When you hear the word biodiversity, you might think of lush rainforests, vibrant coral reefs, or vast savannahs. But what if we told you that biodiversity also lives (and often struggles or even thrives) right in your community?
The National Environmental Treasure Podcast, What the F*** is Biodiversity? explores the many incredible ways biodiversity supports life on Earth - including us - and what we can do to protect and sustain it in return. In episode 4, Ann Dale, sits down with renowned planner and urban ecologist Nina-Marie Lister to explore the often-overlooked sides of biodiversity in the urban context. Nina-Marie Lister, has a 25-year career, defined by research-practice and leadership in applied ecology, landscape design and planning, and for the interdisciplinary partnerships through which she advances this work, chiefly through the Ecological Design Lab, which she founded and directs at Toronto Metropolitan University. Together, they unpack how cities, although concrete jungles, are vital ecosystems full of biodiverse plant and animal species.
According to the World Wildlife Fund, urban biodiversity refers to the “variety of living organisms, including their genetic variations, as well as the multiplicity of habitats in and around dense human settlements.” Although it may not seem like it, urban areas are home to a large portion of the world's biodiversity. From bird nesting on rooftops, pollinators in community gardens, or green corridors that connect fragmented habitats, there is a growing awareness of nature in cities, and not only that, but science-backed evidence which supports that humans are happier and healthier when it's there. However, habitat loss - driven by factors such as urbanizations, forestry, agricultural production, and industrial development - continues to threaten species around the world.
In this episode, Nina-Marie offers insight into how we can shift our thinking and municipal planning to integrate nature-based solutions and green infrastructure - not only for aesthetics and recreation, but also as critical tools for climate resilience, public health, biodiversity recovery, and social equity. From rewilding small urban spaces to designing with biodiversity in mind, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand how urban living and ecological health are intricately intertwined.
Listen now to What the F*** is Biodiversity? wherever you get your podcasts or at: oursafetynet.org/what-the-fk-is-biodiversity/
Written by Sabrina Careri, for Ann Dale.
Photo source: FourFour from Unsplash