovery after an earthquake in order to increase resilience. The authors of this article suggest that planners, municipal officials, and emergency management should consider the potential of urban agriculture for earthquake preparedness. They argue that integrating urban agriculture into disaster preparedness plans could have positive impacts on communities affected by natural disasters. In addition to providing information about the potential of urban agriculture for earthquake preparedness, this paper also proposes a conceptual framework and methodology for mapping urban agriculture in Rome using Earth observation techniques. This inventory could allow managers to analyze the interactions between agricultural activities and the urban environment, and enact informed policies for the management of green and empty urban spaces. Finally, this article looks at the decline of orchards in Prague over the past few decades.
It examines the main reasons behind this decline, such as construction of second homes, transformation into residential housing, and destruction. The authors suggest that wider participation from the community and civic movement in planning decision-making processes is essential to preserving this vital resource.
