Social-Ecological Resilience in Spatial Planning: A Literature Review

Urbanization is a rapidly expanding global phenomenon, with projections indicating that 68% of the world’s population will reside in urban areas by 2050. While urbanization fosters economic growth and social development, it also presents significant challenges, including infrastructure strain, environmental degradation, and social inequality. Rapid urban expansion alters land use, leading to pollution, resource depletion, and increased vulnerability to climate-related hazards. As traditional spatial planning approaches struggle to address these complex and dynamic challenges, integrating social-ecological resilience into spatial planning has become essential for fostering sustainable and resilient urban development. This paper examines urban resilience through a social-ecological lens and explores its implications for spatial planning. Using a systematic literature review, this paper explores the incorporation of resilience thinking into spatial planning frameworks over time. The study highlights the transformation of planning concepts in response to globalization, environmental crises, and shifting socio-economic landscapes. Ultimately, the paper advocates for a holistic approach to spatial planning that integrates ecological and social considerations, along with stakeholder collaboration, to ensure that cities remain resilient, equitable, and sustainable in the face of ongoing urbanization. The operationalization of resilient urban development is primarily governed by the governance structure of each context.