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Incorporating green-area user groups in urban ecosystem management
Johan Colding1, Jakob Lundberg, Carl Folke
1Beijer International Institute of Ecological Economics, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden. Johanc@beijer.kva.se
Ambio
|September 23, 2006
Summary
Local user-managed green spaces like gardens and golf courses significantly boost urban biodiversity and ecosystem services, exceeding protected areas. Integrating these lands into management plans enhances urban ecosystems and sustainability.
Area of Science:
- Urban ecology
- Conservation biology
- Ecosystem services
Background:
- Growing city-regions face challenges in supporting biodiversity and ecosystem services.
- Local user groups manage significant green areas, including allotment gardens, domestic gardens, and golf courses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the role of locally managed urban green areas in supporting biodiversity and ecosystem services.
- To compare the extent of these areas with protected lands in metropolitan Stockholm.
Main Methods:
- Geographic Information System (GIS) data compilation for spatial characteristics of urban green areas.
- Relating land use data to GIS data for protected areas and biodiversity conservation priorities.
- Literature review to identify ecosystem functions and services.
Main Results:
- Allotment areas, domestic gardens, and golf courses cover 18% of metropolitan Stockholm.
- These managed green spaces represent more than double the area of designated protected areas.
- Identified key ecosystem functions and services provided by these land uses.
Conclusions:
- Locally managed lands offer substantial potential for enhancing urban biodiversity and ecosystem services.
- Incorporating these lands and their stewards into co-management strategies can improve urban ecosystem management and sustainability.
- This approach aligns with local Agenda 21 goals for sustainable development.
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