Answer

With urban populations set to reach 70% by 2050, growing cities face increasing pressure on space and biodiversity. Despite the UN’s Goal 11 urging sustainable and resilient urban development, unplanned growth and human greed threaten ecological balance. Safeguarding urban biodiversity is now more crucial than ever.

Importance of Urban Biodiversity for Sustainable Development and Human Well-being

• Climate Regulation: Urban green spaces reduce temperatures, improve humidity, and mitigate the urban heat island effect.
  Example: Frankfurt’s green belts lowered city temperature by 3.5°C and increased humidity by 5%.
• Economic Benefits: Trees and green infrastructure provide ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, valued at millions annually.
  Example: Megacity trees generate about $967,000 worth of ecosystem services per square kilometer each year.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Urban spaces can act as microhabitats that support native flora and fauna.
  Example: Yamuna Biodiversity Park in Delhi restored over 200 bird species and multiple native plant species.
• Health and Recreation: Green areas improve mental health, reduce stress, and offer recreational space in densely populated cities.
  Example: Urban parks have been linked to lower rates of anxiety and depression.
• Disaster Mitigation: Urban wetlands absorb stormwater and reduce flood risk.
  Example: During the 2023 Delhi floods, the Yamuna Biodiversity Park served as a natural flood buffer.
  

Challenges in Conserving Urban Biodiversity in Indian Cities

• Rapid Urbanization: Expansion of built environments leads to the loss of natural habitats and green cover.
• Pollution and Encroachment: Wetlands and green spaces are often degraded by garbage dumping and unregulated construction.
  Example: Basai Wetland in Gurugram is under severe threat from encroachment and industrial pollution.
• Weak Policy Implementation: Biodiversity goals are often not integrated effectively into urban governance.
  Example: Despite biodiversity frameworks, many cities lack enforceable action plans aligned with conservation goals.
• Limited Public Awareness: Citizens often remain unaware of biodiversity loss and its implications.
  Example: Ecologically sensitive areas continue to be misused due to poor community engagement.
• Insufficient Data and Monitoring: Lack of localized biodiversity assessments affects urban planning accuracy.
  Example: Many cities haven’t conducted biodiversity indexing or surveys to inform restoration strategies.

Measures to Mainstream Biodiversity in Urban Planning

• Integrate Biodiversity into Planning: Urban policies must mandate green buffers, native species, and conservation areas.
  Example: Mumbai’s Climate Action Plan includes biodiversity and blue-green infrastructure as core strategies.
• Develop Urban Biodiversity Parks: Dedicated parks can protect and regenerate native species and habitats.
  Example: Delhi’s Yamuna Biodiversity Park serves as a successful model for urban ecological restoration.
• Promote Community Participation: Citizen involvement improves implementation and sustainability of biodiversity initiatives.
  Example: Chennai’s Pallikaranai marsh, once a wasteland and garbage dump, has been partly restored and designated as a Ramsar site and reserved forest.
• Green Infrastructure Incentives: Promote vertical gardens, rooftop greens, and roadside tree cover in building bylaws.
  Example: Chennai’s rooftop garden initiatives help decentralize green coverage across households.
• Monitor and Use City Biodiversity Index: Regular biodiversity assessments can guide adaptive policies.
  Example: Cities like Kochi and Nagpur have adopted biodiversity indices and action plans under ICLEI Asia’s guidance.

Indian cities can achieve sustainable growth by integrating biodiversity into urban planning and fostering community participation. Target 12 of the GBF emphasizes enhancing green and blue spaces to support well-being and conservation. A balanced approach ensures thriving ecosystems and healthier urban living.