The adaptation and resilience of urban green spaces in the Mediterranean basin using xerophytic vegetation

Abstract

Abstract Urban green spaces are crucial for city resilience, especially in the Mediterranean Basin, where climate change poses major challenges to urban sustainability. This region faces increased environmental stress from climate change, marked by rising temperatures and frequent severe droughts. These conditions challenge the sustainability and functionality of conventional urban green spaces. This review analyses the potential of xerophytic vegetation as a strategy to enhance the adaptation and resilience of urban green spaces in the Mediterranean Basin, given its suitability for arid and semi-arid environments. Xerophytes possess unique adaptations through specialized traits that enable efficient water use and tolerance to high levels of water stress. These traits ensure survival under water-scarce conditions, making them ideal for sustainable urban green spaces. Thus, integrating these species into urban landscapes can significantly reduce irrigation demand, mitigate urban heat islands, and maintain ecological balance. This review integrates research, practical applications, and case studies from Mediterranean Basin cities, highlighting the ecological, aesthetic, and socioeconomic benefits of xerophytic species. It also discusses implementation challenges, including policy barriers and public perceptions of arid landscaping. Promoting xerophytic vegetation in urban planning offers a sustainable pathway toward resilient, climate-adaptive cities in the Mediterranean Basin.