Environment - Biodiversity

Rapid urbanization is taking place, in particular in Asia and Africa. Consequently, the urban population of Africa and Asia alone is expected to double by 2030.

The rapid urbanization across the world has become one of the most important drivers of the global environmental change with direct implications on natural resources, ecology, biodiversity, and pollution. There is an intrinsic relationship between urban development and natural resource management. While cities cover a mere 2 per cent of land space worldwide, they consume 75 per cent of the resources. There is a need to work towards a better understanding of the functioning of the urban centers and their linkages with natural resource management and the sustainable development agenda.

Cities are not at all isolated from natural ecosystems but have, in fact, these very ecosystems as their foundation; the waterways, soil and habitats are sprawling beyond the city boundaries underneath the surface of urban area. Promoting quality green space within cities will not only protect biodiversity but also enhance the community/ecosystem resilience. Beyond supporting a variety of species and habitats, urban green spaces contribute to essential services including water filtration and absorption, nutrient cycling, air filtration and noise buffering. Incorporation of "Green Infrastructure" policies and practices would be effective means supporting sustainable development in urban areas.

Goals

1. To raise awareness and capacity of developing countries in incorporating sustainable use of biodiversity in their policies for regional development
2. To be recognized Biodiversity as a key element in human security as well as the sustainable urban management dimension

Strategies

1. Contribute to the international understanding on the nexus between regional development, Satoyama principles, and sustainable management of biodiversity in close cooperation with the United Nations University (UNU) and other partners
2. Disseminate the research paper on Biodiversity and Human Security through UNCRD training programs and other relevant forums/workshops