Biodiversity and nature restoration

Biodiversity represents the abundant variety of life forms on our planet, from microscopic organisms to majestic trees and everything in between. This diversity is an aesthetic wonder and the essential driver of healthy ecosystems and a resilient environment.

Biodiversity conservation and restoration are essential because they provide the foundations for food supply, clean water, clean air, and numerous other essential ecosystem services for humans and nature. These may involve providing a product (such as drinking water), a regulatory service (such as crop pollination), a cultural service (such as opportunities for recreation), or a service that supports these other services (such as nutrient cycling in an ecosystem).

What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity, derived from the word ‘biological diversity’, refers to the variation of life forms on Earth at different levels: genetic, species and ecosystem.

• Genetic diversity refers to the variation of genes within a population of the same species. Genetic variation is essential because it allows the species to adapt to changing climatic and other environmental conditions and diseases.
• Species diversity refers to the number of species in a given ecosystem. The more different species there are, the better an ecosystem can respond resiliently to disturbances, such as climate change or natural disasters.
• Ecosystem diversity includes a variety of ecosystems, such as forests, wetlands, coral reefs, and grasslands. Each type of ecosystem provides unique habitats and niches for different organisms.

What can municipalities do to promote biodiversity?

Municipalities are crucial in promoting biodiversity through targeted policies and practical initiatives. Below are some ways in which municipal policies can improve biodiversity:

• Integrating green spaces into urban planning: Municipalities can promote biodiversity by integrating green spaces into urban planning. This includes developing new green spaces like parks, gardens, and roofs and restructuring existing spaces. Adding native plants and creating natural habitats in these areas helps create more diverse habitats for different flowering plants and animals.
• Protection and restoration of natural areas: Municipalities also play a role in protecting and restoring natural areas. This can be done by restoring damaged habitats in and outside nature reserves, such as former marshy meadows (hay fields) that have dried up, or by planting a diversity of new trees in existing forests. Municipalities can also take protective measures by establishing protected buffer zones. This prevents critical natural areas from being affected and supports the conservation of endangered species.
• Nature-inclusive construction: another vital perspective is that municipalities encourage new construction projects to include nesting and refuge areas for bats and birds. This includes green designs such as green roofs and façade gardens and encouraging sustainable construction by offering guidelines and subsidies. These measures promote healthy biodiversity in urban areas and contribute to ecologically sound urban development.
• Create space for food forests: Municipalities and local parties are encouraged to collaborate on projects supporting biodiversity, such as creating (small-scale) food forests. Consideration could also be given to planting native (fruit) trees and creating green animal corridors. For instance, fruit trees like apple and cherry trees produce a delicious summer harvest and beautiful spring flowers. The fruits and seeds are also food for birds, for example.
• Creating green corridors: Green corridors are also part of municipal policies. By creating connecting routes between different parks and nature reserves, municipalities can create migration routes for animals. Which contributes to more stable and resilient ecosystems. Promoting ecological connections makes it easier for species to move and reproduce, essential for maintaining genetic diversity.
• Limiting pesticides and chemicals: Another essential measure is to limit the use of pesticides and chemicals in managing and maintaining parks and squares. Municipalities can encourage natural alternatives and promote biological pesticides to reduce the negative impact on beneficial insects and other animals. Promoting education on sustainable practices can make residents aware of the importance of reduced chemical use.
• Support education and awareness: Education and awareness play a key role in promoting biodiversity. Municipalities can organise school programmes and workshops to raise awareness of the value of biodiversity and engage residents. In addition, public campaigns can inform how individuals themselves can contribute to biodiversity conservation.

By implementing and supporting these policies, municipalities contribute to improving local biodiversity and creating a healthier and more sustainable living environment for all residents.