Biodiv Sci ›› 2023, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (8): 23070.  DOI: 10.17520/biods.2023070

• Conservation and Governance • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Urban biodiversity conservation: Experience from the comparative perspective of China and Europe

Jing Deng, Yi Li, Yilei Hou()   

  1. School of Economics and Management, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083
  • Received:2023-03-08 Accepted:2023-06-29 Online:2023-08-20 Published:2023-07-10
  • Contact: *E-mail: houyilei427@163.com

Abstract:

Aims: Urban biodiversity conservation is a vital component of the global conservation system and an essential element for sustainable urban development. Comparing the practices of urban biodiversity conservation in China and Europe is helpful to improve the measures of urban biodiversity conservation in China. This paper conducts a comparative analysis of urban biodiversity conservation practices in China and Europe, aiming to offer insights for enhancing urban ecosystems and biodiversity conservation..
Methods: We propose a theoretical framework for urban biodiversity conservation from the perspective of urban development and collaborative governance of ecosystems. The framework is based on the core carriers and functions of urban biodiversity conservation, and it emphasizes the implementation strategies for habitat conservation, spatial regulation, and collaborative governance.
Results and Suggestions: China’s urban biodiversity conservation exhibits unique concepts and significant governance effects, however, there is still room for improvement. (1) Regarding urban development planning, the European urban biodiversity planning system is comprehensive, systematic, and targeted. In contrast, the integration of urban biodiversity conservation and urban development planning in China is inadequate. Thus, it is recommended to enhance the effective connection between these two aspects. (2) Regarding urban green space construction, European cities are increasingly emphasizing the connectivity and integrity of ecosystems. In contrast, Chinese cities primarily concentrate on building traditional green spaces like parks and should enhance the utilization of green space and promote ecosystem creation at the microscopic scale. (3) Regarding ecological protection compensation, European cities have made significant progress in diversified and market-based compensation. However, China’s urban biodiversity protection compensation mechanism is not yet fully developed and requires gradual exploration of diversified compensation methods, such as the implementation of green funds. (4) Regarding public participation, European cities prioritize bottom-up mechanisms for biodiversity conservation, whereas China primarily relies on government-led governance, indicating the need for enhancing public awareness and participation capabilities.

Key words: urban ecosystem, biodiversity, sustainable urban development, European experience, Chinese practices