Exploring Biophilic Urbanism Indicators Along Urban Waterfronts of Submerged Heritage Cities

The urban waterfronts of submerged heritage cities offer great opportunities and space for bringing nature into cities, they provide inspiration for closer relationships between nature, heritage sites and society. On the other hand, these urban waterfronts suffer from disconnection between nature and culture in heritage conservation practices. This disconnection has negatively impacted not only on the heritage sites, but also on ecosystems, citizens’ health, and wellbeing. Biophilic urbanism is an approach that seeks to integrate nature into urban waterfront spaces, creating healthier and more liveable cities. This paper aims to fill the gap between nature and cultural in conservation practices by adopting the concept of biophilic urbanism, which provides a valuable tool for conservation the urban waterfronts of submerged heritage cities, in addition to the balance conservation with development and create more resilient waterfront communities. The paper examines case studies of urban waterfronts in (Zadar, Croatia), (Baia, Italy), and (Abo Qir, Egypt). The results indicate the necessity of modifying Abo Qir’s urban waterfront development plan to incorporate indicators of Biophilic urbanism. This adjustment is crucial in order to ensure that future generations inherit healthy and vital living spaces, in addition to preserve Abo Qir’s significant submerged heritage cities.


1.Introduction
The seabed is considered as the biggest museum in the world that is rich with unique shapes of underwater cultural heritage [1].According to UNESCO, there are more than 150 submerged cities and port structures are located on the shores of the Mediterranean alone [2] [3].Over years, these cities have been preserved in the seabed [4].Recently, the urban waterfronts of the submerged heritage cities (UWOSHC) are facing many social, urban, and environmental challenges, which have seriously compromised not only on the heritage sites, but also on ecosystems, and citizens' health and wellbeing [5] [6].Moreover, the heritage conservation organizations' make a strong calls for integrating naturebased thinking into urban conservation strategies, to bridge the perceived nature-culture divide [7] [8].
The strategies of conservation (UWOSHC) include integration the natural into the urban waterfronts' fabric in addition to establishment archaeological parks, diving clubs, green spaces, and maritime heritage trails [9].However, these urban waterfronts are rarely designed to reflect the innate human need for contact with Nature, commonly known with the term "Biophilia".The application of Biophilia, which is referred to with "Biophilic Urbanism" (BU) is increasingly emerging as a planning and design

2.Biophilia, Biophilic design and Biophilic urbanism
The term "Biophilia" was coined for the first time in the 1970s, by the psychologist Eric Fromm who describes a human psychological attraction to the natural environment and all forms of life.Later, in1984, the term was popularized and adopted by E.O.Wilson [10].Since 2001, the concept of biophilia was operationalized to the built environment by practitioners and academics who developed various interpretations of biophilic design.In 2008, Kellert introduced a more systematic interpretation by defining an alternative human-nature connection for urban inhabitants.Kellert defined biophilic design as "the expression of the inherent human need to affiliate with nature in the design of the built environment".He proposed that the biophilic design has two basic dimensions, place-based/vernacular and organic/naturalistic. Organic dimension refers to shapes and forms in the built environment, which symbolically, indirectly, or directly reflect the inherent human need for nature, while vernacular dimension refers to spaces where the ecology, culture, and history are intersected to create a sense of place.Later, these two dimensions were broken out into more than 70 biophilic design attributes [11] [10].
(BU) integrated the theory of biophilia at the urban scale, recognizing the importance of daily human interaction with nature throughout cities [10] [14].BU can be defined as "An emerging design approach that nature is intentionally and systematically incorporated into the urban fabric in a way, which provides for our inherent need of nature, and harnesses the potential of nature to regulate the urban environment.Furthermore, it provides immediate economic, environmental, social benefits, in addition to build resilience to climate change, resource shortages, and population pressures [13] [11].In 2011, Beatley introduced a number of (BU) elements that must be achieved to provide a positive experience of nature across city scales.Beatley, proposed that everything is designed and constructed, from buildings to street networks and broader urban-and regional-scale design and planning, must be centred on natural and biophilic aspects [12].In 2017,Beatley published his book ' blue biophilic cities', which explores some design ideas from dynamic shoreline edges and floodable parks to living breakwaters, in order to emphasise the possibility of designing for resilience while also supporting marine biodiversity and strengthening biophilic connections to the marine world [15].In 2019, Maibritt Zari proposed a framework for BU, which is adopted from Beatle work.30 characteristics were identified and categorized into three sections in Zari framework [16].

