Urban biodiversity and cities’ sustainable development

Abstract

Urban growth and human competition for land have led to deep structural changes in the composition and dynamics of the landscape, significantly affecting the fragile rural/urban equilibrium. Migration from rural to urban areas has forced cities to expand into the surrounding environments which created substantial environmental impacts on the functioning of natural ecosystems, affecting land use of the rural-urban interface. Understanding the human causes and consequences of land use change, particularly in urban environments, has presently become a major challenge worldwide. Strategic actions and integrated responses involving several stakeholders, including residents, policy-makers, scientists or managers will surely originate the necessary pathways and implement a more adequate planning framework to create sustainable and resilient cities. With a correct model of urban development we may preserve native biodiversity, ecosystem services, and diminish natural hazards in urban environment. We highlight the importance of greening cities and engaging residents and other stakeholders in the planning process and decision-making, as well as the importance of teaching, training or raising awareness as key actions to achieve these goals.