What is the Urban biodiversity and ecosystem services?
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Urban Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction to Urban Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
Urban biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms found within urban areas, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. Ecosystem services (ES) are the benefits that humans derive from these ecosystems, such as air and water purification, climate regulation, and recreational opportunities. The relationship between urban biodiversity and ecosystem services is crucial for enhancing the quality of life in cities and promoting sustainable urban development.
Positive Relationships Between Biodiversity and Urban Ecosystem Services
Research indicates that there is a generally positive relationship between biodiversity and the provision of urban ecosystem services (UES). A comprehensive review of studies published between 1990 and 2017 found that 52% of the empirically tested relationships between biodiversity and UES were positive. This suggests that enhancing urban green infrastructure can potentially improve both biodiversity and the delivery of ecosystem services.
Key Drivers and Synergies in Urban Ecosystem Services
Urban habitats, such as community gardens and green spaces, play a significant role in supporting biodiversity and ecosystem services. Studies have shown that urban agricultural systems, including community farms and rooftop gardens, can exhibit high levels of biodiversity and provide essential services like pollination, pest control, and climate resilience . Additionally, natural landscape cover and local management practices are critical in mediating the services provided by mobile animals, such as pest control and pollination.
Challenges and Knowledge Gaps in Urban Ecosystem Services Research
Despite the growing body of research, there are still significant knowledge gaps in understanding the full extent of biodiversity-ecosystem service (BES) relationships in urban areas. Many studies focus on a single service in a single city, often ignoring synergies and trade-offs between different services and lacking cross-city comparisons. Furthermore, there is a paucity of empirical evidence underpinning urban BES relationships, with limited attention given to functional biodiversity metrics and the role of specific species, including non-natives .
The Role of Urban Planning and Management
Effective urban planning and management are essential for optimizing biodiversity and ecosystem services. Cross-sectoral, multiscale, and interdisciplinary research is beginning to provide a solid scientific foundation for applying the ecosystem services framework in urban areas. Urban planners need to consider the diverse suite of services provided by different habitats and the interactions between local and landscape management practices to enhance urban biodiversity and human well-being .
Regional Insights and Legal Frameworks
The assessment of urban ecosystem services is also growing in regions like South America, where studies have primarily focused on regulating services provided by green spaces. However, there is a need for more comprehensive evaluations, including supporting and provisioning services, and large-scale assessments to inform sustainable urban development. Additionally, international and EU-level legal frameworks need to be strengthened to better protect and enhance ecosystem services in urban areas.
Conclusion
Urban biodiversity and ecosystem services are integral to the health and well-being of urban populations. While there is evidence of positive relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem services, significant knowledge gaps and challenges remain. Future research should focus on expanding the types and categories of ecosystem services assessed, considering non-native species, and improving urban habitat mapping. Effective urban planning and management, supported by robust legal frameworks, are crucial for promoting sustainable cities and enhancing the quality of life for urban dwellers.
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