3.The urban waterfronts of the submerged heritage cities
According to UNESCO, there are hundreds of ancient cities now submerged beneath the water surfaces.The urban waterfronts of these submerged cities are unique and irreplaceable resources.The relationship between the urban waterfronts and submerged heritage cities plays a vital role in understanding our water past [2] [1].The term of "the urban waterfronts of submerged heritage cities" (UWOSHC) can be defined as "the urban area that is in the direct contact with the water of the submerged historical cities.These urban waterfronts area usually is occupied by multiply activities such as (recreational, commercial, and residential) Figure 1[17] [9].

4.Biophilic urbanism as a tool to conserve (UWOSHC)
The urban waterfronts are the place of cultural diversity and common maritime identity.As urban waterfronts connect cities, people, marine environment, and culture heritage sites [18].Moreover, the water is an immense asset for Biophilic element also, studies indicated that citizens are deeply and profoundly drawn to being around marine environment and submerged heritage cities [15].
Recently, the disconnection with nature in conservation practices has altered the costal cities' marine environment.Today, it is quite difficult to find any urban waterfront in a natural, pristine state.Moreover, the marine environment began to lose their significant and were subject to ecological degradation to the extent that some of them can no longer provide the cultural and ecological functions or services, which are supported human well-being they once provided.This phenomenon is common to most (UWOSHC) within areas subjected to urbanization [15] [5].As a result, ICCOROM made a strong call for planners to integrate nature into conservation practices to establish a territorial planning approach, which encompasses the larger ecological footprint of a historic city [7].According to studies, integration BU approach with conservation practices of (UWOSHC), represent a significant part of the solution to our current disconnect from nature, in addition to restore the relationship between humans, natural elements, marine environment, and submerged heritage cities, as the urban waterfronts compose a natural space with a significant natural and cultural values [19] [15].
Based on Beatley' work in (2017Beatley' work in ( ,2011) ) ,and Maibritt Zari's work (2019) (BU)in the context of (UWOSHC) can be described as the urbanism, which takes into consideration the marine and cultural context of the urban waterfronts, it aims to appreciate marine and cultural nature, in addition to understand the role of the cultural, biodiversity and nature in fulfilling human needs and providing multiple benefits for current and future generations [19] [15] [67] [20].BU in the context of conservation of (UWOSHC) can be organized into three categories as follow: • Nature in the city: it includes the physical, transient, and virtual existence of nature in urban waterfronts, where citizens can actively integrate with submerged heritage cities and marine environment.Enhancing this dimension entails fostering profound and direct associations with natural elements, particularly through the promotion of variety, movement, and multi-sensory interactions.
• Biophilic activities: it includes encouraging the residents to participate actively in enjoying, and watching the nature and culture elements around them, which lead to conserve the cultural and ecosystems.• Nature of spaces and places: everything is designed and constructed in the context of (UWOSHC) should be concentrated on marine and natural elements.Furthermore, the spatial relationships within buildings, between buildings, or in urban spaces must be related to marine environment and nature pattern.The urban waterfront should be occupied with urban waterfront parks and at least one archaeological park.Moreover, these parks should have easily accessible for all inhabitants within a 10-minute by foot.Green belts/ wild and semi wild native nature spaces -Creation of an underwater parks and preserves -The Green Belts are formed to be a continuous series of green spaces for cyclists and pedestrians.

Nature Outdoor activities
The citizens spend at least 30minutes a day observing, or investigation in marine environment.Moreover, they spend at least 90minutes a day practicing outdoor activities that are related to marine environment.

