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Interrelationships and Trade-Offs between Urban Natural Space Use and Biodiversity
Elena Prioreschi1, Nici Zimmermann1, Michael Davies1
1Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment, University College London, London WC1H 0NN, UK.
Sustainability
|October 17, 2024
Summary
Understanding the link between urban natural space use and biodiversity is key. This study uses systems thinking to explore how to boost both visitor engagement and ecological health in city green spaces.
Area of Science:
- Urban ecology
- Conservation science
- Environmental management
Background:
- Urban natural spaces offer vital ecosystem services and human well-being benefits.
- Increasing urbanization and climate change impacts necessitate biodiversity protection in cities.
- Underutilization and environmental degradation are common issues in urban green spaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To unpack the complex relationship between urban natural space use and biodiversity.
- To guide the design and management of urban green spaces for enhanced use and biodiversity.
- To identify factors influencing the interplay between human activity and ecological health.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was conducted.
- A causal loop diagram (CLD) was constructed and analyzed using systems thinking.
- The findings were applied to a case study of the Thamesmead regeneration project.
Main Results:
- The CLD highlighted key factors influencing the relationship between urban natural space use and biodiversity.
- Individual and social perceptions and values significantly mediate the effects of biodiversity on usage, and vice versa.
- Unintended consequences of common design and maintenance techniques were identified.
Conclusions:
- A systems thinking approach is valuable for understanding and managing urban green spaces.
- Balancing human use and biodiversity conservation requires careful consideration of social and ecological factors.
- Recommendations were made for improving biodiversity and green infrastructure plans in urban regeneration projects.
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