Background

Global biodiversity conservation is facing unprecedented challenges, particularly due to urbanization. The resulting localized climate and environmental changes, habitat fragmentation, and the invasion of non-native species are leading to changes in species composition, diversity, and community structure. These are among the main drivers of global biodiversity loss and extinction. Urbanization, however, is an unavoidable trend in human society. Over 56% of the global population now resides in cities, making urban biodiversity an essential component of global biodiversity. Ensuring that cities support biodiversity, especially during rapid urbanization, is a key challenge for global conservation efforts.

Biodiversity loss has become one of the greatest threats humanity faces. Studies indicate that the population of known wild animal species has declined by an average of 69% over the past 50 years. Urbanization accelerates threats such as climate change, habitat fragmentation, and invasive species, leading to the rapid decline and extinction of many local species due to habitat loss and degradation. Nonetheless, urbanization is an inevitable trend, and currently, approximately 56% of the world’s population—4.4 billion people—live in cities. This trend is expected to continue, with urban populations projected to double by 2050. By then, nearly 70% of the world’s population will live in cities. In China, 65% of the population lived in urban areas in 2022, and it is projected that over 75% of China’s population will reside in cities by 2035.

Urban ecosystems are a complex blend of social, economic, cultural, and natural systems, and urban biodiversity has become a crucial component of global biodiversity. However, urbanization often leads to habitat fragmentation, environmental issues, and insufficient public awareness of biodiversity, all of which accelerate biodiversity loss. The key challenge is how to maintain and even enhance urban biodiversity amid rapid urban development.

China has gradually increased its focus on urban biodiversity conservation. The 2002 "Notice on Strengthening Urban Biodiversity Conservation" called for planning to protect and sustainably use biodiversity in urban landscapes. The "National Urban Ecological Protection and Construction Plan (2015-2020)" incorporated biodiversity conservation into urban ecological protection indicators. The 2022 "Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework" emphasized the integration of biodiversity protection into urban planning to improve human well-being and biodiversity. China's "Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2023-2030)" highlights urban biodiversity as a priority, calling for the construction of biodiversity-friendly cities and encouraging public participation in sustainable urban development that fosters harmony between humans and nature.

While urban biodiversity conservation is receiving more attention, challenges persist. There is a lack of effective data, clear changes in biodiversity, and useful case studies, which make adaptive management difficult. Public engagement in biodiversity conservation is still low, making it harder to implement effective management and protection strategies. A critical component is ensuring that native species in urban areas have access to essential survival resources—such as food, breeding space, and migration corridors.

To address these issues, the project aims to integrate both governmental urban planning and grassroots efforts. This includes encouraging public participation in biodiversity surveys and monitoring, establishing platforms for biodiversity exchange, and using biodiversity data to manage and transform existing urban green spaces. The ultimate goal is to create “cohabitation spaces” where humans and nature can thrive together.

Mission

1. Explore Models for Public Participation in Urban Biodiversity-Friendly Units. Establish guidelines, management manuals, and evaluation systems for creating biodiversity-friendly urban units in the Greater Bay Area. Promote the model nationwide through training and exchange programs, helping mainstream biodiversity-friendly urban practices.

2. Conduct Biodiversity Monitoring and Citizen Science Activities. Provide scientific data for creating and managing “cohabitation spaces” through biodiversity monitoring and citizen science activities. Build a public participation system that bridges science education and research, complementing professional monitoring efforts with public engagement to strengthen urban biodiversity protection.

Expected Outcomes

By 2026, the project aims to establish a platform for public participation in urban biodiversity protection, sharing experiences and demonstrating successful practices. This will open up sustainable pathways for the long-term conservation of urban biodiversity, contributing to effective protection and the creation of biodiversity-friendly cities.