Nature clubs and groups
At least 1 nature club should be available to improve citizens' awareness to conserve (UCH)sites and marine environment

Waterfront walking trails/ maritime heritage trails
Around one mile of urban waterfront walking trails is available for every 1,000 residents.

Gathering spaces in urban waterfronts
Gathering spaces should provide spaces for mixed uses (cultural, and nature-related recreational activities)

Cafes/restaurants with outdoor spaces
Number of cafes and restaurants that overlooking to marine environment.

Environmental education
The number of educational programmes and workshops that help citizens to conserve marine environment and (UCH) sites.

Ecosystem restoration/conservation projects
The number of biophilic projects or initiatives.

Blue biophilic institutions and governance
Existing of biophilic support organizations as marine parks, botanical gardens aquariums, zoological parks, and maritime history museums Urban waterfront buildings and spaces promote more direct connections to marine environment

Ocean-inspired art
Integration Ocean-inspired art into urban waterfront spaces design.

The sense of wildness
Urban waterfronts spaces provide opportunity to interact with wildlife, and (UCH) sites.

Material and colour connections with nature
Buildings and urban spaces' materials and colours should be suitable for the surrounding environment and inspired from marine environment.

Prospect/ refuge spaces
Offering a secure and protected setting and the capacity to discern distant objects, habitats, and horizons

Connectivity and accessibility to urban waterfront
-Using different modes of transportation to access urban waterfront -Physical, and visual access to water.
-Signages and wayfinding infrastructure.According to UNESCO (2013), and Alashwah (2020) There are four dimensions of conservation (UWOSHC), consisting of the environmental, economic, social, and urban dimensions.The environmental dimension entails respecting the natural and marine environment throughout the conservation process.The economic dimension involves securing long-term funding for the conservation process.The social dimension ensures the importance of cultural, education, recreational, tourism, public access, community partnerships and interest, in any conservation process.The urban dimension includes some guidelines for designing submerged cities' urban waterfronts [67] [1] [9].Furthermore, based on questioner on 30 experts it was found that (BU) are related to conserve (UWOSHC) as shown in table 2

The urban waterfront of Baia, Italy
Baia is an ancient Italian city situated on the west coast of the Gulf of Pozzuoli, approximately 16 km west of Naples.During the ancient Roman Empire, Baia was a popular seaside resort for wealthy families.However, due to volcanic activity and coastal subsidence, the city of Baia was eventually submerged Figure 2 [26].In the 1980s, the urban waterfront and submerged city of Baia were negatively impacted by human activities and unplanned urban development, which threatened the preservation of its underwater heritage city and urban waterfront Figure 3 [27].Since the mid-1990s, conservation projects have been initiated along the urban waterfront of Baia, aimed at enhancing natural, cultural, economic, and social resources.The conservation programme has included the establishment of an archaeological parks and marine protected areas along Baia's urban waterfront, as well as the provision of spaces for outdoor activities that are related to the conservation Baia's heritage sites Figure 4 [28].

The urban waterfront of Zadar, Croatia
Zadar is a historical Croatian town with a Roman heritage and numerous layers of cultural influences.It is situated at the southwestern end of a low-lying peninsula on the Adriatic Sea [22].In 2014, a submerged heritage town dating back 3,500 years was discovered 22 Km northeast of Zadar [23].During World War II in 1943, approximately 60% of Zadar's urban fabric, including the entire historic part, was destroyed.Consequently, archaeologists began to restore, preserve, and integrate Zadar's historical sites into new construction, open or public spaces [22].Recently, the city of Zadar has adopted a nature-based solutions strategy to bridge the gap between protecting the environment and conserving both underwater and on-land cultural heritage sites along Zadar's urban waterfront.The city has implemented several projects, including the restoration of the Zadar's urban waterfront, which involved the creation of a green promenade and the improvement of the water quality.Moreover, the city has also implemented green roofs and green walls in public buildings to improve energy efficiency and reduce the urban heat island effect.Additionally, the city has established a green corridor along the western coast of the city, which includes the conservation of cultural heritage sites, the restoration of natural habitats, and the promotion of sustainable tourism, Figure 5 [24] [25].

