Towards a Green City in the Face of Climate Change: Biodiversity Restoration of an Urban Park in a North African Mediterranean Context

One of the biggest environmental challenges facing the world today is climate change, which has led to an increase in international initiatives to promote sustainable urban development, such as those run by the United Nations. The goals for eco-responsible urban areas and green cities have taken center stage within this framework. Through the planning and construction of multipurpose green infrastructure in the city of northeastern Tunisia, this study seeks to improve climate resilience and restore local biodiversity. The approach included surveys of residents, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) methods, and landscape feature analysis. Within this combined approach, three principal redevelopment scenarios were recommended in park "Sahloul 4" in Sousse, based on identified recommendations: (i) Climate Change, Renewable Energy & Recycling; (ii) Climate Change and Biodiversity; and (iii) Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The third option was chosen for implementation based on its overall applicability to both multi-functionality and ecological resilience. This proposal includes a suite of innovative design features: a botanical garden; water play; stormwater reuse; pet-friendliness; habitats for birds; and solar panels. This study finds that the integration of geospatial analysis and community-based approaches successfully offers a framework for designing resilient urban green spaces. The redevelopment proposal of Sahloul IV park illustrates how multi-functional green infrastructure can provide services simultaneously for biodiversity enhancement, climate adaptation, and contribution to the SDGs in Mediterranean urban areas.