Urban Biodiversity is still a fairly new research field. However, we know that it should be an integral part of cities' planning. Biodiversity does not only provide ecosystem services such as cleaner and cooler air, water recharge, and improves mental health. It also contributes to climate control and makes cities aesthetically more attractive.
Source: with permission, photograph by Pablo Lopez
But how do cities actually plan for and measure Urban Biodiversity?
This article written by the Urban Biodiversity Hub performs a content analysis and gives insights into biodiversity practices of 39 cities around the world. The research has shown that there are still many parts of the world where biodiversity action plans don't exist or cities that have them, don't measure what they are implementing. In this way, it makes it more difficult to analyse its success. The outcome of this research may hopefully inform Urban Biodiversity indicators in the post-2020 framework and contribute to global biodiversity goals.
Read more: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0235773
