Stakeholder perceptions of biodiversity in urban residential areas

This study investigates differences in understanding in stakeholder group perceptions of biodiversity in urban neighborhoods of Warsaw, Poland, focusing on and support for biodiversity among architects, landscape architects, public administrators and local activists. The research assesses how these professional groups perceive key elements of biodiversity and prioritize aspects of urban green space. We conducted a structured survey using a Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) targeting 144 participants from the aforementioned stakeholder groups. Participants evaluated biodiversity-related elements, such as the presence of multi-layered vegetation, deadwood, insects, and animal-friendly structures, and indicated their preferences for green space designs through photomontages with varying biodiversity levels. Groups differed in how they understood and value specific aspects of biodiversity such as the presence of dead wood or insects. Results revealed that 81 % of stakeholders expressed positive attitudes toward nature, yet significant differences emerged in their preferences and willingness to incorporate biodiverse elements into designs. Local activists demonstrated the strongest support for biodiverse landscapes, favoring naturalistic features like dense vegetation and deadwood, while architects and public administration officials exhibited reservations, citing concerns about safety, aesthetics, and maintenance costs. Landscape architects occupied a middle ground, showing awareness of biodiversity benefits but adopting a cautious approach. These findings underscore the need for collaborative efforts to bridge the gap between stakeholder priorities and promote biodiverse urban spaces, with particular attention to public concerns and misperceptions about biodiversity. Public apprehension towards dense vegetation particularly needs to be addressed. Highlighting the benefits of biodiverse spaces can foster acceptance among varying stakeholder groups.