Think Tank

Biodiversity makes cities better

2023-09-06   

Kunming Cuihu Park has a green coverage rate of up to 96%, and the seasonal structure of plants is mainly green. Each unit has formed unique seasonal changes due to different plants, attracting a large number of red billed gulls to stay here in winter. In the South China National Botanical Garden, located in a bustling urban area, there are a total of 2291 species of higher plants, including 1778 species of wild higher plants under on-site protection. On the campus of Peking University, about 230 species of birds, over 600 species of higher plants, 15 species of mammals, 26 species of fish, 14 species of amphibians and reptiles, 27 species of butterflies, and 26 species of dragonflies have been recorded. The campus of Peking University has become one of the most abundant urban green spaces in China with abundant local animal and plant species. Currently, cities are becoming new spaces for biodiversity. As a proprietary term, 'urban biodiversity' is also appearing more and more frequently. The green spaces, parks, botanical gardens, zoos, and even campuses in cities cultivate and breed different types of plants and animals, some of which are even rare and endangered species. These places also provide a large amount of habitat and food for wild animals in the city to live and reproduce. Biodiversity encompasses all forms of life, from genes to species and ecosystems, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and their complexes. It is the material foundation on which human beings rely for survival, the green cornerstone of national security and sustainable development, and an important category of China's ecological civilization construction. In today's China, "biodiversity is life, and biodiversity is our life" has become a social consensus. China has been actively taking action to promote ecological civilization construction and biodiversity conservation. China was one of the earliest countries to sign and ratify the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. In December 2022, the second phase of the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15), led by the Chinese presidency, adopted the globally recognized "Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework". The "Action Goal 12" in this framework specifically mentions urban biodiversity, proposing to significantly improve the area, quality, and connectivity of green spaces in cities and densely populated areas, and to sustainably utilize green spaces to ensure biodiversity inclusivity in urban planning, enhance local biodiversity, ecological connectivity, and integrity, improve human health and well-being, and connect with nature, Promote inclusive and sustainable urbanization and provide ecosystem functions and services. This provides direction guidance for us to promote the construction of urban biodiversity. The charm of biodiversity lies in its ability to not only provide people with food, clothing, shelter, and transportation, but also promote their physical and mental health. The busy work, intense learning, and fast-paced life in modern cities inevitably bring pressure to people. After work, taking family and friends or being alone, strolling around the city green space, admiring green trees and flowers, listening to birds singing, and watching butterflies dancing can not only alleviate physical fatigue but also restore energy. Biodiversity improves people's quality of life and happiness through this approach. The green spaces, parks, botanical gardens, zoos, arboretums, aquariums, germplasm resource banks (nurseries), campuses, and other areas and facilities in cities are not only carriers of urban biodiversity, but also basic urban facilities

Edit:GuoGuo Responsible editor:FangZhiYou

Source:gmw.cn

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