In an era marked by global uncertainties and pressing challenges, this scholarly monograph offers insights into the future of European cities based on over a decade of research. Today, halfway through implementing the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, pressing issues such as climate change, pandemics, economic upheavals, increased inequities, conflicts, and technological leaps require innovative responses that embrace all fields of society. Addressing these challenges, the authors advocate for innovative solutions that embrace the pivotal roles of culture and ecology.

Drawing from extensive studies centered on the city of Ixelles, Belgium, this book examines the transformative power of integrating biocultural goals into public policies. Through adopting a biocultural approach, Ixelles has achieved sustainable development objectives and addressed critical topics such as gender equality, multiculturalism, and societal change.

Discussing diverse models and policies to enhance community regeneration and global connectivity, the book emphasizes the imperative of collective action for the betterment of all and the planet. It will appeal to students, scholars, and policy-makers interested in a better understanding of biocultural approaches, sustainability, and policy solutions for the pressing issues of our time.

Presents innovative urban solutions integrating culture and ecology for sustainable futures Analyzes how biocultural approaches empower communities to tackle global challenges Shows the transformative impact of Ixelles' biocultural strategy on urban development

Autorentext

Eugenia P. Bitsani is a political scientist and Professor of Cultural Policies and Intercultural Relations at the Department of Business and Public Administration at the University of the Peloponnese. She has both academic and operational experience in directing European programs in the fields of cultural studies, with a particular focus on sustainable development. Her work focuses on cultural studies, urban development, and intercultural policies, with emphasis on sustainable urban transformation. Her research draws on interdisciplinary approaches to cultural heritage, urban cultural-ecological systems, intercultural networks, and the cultural and creative industries.

Theodore N. Tsekos is a Professor Emeritus of Public Administration in the Department of Business and Public Administration at the University of the Peloponnese, Greece. He has previously held several key positions, including Secretary General for EU Funds Management at the Ministry of Labor, and Director of various institutions such as the Institute of Political Research at the Greek National Center for Social Research, the Institute for Vocational Training at the Greek National Center for Public Administration, and the United Nations Thessaloniki Center for Public Service Professionalism.

Isidora Thymi is a Special Teaching Staff and PhD candidate at the Department of Business and Public Administration at the University of the Peloponnese, Greece, specializing in public administration, cultural policies and cultural heritage management. She holds a Master’s Degree in cultural organization management. Her research interests focus on the cultural development of contemporary cities within the context of sustainable development, the dynamics of modern cultural industries, and the governance and management of cultural heritage. Thymi has experience in projects co-funded by the European Union.

Georgia Marava is a PhD Candidate at the Department of Business and Public Administration at the University of the Peloponnese, Greece. She holds a Master’s degree in governance and entrepreneurship. Her research interests are disasters, climate change, community involvement, and cultural heritage. Marava has experience in projects co-funded by the European Union.

Inhalt

Part I: Theorising the Biocultural City: Principles, and Conceptual Approaches.- Chapter 1. Introduction.- Chapter 2. Utopia- Dystopia Theoretical Clarification in the Context of the City.- Chapter -3. The Context of Culture, Environment, and Sustainability: The European Cities as Cultural Landscapes.- Chapter 4 Public Policies for Sustainable Development and City Typology: Cities Models.- Part II: Modeling the Biocultural City: An In-Depth Ixelles Case Study.- Chapter 5 Methodology of Field Research.- Chapter 6 Visual Content Analysis of the Municipality of Ixelles Through Its Websites.- Chapter. 7. Quantitative Analysis of Municipality of Ixelles.- Chapter 8 Analysis of Qualitative Research.- Chapter 9. Integrative Modelling of Three Complementary Research Strands The Model of Biocultural City.- Chapter 10. Final Overall Conclusions.