Ornamental ponds as Nature-based Solutions to implement in cities.

Area of Science:

• Urban ecology
• Ecosystem services
• Blue-green infrastructure

Background:

• Ornamental ponds are common in urban areas, primarily for aesthetics.
• Their multifunctionality, especially for biodiversity, is often overlooked.
• This study questions if mono-functional ponds can provide additional services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the multifunctionality of ornamental ponds in Geneva.
• To assess biodiversity and key ecosystem services (water retention, purification, cooling, carbon sequestration).
• To explore potential for enhancing pond multifunctionality.

Main Methods:

• Assessed biodiversity and ecosystem services in 41 ornamental ponds.
• Conducted a population survey on perceived benefits.
• Analyzed pond performance and potential for improvement.

Main Results:

• Most ponds showed low biodiversity and limited ecosystem service provision.
• Ponds contributed to human well-being, as per survey.
• Selected ponds demonstrated unexpected multifunctionality.
• Low-cost measures can significantly improve biodiversity.

Conclusions:

• Ornamental ponds often lack multifunctionality but can be enhanced.
• Optimizing ponds for biodiversity and other services is feasible.
• Considering ponds collectively as 'pondscapes' maximizes benefits.
• Implementing new ponds as nature-based solutions is encouraged.