Development without the savaging of urban biodiversity

May 22 is observed as the International Day for Biological Diversity, commemorating the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1992. The theme for 2025 is “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.” Despite global frameworks like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and growing urbanisation, urban biodiversity continues to decline due to unplanned development and ecological neglect.

Urban Biodiversity: Value and Vulnerability

• Environmental Services of Urban Greenery: Urban trees help in climate regulation, pollution control, flood management, and carbon sequestration. For instance, a 10-metre tree belt can reduce noise pollution by 5 dB and lower local temperatures, as shown in cities like Frankfurt.
• Economic Value of Urban Trees: According to Professor Theodore Endreny, urban tree cover offers ecosystem services valued at nearly ?8 crore per square kilometre annually, highlighting their significant economic utility.
• Forest Cover Deficiency in Indian Cities: As per the Forest Survey of India (2023), average urban forest cover in Indian cities is only 10.26%, with Chennai and Hyderabad witnessing continued loss of green cover, indicating urgent need for greening interventions.

Policy Frameworks and Urban Greening Initiatives

• Global and National Policy Measures: The GBF’s Target 12 promotes enhancing green and blue spaces in urban planning. The UN Habitat’s 3-30-300 rule also mandates local green accessibility and tree canopy density to enhance urban biodiversity.
• Urban Biodiversity Index and Planning: The City Biodiversity Index evaluates native biodiversity, ecosystem services, and governance. Based on this, cities like Kochi and Gangtok are developing Local Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (LBSAPs).
• Local Initiatives and Innovations: The Chennai Koyambedu greening model, mimicking a three-tiered forest system, led to the regeneration of 141 plant species and numerous bird and butterfly species, proving the effectiveness of decentralised ecological restoration.

Challenges and the Way Forward

• Urban Expansion and Biodiversity Loss: The rapid urbanisation leads to the destruction of home gardens, encroachment of wetlands, and reduced ecological integrity of urban water bodies, as seen in Chennai and Bengaluru.
• Policy Mandates for Urban Greening: The planning authorities like the Greater Chennai Corporation could mandate planting of at least five trees per 2,400 sq. ft plot and promote roof/kitchen gardens to decentralise urban greening efforts.
• Need for Collective Stakeholder Action: City biodiversity conservation requires strict legal enforcement, community engagement, and corporate responsibility. The Supreme Court's action in the Hyderabad Kancha Gachibowli case highlights the judiciary’s role in protecting urban biodiversity.

Practice Question:

Q. "Urban areas, though densely populated and rapidly expanding, hold immense potential for biodiversity conservation." Examine this statement in light of recent global frameworks and suggest a sustainable strategy for integrating biodiversity into urban planning.