A Human Ecology Model for the Tianjin Urban Ecosystem: Integrating Human Ecology, Ecosystem Science, and Philosophical Views into an Urban Eco-Complex Study

Conclusions

The main characteristics of our urban ecology model are to apply the principles of ecological cybernetics to the identification and simulation of an urban ecosystem, and to help local people to understand their own city and find better strategies for its sustainable development. Its main procedures are the determination of system boundary, identification of its key factors, analyses of its interaction patterns, simulation of its dynamics and cybernetics, and interpretation of the modeling results. It includes three models: a cybernetic model, a planning model, and a regulation model through a methodological revolution from quantification, optimization, and computerization to Ecologically Intelligent Integration. The project emphasized interdisciplinary collaboration between natural and social scientists and local decision makers, and trained young scientists with interdisciplinary knowledge. Some of the research results and recommendations have been accepted by the local government and have shown significant benefits for the city’s development.