Urban Biocycles - Closing Metabolic Loops for Resilient and Regenerative Ecosystem: A Perspective

Abstract Cities are at crossroads, confronting challenges posed by increasing population growth, climate change and faltering livability. These problems are prompting urban areas to chart novel path towards adapting sustainable production/consumption strategies. The alluring concept of circular economy (CE) that focuses on reuse and recycling of materials in technical and biological cycles to reduce waste generation is a critical intervention. Present article aims on precisely highlighting the importance of biogenic materials with immense potential to be transformed into a source of value in an urban ecosystem. It also sets out to explore the scope of implementing ‘urban biocycles’ that strategically directs the flow of resources, their use, extracting value in the form of nutrients, energy and materials post consumption within an urban metabolic regime. The concepts discussed contribute to biocycle economy by outlining emerging requirements, identification of common strategies, policies and future areas of research in line with sustainable development goals.