Development without the savaging of urban biodiversity, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• Theme for International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 (May 22): "Harmony with nature and sustainable development."
• Biodiversity is under stress from urban expansion, with around 25% of species at risk of extinction globally.
• Forest Survey of India (FSI) reports average forest cover in Indian urban areas is only 0.26% of total urban geography.
• Chennai and Hyderabad alone lost 2.6 sq. km and 1.6 sq. km of forest cover respectively between 2021–2023.

Detailed Insights:

1. Global & National Biodiversity Goals:

• The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) aims to protect 30% of terrestrial and marine biodiversity by 2030.
• Goal 11 of the UN SDGs and Target 12 of GBF emphasize integrating green-blue spaces in cities and promoting resilient, sustainable settlements.

2. Benefits of Urban Biodiversity:

• Health benefits: Trees provide shade, reduce urban heat island effects, absorb pollutants, and promote mental well-being.
• Environmental regulation: Trees mitigate flood risks, conserve water, and support pollination.
• Economic value: Reduced healthcare burden, climate resilience, enhanced property value.

3. Urban Green Space Standards:

• As per UN Habitat, each person should access:
• Minimum 30% tree canopy
• Public green space of 0.5–1 hectare
• Within 300 metres from home/work/school

4. Urban Biodiversity Indices:

• ICLEI’s City Biodiversity Index (Singapore Index) uses 23 indicators like native species, ecosystem services, governance.
• Indian cities like Chennai, Kochi, Gandhinagar, and Nagpur are adopting biodiversity surveys under the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).

5. Innovative Urban Projects:

• Chennai’s Million Tree initiative, restoration of wetlands like Pallikaranai, and decentralised horticulture and kitchen gardens.
• Care Earth Trust and Greater Chennai Corporation have restored over 2,400 sqm of degraded space with native flora.

Key Concepts:

• Green Infrastructure: Nature-based urban planning (e.g., trees, wetlands, rain gardens) to provide ecological and social benefits.
• City Biodiversity Index: A scientific tool to evaluate city-level biodiversity, governance, and ecosystem services.
• Urban Ecological Footprint: The impact urban populations exert on natural ecosystems through land use, pollution, and consumption.

Significance:

• Emphasizes the need to embed biodiversity in urban planning for resilient, healthy, and liveable cities.
• Warns against unchecked real estate and infrastructure expansion that erodes natural urban ecosystems.
• Calls for public participation, decentralised green solutions, and policy synergy between municipalities, biodiversity boards, and citizen groups.

Mains Mock Question:

Urban development and biodiversity conservation need not be mutually exclusive. Discuss how Indian cities can integrate green infrastructure to ensure sustainable urbanisation and human well-being.