Source: The post Urban biodiversity conservation is key to sustainable development has been created, based on the article “Development without the savaging of urban biodiversity” published in “The Hindu” on 22 May 2025. Urban biodiversity conservation is key to sustainable development.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Environment
Context: The article explores the urgent need to protect urban biodiversity amid rapid urbanisation and environmental loss. With the 2024 International Day for Biological Diversity themed “Harmony with nature and sustainable development,” it highlights the importance of city planning and citizen engagement in conserving green and blue spaces.
For detailed information on Urban Biodiversity in India- Significance and Challenges read this article here
Understanding the Biodiversity Crisis
- Global Loss and Urgent Action: Biodiversity is essential to human life, planetary health, and economic prosperity. Yet, 25% of global species face extinction. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) aim to protect 30% of global land and sea biodiversity by 2030.
- Urban Expansion and Ecological Pressure: Nearly half the world’s population lives in cities, with a projection of 70% by 2050. Urban spaces face multiple pressures, and uncontrolled growth is damaging biodiversity. Target 12 of GBF and SDG 11 call for sustainable, greener urban planning—but ground-level implementation remains weak.
Why Urban Biodiversity Matters
- Health and Environmental Gains: Urban greenery plays a critical role in regulating heat, controlling floods, conserving water, reducing pollution, and absorbing carbon. Tree lines can reduce noise pollution by 5 decibels. In Frankfurt, green belts lowered temperature by 3.5°C and raised humidity by 5%.
- Economic Benefits of Green Cover: Trees in mega cities provide services valued at $967,000 (₹8 crore) per sq. km annually, according to Professor Theodore Endreny. Investing in urban parks, tree avenues, and natural waterbodies supports both ecology and community well-being.
- Shrinking Urban Forests: India’s urban green cover is low: Mumbai (25.43%), Delhi and Hyderabad (12.6%), Bengaluru (6.85%), Chennai (4.66%), Ahmedabad (3.27%). Between 2021 and 2023, Chennai and Hyderabad lost forest area, showing declining trends despite growing awareness.
Tools and Frameworks for Greener Cities
- Planning through Global and Local Guidance: The GBF urges cities to build ecological connectivity, protect native species, and improve health through greener spaces. The UN Habitat’s 3-30-300 rule suggests three visible trees per home, 30% canopy cover, and a green space within 300 metres.
- City Biodiversity Index and Action Plans: ICLEI Asia created a 23-indicator index to assess biodiversity in cities like Kochi, Gangtok, and Nagpur. Based on this, cities draft Local Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (LBSAPs) to set goals for conservation and human welfare.
Urban Conservation Models and Successes
- Koyambedu Market Regeneration: In Chennai, the Care Earth Trust transformed the Koyambedu market in 2021. Within two years, 141 native plant species regenerated naturally, attracting 35 bird and 27 butterfly species. This layered forest model is more effective than the Miyawaki method for small urban plots.
- Waterbody Restoration Efforts: Urban waterbodies like Chennai’s Pallikaranai marsh, once polluted and degraded, are now being restored. It has been declared a reserved forest and Ramsar site. Protection must include pollution control, legal safeguards, and sewage treatment through eco-friendly solutions.
- Household and Plot-Level Initiatives: The disappearance of home gardens due to apartments has reduced green space. Policies can mandate five trees per plot above 2,400 sq. ft., and encourage rooftop and kitchen gardens. These decentralised efforts support both biodiversity and urban health.
Enforcement and Public Participation
- Strict Action and Judicial Oversight: City managers must act against deforestation and pollution. The Supreme Court’s action in Hyderabad’s Kancha Gachibowli area shows the importance of judicial intervention in protecting green spaces from reckless development.
- Stakeholder Involvement for Mass Impact: Resident associations, NGOs, and corporates must be involved in tree planting and waterbody protection. Biodiversity conservation must become a mass movement to ensure long-term urban sustainability.
Question for practice:
Examine how urban biodiversity conservation contributes to sustainable development and what tools and initiatives support this effort.
