Ecological resilience in Southeast Asian mega delta cities : the contribution of urban ecosystem services for assessing adaptation strategies

ABSTRACT This thesis describes an integral approach to recognise green infrastructure and ecosystem service by spatial analysis that allows for an active involvement of landscape architecture and urban ecology designe in the allocation of green infrastructure and flood- risk interventions within the Southeast Asia deltas. The cities of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and Yangon in Myanmar with different sizes and land covers have been selected as the case studies. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the possibility of altering the ecosystem proportion and intervention in the ecosystem services in order to rectify or minimise the risk of ecological phenomenon such as flood. . A spatial assessment framework is used to test the physical impact of different ecosystem services intervention at different locations, and determine where the intervention is most required from a spatial point of view. Furthermore, spatial assessment and analysis of ecosystem services will lead to determining landscape patterns from an urban ecology point of view. Based on the aboved mentioned type of analysis and also, considering the concepts of adaptation and mitigation methods in accordance with the green infrastructure approach sustainable actions can be introduced. These might be effective to prevent natural hazards and preparation in both urban and rural environments with different types of landscape pattern. All above requires a review of urban environment resilience and sustainability by using soft infrastructure rather than hard infrastructure. Objective: The objective of this thesis is to explore and postulate consequence application to a a more sustainable approach to respond to the climate change challenges and, in particular, flood hazards management , in order to provide a valid alternative to traditional systems. The exercise of the adaptation and mitigation techniques is used to achieve an appropriate integrated strategy, which would take into account different landscaping pattern and principle objectives of an urban development project. A further purpose of this study is to investigate the possibility of integration and collaboration of urban landscape design and water resources to create a liveable space for people. In fact, by designing and providing proper spaces for water, it would possible to allow its natural flowing through parts of the city, this would be an asset and a distinctive element of urban places, which would enrich the environment and the community. Methodology: This thesis originates from the work carried out during the academic year of 2015-16, thanks to the opportunity to participate as postgraduate research student in the faculty of Built Environment at the University of New South Wales, in Sydney, Australia. The aim of this research is, through several phases, to develop an original spatial analysis methodology to enable a final comparison table and design sections within a chosen project areas in Southeast Asia. Initially a review of the available literatures, manuals, guidelines and best practice is carried out to provide a background and useful information about the countries where mega delta cities play a significant role due to their geographical location and environment. A range of map analysis integrated with the design of strategies and actions would be developed. Further investigation about integration of ecosystem services and landscape elements is undertaken by studying various green infrastructure strategies of water and land cover management within urban blocks and streets as well as agriculture lands in rural areas.