5.3.Biophilic urbanism indicators along Baia, and Zadar's urban waterfronts
In order to explore biophilic urbanism indicators along urban waterfronts of submerged heritage cities.The following table displays a comparison between the cities of Zadar and Baia, demonstrating how to apply biophilic urbanism elements along their urban waterfronts.Table 3 compares the two cities across three categories: nature in the city, biophilic activities, and the nature of spaces and places.Each resident in Zadar has around 114 m² of green spaces [29].Moreover, the historical park of Vladimir Nazor, was restored to be the largest historical nature monument in Zadar [30].
Each citizen in Baia has about 50 m 2 of green spaces [31].Furthermore, Baia's urban waterfront is rich with waterfront parks as the archaeological park of Baia that was restored in 1980 [28].In 2001, Zadar County adopted a spatial plan that incorporated marine habitat conservation, coastal development, rational use of natural resources, landscape protection, and the preservation of cultural heritage sites.The plan prioritized the restoration of aquatic ecosystems and marine habitats, as well as the promotion of aquaculture over other uses [32].
In 1995, the Natura 2000 network project was introduced, in order to protect Baia's native flora and fauna [27].Also, in 2002, the underwater archaeology Park of Baia was instituted as a protected marine area due to its unique habitat [33].

Water
quality, and appearance.Zadar's coastal waters are characterized by the high level of quality, which has been achieved through enhancing the city's wastewater treatment capacities and relocating the transit port to the city's outskirts [34].
Baia's seawater is characterized by high quality, which provides chances for citizens to explore the submerged city of Baia through glass-bottom boat tours [35].

Sensory experience
The Sea Organs in Zadar is a unique, natural musical instrument, which offers a multisensory experience for citizens, providing them with places to sit and access the seawater [36].
Baia's urban waterfront spaces offer a multisensory experience for citizens stimulates all five senses, including the ability to see water, touch it, and hear the waves [37].
Blue and green infrastructures Zadar city has increased the permeable surfaces by replacing asphalt and concrete with hollow paving and greenery, which has effectively reduced the flood risk and heat stress in the city [25].
Baia's green and blue infrastructures are evident through the presence of Fusaro, Lago Grande, Cofaniello Grande, Confaniello, and Miseno lakes surrounding the urban waterfront.These lakes store rainwater and create an ecological corridor towards the sea, together with the large green spaces, which characterize the area [37] (MVE) The Virtual Arch project offers virtual access to Zadar's submerged heritage city and marine environment [38].
The IMARECULTURE project offers virtual access to Baia's submerged heritage city and marine environment [39].Zadar is a partner of the Green Belt Central Europe project, which has developed innovative methods for managing urban green spaces intelligently.For instance, Zadar city has mapped its green spaces and made this information available online [40].
Since 2008, Baia's landscape and natural environment have been integrated into the regional territorial plan of Campania [28].Also, the Astroni Nature Reserve was declared a protected natural area, which includes paths for citizens to explore Baia's native flora [41].

Nature Outdoor activities
Zadar's urban waterfront offers numerous opportunities for citizens to engage in outdoor activities, including swimming, diving to submerged heritage sites, walking, and hiking along the urban waterfront [44].
Baia's urban waterfront offers a range of spaces for outdoor activities, such as, bike routes, pedestrian paths, hiking trails, tree avenues, sport parks, and diving trails [28].

Nature clubs
The Zadar Archipelago Nature Club offers boat tours to the submerged heritage city and natural sites along the urban waterfront of Zadar [43].
The Centro Sub Campi Flegrei club was founded to enhance the knowledge and protection of Baia's marine environment and archaeological heritage sites [27][37].
Waterfront heritage trails Zadar's walking trails are available through an online website that provides information about the trails' length, difficulty, attraction points, historical sites, as well as detailed reviews and photos from nature explorers [44].
The Archaeological Marine Park of Baia comprises underwater maritime heritage trails [27].Additionally, there are numerous waterfront walking trails that offer views of Baia's cultural heritage sites and marine environment [45].

