Rapid urbanization and increasing environmental pressures have intensified the need for resilient and sustainable urban ecosystems. Smart Eco Infrastructure (SEI) presents a transformative framework that integrates advanced technologies with ecological planning to enhance urban sustainability and biodiversity conservation. This chapter examines the design principles, technological enablers, and policy mechanisms that underpin SEI, highlighting strategies for adaptive resource management, green infrastructure integration, and ecosystem service optimization. Emphasis was placed on smart water, energy, and waste management systems, as well as community-driven initiatives such as citizen science, which collectively contribute to data-driven decision-making and participatory governance. Case studies from globally recognized cities provide evidence of effective integration of biodiversity conservation within urban planning, demonstrating scalable approaches for resilient and ecologically balanced urban landscapes. The chapter also identifies critical challenges, including technological, socio-economic, and governance barriers, and proposes adaptive strategies for enhancing urban ecological integrity while supporting sustainable development objectives. Insights presented aim to inform policymakers, urban planners, and researchers in developing comprehensive, technology-enabled frameworks that ensure long-term ecological sustainability and climate-resilient urban growth.
Rapid urbanization has profoundly transformed natural landscapes, resulting in habitat fragmentation, loss of biodiversity, and degradation of ecosystem services that are essential for human well-being [1]. Expanding impervious surfaces, industrialization, and uncontrolled land use intensify environmental pressures, leading to increased vulnerability to climate extremes, urban heat islands, and air and water pollution [2]. Traditional urban development models frequently prioritize economic growth and infrastructural expansion over ecological integrity, creating cities that are susceptible to environmental and social stressors [3]. Addressing these challenges requires innovative urban frameworks that integrate sustainability and biodiversity conservation into planning, design, and management practices [4]. Smart Eco Infrastructure (SEI) offers a comprehensive approach by combining technological innovation with ecological principles, ensuring that urban growth aligns with environmental stewardship and resource efficiency [5].
The concept of SEI integrates advanced technologies, such as Internet of Things (IoT) networks, artificial intelligence (AI), geographic information systems (GIS), and remote sensing, into urban planning and management [6]. These technologies enable real-time monitoring of environmental parameters, predictive analysis of ecological trends, and data-driven decision-making for urban resource management [7]. Incorporating green infrastructure elements, such as urban forests, wetlands, green roofs, and ecological corridors, supports habitat connectivity, enhances ecosystem services, and mitigates urban environmental impacts [8]. The fusion of technology and ecology allows cities to optimize energy, water, and waste management, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and maintain ecosystem functionality, creating resilient urban environments capable of adapting to climatic and anthropogenic pressures [9,10].
Biodiversity conservation remains a critical component of sustainable urban development. Urban ecosystems are increasingly recognized as potential habitats for native species, pollinators, and migratory fauna [11]. Integrating biodiversity objectives into urban planning requires strategic design of green spaces, connectivity corridors, and microhabitats, enabling species to thrive amidst urban infrastructure [12]. Citizen science initiatives and community participation strengthen ecological monitoring and foster environmental stewardship among residents [13]. Data collected through these participatory approaches complements technological monitoring, enhances policy formulation, and ensures adaptive management of urban ecosystems [14]. Biodiversity-sensitive planning contributes not only to ecological resilience but also to human well-being, enhancing air quality, reducing heat stress, and improving recreational and aesthetic value of urban landscapes [15].
