Cities and biodiversity

Abstract

The project has three related parts: 1. A global perspective: an overview, based on current global literature, of the importance of cities and the land around them in preserving and enhancing biodiversity worldwide. 2. The New Zealand situation: an investigation of some of the current thinking, research and practice to enhance biodiversity in urban areas around New Zealand and, the importance of rural areas around cities. The focus will be on the Waikato situation and includes a local case study. Local case study - Hamilton Halo project: a description of the development and launch of a significant project to increase the numbers of tui returning to Hamilton city. The Hamilton Halo project is a biosecurity and biodiversity action aimed at biodiversity outcomes in Hamilton city. 3. Going forward: suggestions (based on global experience and the New Zealand situation) for government and local communities to move closer towards meeting biodiversity goals in and around cities.