Gathering spaces
The Sea Organ serves as a public gathering space, which offers mixed-use for tourism, entertainment, as well as access to submerged heritage sites through boating tours [46][36].
The historical Villa Ferretti situated in Baia's urban waterfront was rehabilitated as a public gathering space, which includes a small public beach and an amphitheater where social and cultural events are organized [47].According to Google Earth maps, Zadar's urban waterfront is rich with outdoor cafes and restaurants.
According to Google Earth maps, Baia's urban waterfront is rich with outdoor cafes and restaurants that overlooking on Baia's heritage sites and marine environment.

Environmental education
Zadar's International Centre for Underwater Archaeology (ICUA) offers educational programs and workshops.These workshops assist citizens in protecting endangered habitats, as well as encouraging a deeper understanding of the significance of nature and heritage site conservation [48].
Baia's Ministry of the Environment develops educational programs to enhance ecological, marine biological, and archaeological awareness [9].Furthermore, Baia's diving center in cooperation with local agencies, organizes events and informative demonstrations to encourage a culture is more environmentally conscious of the marine ecosystem [9].
Ecosystem restoration/conserv ation projects Zadar city is participating in the Horizon 2020 project, Green Cities, which engages stakeholders in designing a strategy for nature-based solutions [25].moreover, the (ICUA) has numerous activities related to the conservation and restoration of Zadar's underwater archaeological sites and marine environment [48].
Baia's park was established in 2002 as a submarine park, where certain activities are prohibited, such as removing, violating, and damaging archaeological ruins and geological formations, underwater fishing, capturing and disturbing existing fauna and flora [33].The steps of the Sea Organ were constructed into the water to establish more direct connections to the marine environment [36].
The Monumental Park of Baia comprises natural terraces that offer public access to seawater through green areas, baths, and ruins [42].

Ocean-inspired art
The statue of Špiro Brusina, which depicts him holding a seashell, serves as a symbol of the importance of marine nature, science, and maritime cultural heritage [50].

Not achieved sense of wildness
The Vladimir Nazor's historical park was restored to be a nature monument that evokes sense of wildness.The park was decorated and lined with stone paths, which allow visitors to explore the park while minimizing damage to the natural environment [51].
Baia diving center offers tours to the underwater archaeology park of Baia, providing citizens with a unique and opportunity to experience a sense of wilderness [52].

Nature material and colour
A color scheme inspired by nature has been employed along Zadar's urban waterfront, for example the street that leads to the urban waterfront has been paved with white marble [53].
The region's volcanic nature has provided an ample supply of high-quality natural materials, including tuff and pozzolana, which have been extensively utilized in the construction of waterfront buildings [54].

Not achieved
The archaeological park of Baia's prospect and refuge spaces offer visitors an opportunity to connect with the marine environment while also providing a sense of safety [42].Zadar's parks, public spaces, viewsheds, landmarks, and streets have been placed -in ways that maximize access to Zadar's urban waterfronts and marine environment [57].
Baia's urban waterfront has a direct access to the water areas.Furthermore, the urban waterfront areas are well connected to Baia's other tourist attractions by rail and road transport [37].
Physical Characte r and Place Identity Zadar's urban waterfront is characterized by surrounding iconic historical buildings that people associate with the waterfront and the water body itself, contributing to the identity and character of the area [59].
The conservation projects along the urban waterfront of Baia have had a positive impact on the area, contributing to its identity and character and making it a significant cultural and tourist destination [42] [54].

