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How does urbanisation affect biodiversity?

Urbanisation is a continuously growing modern phenomenon that shapes the world we live in today. Currently, according to World Bank, 86% of Australia’s population live in urban areas, and 57% of the global population reside in urban areas. This number is expected to rise to 68% globally by 2050 (United Nations, 2018).

Creating liveable cities for a growing human population comes at a great cost to biodiversity. Human-induced changes and land-use transformation increases environmental disturbances, creating pressure on the assemblage of local flora and fauna (Kondratyeva, et al. 2020). A study by Kowarik et al. (2020) discovered that even a single removal of a green space can create pressure in network habitat patches, and consequently, escalate fragmentation. Additionally, urbanisation often brings forth a surge in non-native and invasive species which can be a threat to local and vulnerable species when in competition for resources.

Why preserve biodiversity in urban areas?

Conserving natural environments in urban areas has a vast array of benefits for human health and well-being. These benefits fall under the ecosystem services category, which conceptualises human-environmental interactions using a range of components that link ecological processes to human well-being (Luederitz, 2015). The presence of ecosystems in urban areas have been found to provide great effects to mitigate climate change, thus, improving resilience of cities, biodiversity, and human-health (MacPherson, 2015). Closeness to urban green spaces can boost conservation ethics, stimulate high-quality interactions between people and the natural environment, enhance religious beliefs, traditional and cultural values, and hence, benefit human emotional and physical well-being (Dearborn & Kark, 2010).

Work Experience at Ginninderry

On the 30^th of August, a group of ANU students participated in manual weed removal and revegetation on an ecological site in Ginninderry, a development project and organisation, located on the north-west border of the ACT and NSW. Their vision is to be a “sustainable community of international significance in the Capital Region” (Ginninderry, 2022).

To address pressing issues of urbanisation and the decline of biodiversity, the Ginninderry Conservation Trust utilises a few methods. The first is weed management, including surveying, mapping, recording, and surveillance (Eland et al. 2021). ANU students engaged in some of these processes such as identification and manual weed removal. Weeding was followed by revegetation of the area using native saplings and shrubs, with the goals of restoring native grassland habitats for birds, insects, and lizards. This site was in between housing development, within proximity to future human residential areas. It aims to enhance both biodiversity conservation efforts within urban areas, as well as increase exposure to green spaces for future residents of Ginninderry. 

How can we help?

Studies have shown that urban or backyard gardens are effective green spaces that can enhance ecosystem services, enhance human well-being, and assist local species and biodiversity in cities and suburbs. Active garden management practices through cultivation of an array of vegetation has the ability increase both aboveground and belowground biodiversity (Tresch, 2019).

Additionally, education is a crucial step in promoting knowledge and local awareness, increasing interest, and aiding changes in attitudes and behaviours towards the environment (Shwartz, et al. 2012). We, as individuals, can support movements and organisations for conserving local biodiversity, be mindful of policies and actions that local councils and developers may want to take, and share our knowledge and experiences with our friends, family, and local communities.

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