Biodiversity of the urban environment: the importance of indigenous species and the role urban environments can play in their preservation

Abstract

Biodiversity is the sum total of genetic, species, and ecosystem variation. This paper discusses the importance of biodiversity in relation to the global, regional and urban environments. With better planning and management, indigenous and exotic biodiversity can be preserved for present and future generations to enjoy. It is also essential that local communities are fully involved in conservation, use of and advocacy for biodiversity.