Embracing Biodiversity Net Gain: Reconnecting with Nature in Our Cities
In our rapidly urbanising world, the natural environment often takes a backseat to the relentless march of development. After all, when businesses question the worth of investing in biodiversity and, consequently, our well-being, the environment often suffers. However, a new approach called Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is emerging, promising not only to protect our natural world but also to enhance it. This now-legal innovative framework could be the key to fostering a deeper connection with nature right where we live.
City Parklands Embracing Diversification Through Reduced Traditional Management Strategies
What is Biodiversity Net Gain?
Biodiversity Net Gain is a principle that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was before development. It requires that any development project contributes positively to biodiversity by creating or enhancing habitats. In essence, it ensures that development and nature conservation go hand in hand.
Why is BNG Important?
Urban areas are often perceived as concrete jungles, and much of the time, this perception is accurate. However, by some happy accident, certain parts of our cities teem with potential for biodiversity. Yes, it's true that roads and buildings create barriers for networks of fungi, and urban tree planting may not always provide the best conditions for trees to thrive. Nevertheless, there are already some truly diverse areas within our cities. For example, railway embankments left untamed provide habitats for a wide range of plants and wildlife to thrive in some of the most densely urbanized areas.
Many of our developments create isolated patches rather than continuous corridors, yet these green "islands" still offer a home or natural service station for wildlife migrating across our cities. By doing so, they significantly enhance urban biodiversity. They improve the way we interact with nature in our densely populated metropolitan areas. BNG encourages developers and city planners to think creatively about incorporating green spaces, wildlife corridors, and diverse habitats into our cities of the future, thus inviting the natural world in and likely making us happier.
How BNG Enhances Urban Living
Benjakitti Park: Inspiring Biodiversity Net Gain
Improved Mental Health: Studies have shown that access to green spaces can significantly enhance our mental well-being. Integrating more natural elements into our lives boosts happiness and reduces stress. Research also indicates that more diverse habitats contribute to higher reported feelings of well-being. Moving away from heavily structured, homogenous planting schemes to more varied and natural landscapes can significantly benefit our well-being when interacting with our urban environments.
Biodiversity Hotspots: Cities can become unexpected havens for wildlife. Green roofs, urban gardens, and rewilded parks provide habitats for birds, insects, and small mammals. In more ambitious cases, we could redevelop old inner-city industrial centers into wildlife-rich parks. An example of this is Benjakitti Park in Bangkok, designed by landscape architect Chatchanin Sung, which transformed a former 41-hectare industrial tobacco factory site into a lush urban refuge. Over 1,700 trees were retained, but more than 7,000 new ones were added. Importantly, it provided a wide range of habitats, including biodiverse water bodies. Most of the walkways are elevated, meaning the passage of people doesn’t create barriers for plants, their roots, and accompanying fungi. The park provides a home for nature and a place for people, improving the lives of city residents.
Asian Open-Bill Storks Perching on a Petrified Tree Overlooking the Watercourse at the Park's Edge"
Practical Steps for Implementing BNG in Cities
Green Roofs and Walls: These are excellent ways to add greenery to urban landscapes. They provide insulation, reduce rainwater runoff, and create habitats for wildlife.
Urban Parks and Gardens: Transforming vacant lots and underused spaces into parks and community gardens can significantly boost urban biodiversity and provide recreational areas for residents.
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS): These systems use natural processes to manage water runoff, reducing flood risk and creating wetland habitats within urban settings.
Wildlife Corridors: Connecting fragmented habitats with green corridors allows wildlife to move safely through urban areas, promoting genetic diversity and ecological resilience.
Conclusion
The introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain is a promising step towards creating cities that harmoniously blend with nature. By prioritizing biodiversity in urban planning and development, we can create vibrant, green cities that offer numerous benefits to both people and wildlife. Embracing BNG is not just about conservation; it's about enriching our lives and building a sustainable future where urban living and the natural world coexist beautifully. Let's seize this opportunity to reconnect with nature and transform our cities into thriving ecosystems.
