Assessing the Role of Urban Form in Ecosystem Service Provisioning as a Part of Urban Resilience: A Case Study on Kolkata

The concept of local ecosystem services is deeply intertwined with the urban microclimatic variability. This idea will be better applicable in urban planning when it can be delineated based on the urban form and its interrelationships. Therefore, we coupled a multivariate approach with urban landscape metrices as a proxy of landform characteristics to overcome existing limitations in interpreting the potential of ecosystem service in Kolkata Municipal Corporation. Five urban landscape metrices defined by size, density, complexity, and porosity of built-up patches were selected to comprehend the diverse dimensions of urban built-form, while five ecosystem performance indicators representing carbon fixation, hydrology, landscape-diversity, climatic regulation, and air filtration were used to define the spatial variability in ecosystem service potential. Several stepwise multiple linear regression models were used to investigate the influence of urban landscape metrics on ecosystem services. Results of the study indicated that areas characterized by large built-up patches, low fragmentation, and limited open spaces were less efficient in generating ecosystem services. In contrast, areas with smaller, fragmented built-up patches and higher porosity exhibited greater potential for ecosystem services. Porosity in built-up areas had the most significant impact on ecosystem service potential. This study not only has quantified the spatial intensity of ecosystem service potential in respect to different built-form but also introduced a methodology that might act as a comprehensive aid to policymakers and urban planners for a better understanding of sustainable and resilient urban form to maximize ecosystem services at the local administrative level.