6.Case 6.1. overview of The urban waterfront of Abo Qir, Alexandria, Egypt
Abo Qir is a triangular shaped peninsula that extends into the Mediterranean Sea.It is situated about 35 km North-east of Alexandria [60].Abo Qir bay has several significant submerged heritage cities, as (Canopus, Menouthis, and Heracleuim) Figure 6.Abo Qir's urban waterfront has been used for diverse functions, including commercial, residential, recreational, industrial, shipping, army, fishing, and tourism [1]

Analytical study of Abo Qir's urban waterfront through exploring Biophilic urbanism indicators
Based on field surveys, and on-site observations, this section aims to investigate the current conditions of Abo Qir's waterfront to explore indicators of biophilic urbanism along the urban waterfront.Through this investigation, the study seeks to identify potential opportunities and challenges for future development plans.

Nature in the city A. Archaeological and urban waterfront Parks
There aren't any urban waterfront parks along Abo Qir urban waterfront.

B-Habitat provision
Abo Qir Bay is widely recognized as a fertile marine ecosystem.Despite this, there are currently no conservation projects to protect the area's native flora and fauna [62].

C-Water quality, and appearance
Data indicates that the water in Abo Qir Bay is slightly polluted [63].Additionally, the marine ecosystem, submerged heritage cities, and public health in the area are threatened by industrial and agricultural waste generated by human activities [63][62].While the water in most parts of Abo Qir bay is visually attractive, with a blue color that enhances its aesthetic qualities Figure 10, the appearance of the water in the western part of the bay is visually disconcerting due to floating trash and debris.

D-Sensory stimulation
Boating tours to Nelson island and swimming activities along Abo Qir's urban waterfront provide opportunities for citizens to experience the urban waterfront space through different senses Figure 11.
E-Blue and green infrastructure Abo Qir green elements include: Social clubs have landscape and playgrounds within them such as Abo Qir Youth Camp, Abo Qir Youth Centre, and 6 October hotel and club.Some college campuses contain landscapes such as AAST Abo Qir campus and Faculty of Physical Education for boys.Moreover, Abo Qir Public squares contain landscape with a total area of about 2000m 2 according to Alexandria Government, but these spaces need maintenance and repair Figure12.Additionally, the blue elements include the Mediterranean Sea coast, Abo Qir Bay, in addition to some water elements and fountains, which added to plazas and open spaces [64].Figure10.the water in the eastern part is visually attractive, with blue color, ( researchers)

6.2.2.Natural activities A-Nature Outdoor activities
The urban waterfronts of Abo Qir offer various opportunities for outdoor activities such as swimming, recreational fishing, shipping, recreational boating, yachting, and diving to explore submerged heritage cities [1].However, these activities are currently unplanned and disconnected from each other, and they suffer from neglect by local authorities.

B-Nature clubs and groups
According to Alexandria Government Abo Qir's nature clubs include the Abo Qir Youth Club (with 370 members), Abo Qir Sports Club (with 110 members), Abo Qir Navy Club, Abo Qir 6 October Club, and Abo Qir Sea Scout and Guidance Group, which has organized numerous workshops on Abo Qir's natural environment, marine ecosystems, and the threats they face.

C-Waterfront walking trails/ maritime heritage trails
There aren't any maritime heritage trails or waking trails along Abo Qir urban waterfront due to the absence of connected open spaces along the waterfront.

D-Gathering spaces in urban waterfronts
There are not any public gathering spaces along the Abo Qir urban waterfront except some spaces in private clubs, such as 6 october club.

E-Cafes/restaurants with outdoor spaces
Cafes and restaurants can be found along the Abo Qir urban waterfront, but they are only located on the western side of Abo Qir bay.

F-Environmental education
The Environment Protection and Crisis Management center plays a significant role in conserving and managing Abo Qir's environment, as well as combating pollution in the marine environment.The center offers a range of environmental workshops and educational programs aimed at improving awareness and skills for environmental protection among concerned government authorities, organizations, and the public [65].

Nature of spaces and places A-Buildings that Connect to the Marine environment .
There aren't any buildings connecting to Abo Qir's marine environment.Furthermore, New Abu Qir city plans ignore this concept [66].

B-Ocean-inspired art in urban areas
The public square of Abo Qir's train station involves a statue of a ship sailing in the sea, but this statue needs maintenance and repair Figure 13.

