The ecological and climate problems we’ve been facing in the last couple of years are unavoidably linked. The research conducted by scientists at the two world summits on climate and biodiversity that took place at Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt and in Montreal, Canada, respectively have made this apparent.
The solution to these problems requires transformational action and commitmentswhich include plans calling for the preservation of 30 percent of the world’s land and ocean areas within the next decadeand have been taken to stop the loss of biodiversity in the next decade. But how do we get started with implementing these goals?
In the 7th Summit for Subnational Governments and Cities which was which was an event that took place in parallel in conjunction with the COP15 biodiversity conference, cities were brought to the forefront of discussions about how to safeguard living things on Earth.
As a researcher in terrestrial ecosystems, I am certain that we should not imagine nature as a thing reserved in the wilderness and away from human activities. We must preserve some natural elements everywhere, even in the cities that we reside in.
Read more: COP15’s Global Biodiversity Framework must advance Indigenous-led conservation to halt biodiversity loss by 2030
Cities need nature
Cities are expanding rapidly and occupying more and more areas. They are usually constructed on fertile areas, in close proximity to beaches or rivers. This is also where the bulk of the wildlife lives. It is vital to protect the nature of cities.
Well-groomed soils, as well as wetlands, take in snowmelt and rainwater, which helps protect against floods. (AP Photo/Bruce Smith)
To make matters worse, the fact that some ecosystem services humans depend on operate within a limited geographic area. Well-groomed soils, as well as wetlands, take in snowmelt and rainwater, which helps to prevent flooding trees, and they also filter pollution in the air to help reduce hot waves. All of these services are more efficient when nature is near the area where people live, which makes it essential for cities to protect their natural beauty.
In Canada, the most diverse ecosystems and the highest number of animals are located in the south and south, which is also where the majority of the farms and cities are located, with very little land open to be used for wild areas.
To ensure healthy populations of species that are native to the region, it is necessary to protect the green spaces that are present in cities. Studies have demonstrated that even the smallest green spaces can produce huge effects in protecting biodiversity.
Nature also provides immense mental and physical well-being benefits, as evidenced during the outbreak when being outdoors was beneficial to those who were suffering from anxiety and stress.
Equal distribution of natural areas surrounding the city is crucial. Public green spaces are especially beneficial to those who do not have countryside cottages or backyards.
Montreal is the leader.
Montreal, which is the city hosting that will host Montreal, the host city of COP15 diversity conference, is an excellent illustration of the ways that cities have been successful in conserving nature.
It was announced that the City of Montreal committed to safeguarding 10 percent of its territory by November 2022. The commitment was reiterated at COP15 as well as the announcement of the Montreal Pledge, which called upon cities across the globe to safeguard biodiversity on their lands and gave specific steps to accomplish this. To date, 47 cities from five continents have signed the pledge.
The Falaise St-Jacques green space boasts of the 83 species of birds that live there, which includes certain threatened species.
In order to achieve this goal, there must be the creation of parks such as Montreal’s Falaise Saint-Jacques Escarpment and Champ des Possibles.
The Falaise St-Jacques, long used as the dump site by local businesses, was revived by a group of residents. They created cleanups that removed hundreds of tires and other trash, built trails, and turned the area into an urban oasis adored by the local population, both human and animal. It is home to more than 83 bird species, which includes two species in danger: the Chimn, ey Swift, and the Wood Thrush. Falaise St-Jacques has become an important habitat for birds that migrate to the area.