Development without destroying urban biodiversity

Biodiversity Threat and Conservation

• Biodiversity, essential for human well-being and economic prosperity, is under threat with 25% of species at risk of extinction.

• International Day for Biological Diversity theme is “Harmony with nature and sustainable development.”

• The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) aims to conserve global biodiversity by 2030.

Green Space in Urban Sprawls

• Urban biodiversity offers health benefits such as provisional services like food, fiber, and water, and helps in flood control.

• Trees also help in temperature control, pollution abatement, water conservation, and carbon sequestration.

• Green spaces provide recreational and spiritual services in the form of parks.

Economic Benefits of Urban Biodiversity

• The annual services provided by mega city trees are estimated to be around $9,67,000 per square kilometer of tree cover.

• Protecting existing greenery, developing parks and new urban green spaces, and conserving natural rivers and water bodies are crucial.

Lack of Forest Cover in Urban Cities

• The Forest Survey of India estimates the average forest cover in leading urban cities to be only 10.26% of their geographical area.

• The GBF provides a framework for urban planners to conserve biodiversity by protecting blue and green spaces and developing new ones.

City Biodiversity Index and Action Plan

• A city biodiversity index is based on the extent of native biodiversity, ecosystem services provided, and governance of biodiversity.

• The International Council for Local Environmental Initiative (ICLEI) Asia has prepared a city biodiversity index using 23 indicators for cities like Kochi, Gangtok, and Nagpur.

• A local biodiversity strategy and action plan (LBSAP) is prepared to improve the city’s status in terms of biodiversity conservation and sustainable human welfare.

• Urban areas can support biodiversity if there is an enabling environment.

• The Care Earth Trust in Chennai has led to the natural regeneration of 141 species of higher plants and attracted 35 bird and 27 butterfly species.

• The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) plans to plant one million native trees in Chennai city over five years.

• Urban development and encroachment have led to the loss of many waterbodies in and around Chennai and Bengaluru.

• The GCC should consider mandating the planting of at least five trees in a plot that measures over 2,400 square feet along the plot boundary.

• The horticulture department should promote roof gardens and kitchen gardens for every household to cultivate greens and medicinal plants.

• Collective action is needed against those who destroy greenery and pollute waterbodies.

• City managers should mainstream biodiversity considerations in decision making to achieve sustainable development.