Introduction

Urban biodiversity, the variety of life forms within urban environments, plays a critical role in ensuring ecological balance and enhancing the quality of life for urban residents. However, rapid urbanization in India has severely impacted urban biodiversity, turning vibrant green spaces into concrete jungles. Bengaluru, once known as “India’s Garden City,” exemplifies this transformation, with urban forests, orchards, and agricultural fields being replaced by sprawling concrete structures. Similar trends are visible in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, where the loss of biodiversity is becoming a pressing concern.

The Need for Conservation of Urban Biodiversity

1. Increased Carbon Emissions: Urban centers are significant contributors to carbon emissions. According to a World Economic Forum (WEF) report, cities contribute nearly 80% to the global economy but are responsible for almost three-fourths of global greenhouse gas emissions. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru exemplify this, where increasing emissions have exacerbated environmental degradation.
2. Economic Impact Due to Biodiversity Loss: The WEF report estimates that around 44% of global GDP in cities, equivalent to $31 trillion, is at risk due to biodiversity losses. This economic vulnerability underscores the importance of preserving urban biodiversity as a buffer against economic disruptions.
3. Creation of Micro-Climates and Urban Heat Islands (UHIs): The loss of green cover in cities reduces evaporative cooling and increases the heat stored in urban environments, leading to the formation of Urban Heat Islands (UHIs). This phenomenon creates distinct micro-climates, exacerbating thermal stress and leading to higher energy consumption for cooling. Cities across India, including those experiencing frequent heatwaves, are increasingly witnessing this challenge.
4. Decrease in Disaster Resilience: Unplanned urban development has resulted in the loss of critical ecosystems, such as wetlands, that play a vital role in natural disaster management. The 2015 Chennai floods, worsened by the loss of the city’s natural wetlands, highlight the importance of maintaining urban biodiversity for disaster resilience.

Benefits of Well-Maintained Urban Biodiversity

• Mitigation of Urban Heat Island Effect: Urban greenery cools the air, reducing smog and greenhouse gases, thus mitigating the heat island effect and enhancing livability.
• Carbon Sequestration: Urban forests capture carbon dioxide, aiding in climate change mitigation.
• Increase in Biodiversity: Green spaces provide habitats for diverse species, boosting urban biodiversity.
• Management of Urban Hydrological Cycle: Forests enhance water management through improved water provisioning, regulation, and filtration.

Social Benefits

• Checking Haphazard Urbanization: Urban forests help control unplanned sprawl and reduce slum development by defining city limits.
• Aesthetic and Cultural Benefits: Green spaces enhance city aesthetics and environmental quality, as exemplified by Hyderabad’s “World Green City Award 2022.”
• Improves Mental Health and Reduces Stress: Green areas offer recreational spaces, promoting mental and physical health and community well-being.
• Education and Cultural Regeneration: Parks and gardens serve as educational hubs and venues for cultural activities, enriching urban life.

Economic Benefits

• Real Estate Value: Green spaces increase property values, making neighborhoods more attractive and commercially beneficial.
• Employment Opportunities: Urban forestry creates jobs, particularly benefiting the urban poor.
• Reduction of Energy Consumption: Urban forests reduce air conditioning needs, leading to lower energy consumption.

Initiatives for Enhancing Urban Biodiversity in India

1. Nagar Van Udyan Program: This initiative aims to develop 200 Nagar Vans (City Forests) across India, engaging local communities, educational institutions, and organizations in establishing and maintaining urban forests.
2. Smart Cities Mission: Many cities under the Smart Cities Mission have incorporated green cover enhancement as part of their urban planning efforts, promoting sustainable urban growth.
3. National Mission for Green India: As part of the National Action Plan for Climate Change (NAPCC), this mission aims to enhance forest cover and increase tree cover in urban areas, contributing to biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
4. Urban Afforestation Programs: Various state and local governments have launched urban afforestation programs to increase tree cover in cities. For example, Pune’s Urban Forest Garden Project and the adoption of the Miyawaki method in cities across India are notable efforts.
5. Urban Greening Guidelines: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has issued Urban Greening Guidelines, recommending a minimum green cover of 12% to 18% in urban areas to ensure sustainable development.

Way Forward for Urban Biodiversity in India

1. Reintegration of Nature in Urban Planning: Urban planning must integrate natural habitats, preserving existing ecosystems and renaturing degraded lands through community-based tree planting initiatives.
2. Reintroduction of Native Plants: Protecting forests and reintroducing native species help restore original ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity and ecological balance.
3. Systems Approach to Urban Governance: Cities should adopt a systems approach to governance, considering the needs of all stakeholders and valuing natural ecosystems as critical components of urban infrastructure.
4. Development of Green Corridors: Creating green corridors using methods like Miyawaki afforestation can help mitigate climate change and enhance biodiversity in urban areas.
5. Attracting Investments in Natural Capital: Cities should work towards making nature an attractive investment, driving private funding into urban natural capital projects and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Conclusion

The conservation and enhancement of urban biodiversity in India are crucial for ecological balance, economic resilience, and social well-being. Through integrated planning, innovative initiatives, and sustained community engagement, Indian cities can transform into resilient, green, and vibrant urban landscapes, ensuring a sustainable future for all.