Key UC Contact
What We Did
The natural capital components in cities (“blue-green infrastructure” BGI) are designed to address long-term sustainability and create multi-benefits for society, culture, business, and ecology. We investigated the added value of BGI through the research question “Can the implementation of blue-green infrastructure lead to an improvement of habitat connectivity and biodiversity in urban environments?” We defined and quantified the role of BGI in meeting the holistic ambitions of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor (post-earthquake) Regeneration Plan. Both habitat connectivity and flood mitigation across Christchurch were modelled, optimised and field checked. Actual and potential forest and wetland patches in the urban Ōtākaro Avon catchment were assessed for their ability, individually and in connected clusters, to mitigate flooding and support viable populations of keystone indigenous wildlife: kereru, putakitaki and generic gecko. We further evaluated patch connectivity through incorporating urban corridors (streams, hedgerows, street trees), pest control, and enrichment of the matrix (residential gardens). Implementation of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor Regeneration Plan, along with our proposed ecological enhancements will increase indigenous forest/wetland cover across the city and help to reach the critical-mass goal of 10%.
Who Was Involved
Christchurch City Council
Why It Matters
Habitat loss and fragmentation, due to urbanisation of biodiverse ecosystems typical of human settlements at the junction of hills, harbours, plains, rivers and estuaries, are a major factor in biodiversity decline globally and in New Zealand. Pockets of native trees can play a key role, enhancing urban habitat connectivity, natural character, and city legibility. Urban restoration thereby helps to reconnect city residents with nature, raise ecological literacy, reduce ‘nature deficit disorder’, and support regional to international biodiversity goals. The investigated blue-green infrastructure, incorporating ‘habitats of interest’, will therefore provide urban flood mitigation while attracting wildlife indicative of full complements of ecosystem components, functions, and services.
Learn More
Nguyen, T.T.; Meurk, C.; Benavidez, R.; Jackson, B.; Pahlow, M. The Effect of Blue-Green Infrastructure on Habitat Connectivity and Biodiversity: A Case Study in the Ōtākaro/Avon River Catchment in Christchurch, New Zealand. Sustainability 2021, 13, 6732. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126732