C-The sense of wildness
Abo Qir bay is one of the most significant natural habitats for marine ecosystem.Furthermore, diving to Abo Qir submerged cities provides sense of wilderness.on the other hand, it is not allowed for citizens to dive to those sites Figure 14 [67] [61].

D-Material and colour connections with nature
The western part of the waterfront is characterized by a barren landscape dominated by concrete with limited vegetation.On the other hand, the eastern part is dominated by sandy floors with limited vegetation due to the accumulation of waste from port activities Figure 15.Moreover, it has arbours that provide a refuge space where citizens have chances to feel contemplation, and rest.These spaces are protected behind and overhead Figure 16.

F-Connectivity and accessibility to urban waterfront
Abo Qir urban waterfronts are surrounded by sea water from all sides, which makes Abo Qir wideopening to the world [1].On the other hand, the public access to Abo Qir urban waterfronts is restricted in most areas Figure 17.

G-Cultural and Ecological Attachment to Place
There aren't any facilities or infrastructure that provide information about Abo Qir's historical sites.However, the urban waterfront is rich with significant historical sites such as the historical church of the great martyrs Abo Qir and John, military buildings and forts that were founded in the Mamluk, Jarks and Mohamed Ali eras.Moreover, the urban waterfront was the site of the historical event of the Battle of the Nile, which occur in 1798 Figure 18 [1].
Figure16.The arbors provide a prospect/ refuge space (Researchers)

Results and Discussion
The (UWOSHC) sites offer more opportunities and space for bringing nature into cities, they provide inspiration for closer relationships between nature, society, and cultural element.(UWOSHC) is an ideal location where urban planners can rewild as a natural area without disturbing existing human uses.After World War II, around 60% of Zadar's urban fabric, including its historic part, was destroyed.Additionally, during the 1980s, the Baia urban waterfront suffered from human action and unplanned urban development.In both cases, adopting (BU) indicators, such as restoring archaeological parks and establishing waterfront parks, and heritage trails that incorporate cultural elements, natural systems, and promote biodiversity, played a vital role in providing remarkable opportunities for citizens to restore their relationship with the marine environment and submerged heritage cities. Abo Qir bay is rich with significant submerged heritage cities. Besides, it's urban waterfront spaces have significant heritage sites of historical and cultural importance.However, conservation efforts have mostly focused on archaeology, neglecting urban planning and natural environment conservation.Recently, with calls for integrating nature-based thinking into urban conservation strategies.Biophilic urbanism can be used as a comprehensive approach, which integrating nature and cultural elements.It is crucial not only for conserving these significant sites but also to mitigate potential sea-level rise and climate change impacts.The study results indicate that the urban waterfront of Abo Qir lacks standards and indicators of biophilic urbanism.Even though the new Abo Qir city is designated as a green city, its master plan lacks many biophilic urbanism elements, neglecting the importance of archaeological and urban waterfront parks.These results are due to a lack of public awareness, knowledge, and cooperation between government sectors.Based on Abo Qir's strategic plan 2032, and the New Abu Qir City plan, this paper proposes a set of strategies to implement BU elements in future conservation and development plans along Abo Qir's urban waterfront.The objective is to design an urban waterfront that embraces its natural marine environment and submerged heritage cities while reflecting its historical identity and environmental and contextual aspects.This could be achieved through several key approaches: -Nature in the city: The development should prioritize the incorporation of green spaces, such as waterfront parks, archaeological parks, and pocket parks, along the waterfront.These green areas would not only provide recreational and cultural spaces but also contribute to improving air quality, mitigating urban heat island effects, and supporting biodiversity.These parks seamlessly integrate the historical, cultural, and natural significance of the area with the surrounding urban fabric.Moreover, the restoration and preservation of the waterfront ecosystem should be a fundamental aspect of the development.This could involve shoreline stabilization, establishment of marine protected areas, and conservation of submerged ruins, marine habitats, and coastal species.By actively restoring and safeguarding these natural and cultural features, the development can significantly enhance the ecological integrity.
-Biophilic activities: the development should prioritize providing public access to natural elements, such as beaches, promenades, underwater heritage trail and urban waterfront trails.These spaces would encourage physical activity, recreation, and social interactions, while also fostering a sense of connection with the marine environment, and heritage sites.Moreover, it should prioritize educational initiatives and public awareness campaigns to promote understanding and appreciation of the marine environment and the importance of heritage conservation.This could include interpretive signage, educational programs, and community engagement activities, which highlight the ecological and cultural significance of the area and encourage sustainable practices.
Nature of spaces and places: Incorporating Abo Qir's forts into the design of urban waterfront parks can promote a sense of identity and connection to abo Qir cultural heritage.also, they can serve as an effective means of conserving natural environments and heritage sites while also providing public access, awareness, to submerged heritage cities through diving clubs and virtual reality.Moreover, the waterfront's public spaces should embrace biophilic principles, incorporating natural materials, vegetation, and daylighting, which can create healthier and more visually appealing environments that promote well-being and connection with nature, and marine environment.The next figure will clarify the biophilic principles, which are missing and should be incorporated to ensure that future generations inherit healthy and thriving living spaces

