Abstract:

Background & Aims: Urban biodiversity serves as the foundation of functional urban ecosystems and contributes to the health and well-being of urban residents. Due to these critical functions, Target 12 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) aims to conserve and sustainably use urban biodiversity. In this study, we sought to determine how urban biodiversity studies can support the achievement Target 12 in China. 

Methods: We initially employed the logic model to examine Target 12 in the KMGBF and Priority Action 18 outlined in the China National Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2023–2030). The narratives of the target and action were categorized into aims, interventions, immediate outcomes, and final outcomes. We formulated ten research questions concerning urban biodiversity studies in China based on the interventions and outcomes. Subsequently, we developed search strings for the ten questions and searched the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). We reviewed the documents that met our search criteria to identify gaps and future research needs. 

Results: Our review indicates that there is a significant imbalance in the number of studies addressing the ten research questions, with limited research on urban biodiversity conservation legislation and routine monitoring. In contrast, more studies have focused on urban ecosystem service functions and health benefits. Future research efforts, guided by practical needs, should prioritize investigations into key concepts, methods for conducting urban biodiversity surveys and assessments, approaches to constructing urban biodiversity monitoring networks, and evaluations of the effectiveness of existing policies and management actions. 

Suggestion & Perspectives: The KMGBF creates new opportunities for urban biodiversity research in China; however, collaboration between government officials and researchers is essential to realize these opportunities.

Key words: urban biodiversity, Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, priority action, conservation, sustainable use