ASEAN Workshop on Urban Biodiversity Conservation

14- 16 April 2008 Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore

 

Background

The urban environment is a distinct ecosystem in itself despite the fact that it is man-made. The processes and functions inherent to a natural ecosystem are present, but in a modified form. Included in this functioning are the elements of biodiversity, i.e. plants and animals, represented by species that survive from the former more natural habitat prior to urbanization; new arrivals that find the urban environment conducive; and species deliberately introduced by humans. Urban parks, remaining fragments of natural habitat and specimen trees are valuable in mitigating the heat island effect, providing recreational space, educational opportunities, buffering wind tunnels along roads and between buildings, providing shade for pedestrians, and many other functions. .

Botanical gardens and zoos may also enhance the aesthetic and educational functions of the urban landscape. Private gardens in housing areas have a powerful aesthetic impact. However, such introduction raises questions as to the role of these various species in contributing to the sustainable development of the cities. In addition, the role of urban biodiversity in alleviating urban poverty has hardly been explored.

Rationale

Interactions in an urban environment are little understood since most of biodiversity studies are done in natural landscapes. Better understanding of urban biodiversity is a clearly need, so as to contribute to sustainable development in cities. It is in this context that the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity and the National Parks Board of Singapore are organizing an ASEAN Workshop on Urban Biodiversity Conservation.

Objectives

• To share the range of experiences in cross-sectoral considerations in urban biodiversity conservation among the ASEAN Member Countries;
• To develop a network of urban biodiversity practitioners in the ASEAN region; and
• To promote urban biodiversity conservation as an important component of sustainable development.

Methodology

The workshop will be highlighted by field trips and site visits to parks, streetscapes, nurseries and other urban biodiversity sites to provide examples of Singapore’s efforts in urban biodiversity conservation. Resource person/s knowledgeable of the sites will be tapped to impart knowledge and facilitate discussions.

Participants

• Representatives of the ASEAN Working Group on Nature Conservation and Biodiversity (AWGNCB)
• Representatives of the ASEAN Working Group on Environmentally
Sustainable Cities (AWGESC)

Partners

• ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
• National Parks Board of Singapore