8.Conclusion
The link between conservation (UWOSHC) and (BU) is a relatively new concept.Urban heritage conservation practices should be as something that is ever-changing, adaptable, and resilient lends itself to embracing the new opportunities and paradigms for integration nature into conservation practices.The submerged heritage cities, represent a significant part of the universal heritage of humanity.moreover, its waterfront has a significant heritage site.Over years, the (UWOSHC) were not valued as it should have been, and the conservation efforts are focused on the archaeological side.Recently, with a strong call for integrating nature-based thinking into urban conservation strategies, to bridge the perceived nature-culture divide.The (UWOSHC) is the key for this problem as the (UWOSHCA)is the most obvious places in cities where nature elements intersected with culture heritage sites.
Mounting evidence suggests that achieving long-term of heritage conservation sustainability isn't possible without fostering human-nature connections and establishing strong attachments for the ecology, culture, and history of places to guide stewardship for the environment.The (UWOSHC) offers remarkable opportunities to promote cultural, wildness, health and healing, and a deeper sense of place.Based on the theory of biophilia, this paper presented a proposed approach that integrated nature and culture in (UWOSHC) conservation practices.This approach is classified to 3 categories: nature in the city, biophilic activities, and nature of spaces and places.The challenge of this approach is represented in creating a new space, new institutional practices and a new language to address interconnected natural and cultural values, the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, the cost of biophilic elements, and the potential conflicts with existing urban policies and regulations.Finally, to ensure the sustainable development of Abo Qir and the conservation of its cultural heritage and natural environment, it is recommended that Abo Qir's development plans be changed to include biophilic urbanism indicators.

-
The Number of cultural and historical facilities on the waterfront.-Unique place identity.

Figure 5 .Figure 5 .
Figure 5. Biophilic urbanism indicators along urban waterfronts of Zadar, (researchers) Figure 5. Biophilic urbanism indicators along urban waterfronts of Zadar, (Researchers) are several blue biophilic organizations in Zadar, including the Archaeological Museum Zadar, which integrates the natural environment and cultural heritage through its special underwater archaeology department and natural history department[48] [49].
annual Moon Festival offers citizens a unique opportunity to learn about the city's rich history, cultural heritage sites, customs, and traditions all in a single walk along the urban waterfront [55].The Archaeological Park of Baia hosts a variety of festivals aimed at providing citizens with opportunities to discover the natural and archaeological beauties of the area[56].

Figure 7 .
As part of Egypt's strategic plan 2032, the government has proposed a land use plan for Abo Qir Figure8.Recently, the Egyptian government has announced plans to build a new city, called the New Abu Qir City, on an artificial island in the Mediterranean Sea.This development is intended to reduce the pressure on neighbourhoods in eastern Alexandria, as well as add new urban spaces to the Abu Qir urban waterfront[61] Figure9.

Table . 4
. Check list for BU Indicators across the selected case studies.(Researchers).