Development and integration of urban natural sciences for sustainable development and education

Purpose This study aims to discuss the development of different fields of urban natural science as separate academic disciplines. Design/methodology/approach Notwithstanding the priority role of cities in our lives, many urban natural and technical sciences are not separate disciplines. There are many studies on urban biology, urban biotechnology, urban geology, the fields of urban engineering and medical sciences, but these directions have not yet emerged as separate disciplines. Perhaps the separation of many urban natural sciences into separate academic disciplines is premature. However, in order to improve the interconnection between the different interdisciplinary fields related to urban sciences, it is more appropriate to consider the different urban natural sciences as separate academic disciplines. Findings The integration of different urban natural sciences for sustainable urban development and environmental protection is of greatest interest. It is challenging to mitigate the adverse effects of ecological problems on the environment without integrating insights from diverse fields of natural science. Perhaps the allocation of urban natural sciences as a separate field of science is debatable. However, the designation of urban natural sciences as a separate field in educational programmes is relevant. The separate disciplines of “urban botany”, “urban biotechnology”, “urban physical geography” and other urban natural sciences in university curricula will contribute to the development of urban sciences. Originality/value At this time, there is not a single article where the various urban natural environmental sciences have been considered together. The design of educational programmes in the fields of urban natural sciences is important for education.