Åtgärder för biologisk mångfald i parker : Fallstudier i Botkyrka, Haninge och Nynäshamn

Sammanfattning:

Biodiversity consists of all life on Earth and in all forms. Biodiversity is often discussed at three levels: ecosystem, species and genetic variation within species. Biodiversity also provides many of the ecosystem services performed by nature and that we depend on, including cultural services such as aesthetic values, education and recreation.

In Sweden the environmental objectives are central; there are 16 environmental quality objectives, and "A rich plant and animal life" is one of them. Conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity is a prerequisite for achieving also most other environmental objectives. Another environmental quality objective that is tied to a rich biodiversity in cities and biodiversity is "Good built environment" where cities, towns and other built environment should provide a good living habitat and contribute to a good environment. Good management of land and other resources must be promoted. Municipalities are important when it comes to adapt and implement environmental objectives at a local level.

Parks and park-like natural areas contribute to a richer urban biodiversity. The ecosystems found in cities in parks and other green spaces produces ecosystem services important for human well-being, such as recreation / cultural values, noise reduction, storm water control and waste management. The right kind of maintenance of green spaces can maintain and increase biodiversity. Maintenance that also takes into account that people should reside there increases understanding of nature conservation also outside the city.

This study has investigated opportunities to promote biodiversity in existing parks based on three different case studies in tea different municipalities in the Stockholm area. The results show that there are a number of actions that can be undertaken to promote biodiversity in the surveyed parks.

In order to better describe and select actions, the study has created a structure for understanding of the actions, which is divided into general conditions, obstacles and challenges (Section 3.1), and a division of the practical measures into management practices (3.2 .1), plants (3.2.2) and new construction/create/ project (3.2.3). Such structure and classification makes it easier to select the level and scope of the appropriate actions to take in each park.

There are a number of prerequisites that must be considered and be worked with when it comes to promoting biodiversity in existing parks; surroundings, the park as a whole, the park's maintenance, security aspects, residents' attitudes and conflicts of interest, are few. Organizational issues are also very important. Working with a clear objective and to ensure that objectives are also reflected in the maintenance documents and overall governance documents is essential. To transform and transfer the objectives to also be reflected in management plans is something that is often lacking today.

Many of the conditions, and thus the proposed actions, were common to the three case studies, such as developing vegetation with new plantings. Both case studies and experiences of other municipalities make up that some actions may create conflicts of interest, such as dead wood, high grass and meadows. These actions are also important areas for increased biodiversity in an existing park, and to inform about the benefits of them is important if such actions is taken. Finally, it is also important to make an assessment of all aspects and to introduce measures in the places where it fits.