ecology & urban 66 Urban Biodiversity Protection in the City of , Urban Biodiversity Protection in the City of Berlin, Germany

Text by Trudy Maria Tertilt, Researcher (Centre for Urban Greenery & Ecology, Research) Images courtesy of Senat for Urban Development, Department for Nature Conservation, Landscape Planning & Forestry, Berlin

Country Germany Berlin—the starting point of urban Abstract city 891.82km2 (344.3sq. mi.) biodiversity This article provides an overview of Berlin’s elevation 34 – 115m (-343ft) Berlin is the most populous city in Germany approach in urban biodiversity. Berlin became population city 3,431,700 and the eighth most populous city in Europe. the front-runner in urban biodiversity protec- population density 3,848/km2 (9,966.2/sq. mi.) The Berlin- metropolitan area is tion because its botanists have been focus- population urban 3,700,000 home to about five million people, out of which ing on exciting wild life and plants within the population metro 5,000,000 14 percent come from over 190 nations (Fig. city boundaries since 1970s. In those days, GDP/Nominal 81.7 billion euros (2007) 1). The Berlin open space system has its own many other cities were still trying to beautify characteristic features rooted in history. Impor- their cityscape with designed and horticul- Country singapore tant for urban biodiversity was the isolation of tural modified greenery. Although the metro- total area 710.2km2 (187th), 274.2sq. mi. the city for several decades, where researchers politan areas of Berlin serves a population of total water (%) 1.444 and the administration started to focus on their about five million inhabitants, the city is able population (2009 estimate) 4,987,600 (115th) existing nature within the city boundaries. Initial to maintain a very high biological diversity population (2000 census) 6,814/km2, 3rd (17,275.7/sq. mi.) studies found a unique and diverse vegeta- compared to other cities in temperate climate population density 3,700,000 tion cover in abandoned places such as disused zones. The main reason for this successful GDP/Nominal total $181.989 billion transportation lines and former industrial sites. programme is a detailed and regular updated GDP/ per capita $38,972 (22nd) Although the reconstruction after World War II database containing local information of natural started quickly, Berlin kept many abandoned resources including flora and fauna invento- above Fig. 1: Berlin is the most patches all over the city until the seventies ries of the whole territory; this provides the populous city in Germany and the when botanists turned their focus to spontane- 8th populous city in Europe. The necessary knowledge for ecologically balanced ous wild urban vegetation and could testify its metropolitan area is serving about decision making. Another important reason value for biodiversity. 5 million people from over 190 is the culture of data sharing among different nations. (Photo: I. Kovarik) departments within the administration and with Opposite, left Fig. 2: Summary Berlin was the first city in Germany, as well as the public. Also, a compulsory methodology for of Biodiversity Inventory, Berlin in Europe, to view the existing wildlife within 2005. any planning and design processes with early its city boundaries as an asset of its natural Opposite, top right Fig. 3: public involvement creates the base for owner- An example of habitat mapping resources. The city became the frontrunner ship and understanding by all citizens. This for a local orchid (Epipactis in urban biodiversity protection and started leads to localised and customised solutions helleborine) and its distribution systematic research on urban “weed”/ wild over the city area of Berlin. also in green space development. Last but not plant communities. For centuries, cities only Opposite, bottom right least, Berliners are proud of their individuality, paid attention to manicured parks or gardens Fig. 4: Schoeneberger and therefore they do not need to chase after or Suedgelande—an 18ha railtrack and neglected the wild and spontaneous vegeta- copy the latest “international designer fashion” abandoned for 50 years has been tion cover that established without human turned into a Nature Reserve. in greening. CITYGREEN #1 A Centre for Urban Greenery and Ecology Publication 67

algae fungi lichens mosses vascular plants

snails shells

harvestmen spiders

dragonflies crickets & grasshopper bugs lace wings ground beetles water beetles rove beetles wood beetles weevil beetles bees & wasps trichopteran flies mecopteran flies asilidae flies

fish & lamprey amphibian reptiles breeding birds mammals

Number of species (%)

assistance, or better still, despite human inter- ienatur (industry nature) were established species and make the information usable for vention. During reconstruction in the 1950s and among professionals. planners and architects. Details of the location 1960s, the city followed the general understand- are considered very important; otherwise there ing in beautifying the city landscape by planted Flora & Fauna Inventories is no case for protecting a particular small plot and horticultural modified greenery. Intensive Berlin biodiversity inventories of today show against development or other human impact. maintenance and the use of weed killer in the a higher number of flora and fauna species Building and recreational concepts have to be name of “cleanliness” and “safety” against all compared to the rural surroundings, which adjusted to the protection requirements. The unwanted plants was the dominant task of the are often shaped by intensive agricultural use. highest biodiversity was found in transition garden department. “Weed” communities that These abandoned industrial sites, brown fields zones in the city outskirts where urban struc- settle on any open and accessible soil were and waste lands create very specific environ- tures are closely interlinked with larger open renamed as “spontaneous vegetation”. This is to ments, which cannot be found elsewhere in spaces and waste or derelict lands (Fig. 4). firstly, distinguish them from planted horticul- surrounding rural areas and therefore contain Besides the mosaic of land use patterns, the tural and agricultural vegetation, and secondly, a high biodiversity with many new species. The number of species also reflects the historical to demonstrate their value and importance. The flora and fauna inventory of 2005 listed and land use and gardening tradition over the last botanists and administration concluded that mapped out about 7,087 species (Fig. 2), out 70 to 100 years. apart from natural and semi-natural areas, of which 2,179 are flowering plants. Overall, urban areas also had the potential for nature estimations go up to 30,000 species, of which Habitat Mapping Programme conservation. 17,000 are insect species in the city area of The protection and sustainable use of munici- Berlin. The inventory also describes the conser- pal nature and landscape can only be success- The studies from the 1970s onwards testifying vation status of the species population and ful with adequate knowledge of the local to the diverse and interesting plant composi- distribution in written text and on maps (Fig. conditions. Besides inventories and mapping tions in Berlin’s abandoned sites and built-up 3). Compared to other cities within the temper- programmes of single species, Berlin pays areas led to the first cornerstone: the publi- ate climate zone, Berlin harbours quite a high special attention to habitats or biotopes. (The cation of the “Red Data List” of endangered number of biodiversity. For example, Berlin has term “biotope” is used more often and widely species in 1982. This was followed by biodiver- the highest number of breeding birds within the in Germany.) Habitats or biotopes are descrip- sity action plans, which were endorsed in 1984. city boundary and hosts more than 17 different tions of locations inhabited by a particular In 1986, a series of legally protected nature species of bats. animal or plant species to form a long-term reserves on derelict areas with “weed” commu- association. Its composition depends primarily nities within the city of Berlin were established. More than 50 specialists and numerous NGOs, on the site conditions necessary for the exist- Urban industrial sites were regarded as a new universities and volunteers are continuously ence and flourishing of certain organisms. type of environment with species compositions working on the flora and fauna inventory of By the virtue of its typical site and structural and habitats peculiar to these areas and new the city. Besides producing lists, maps play an features, each location has distinct physical terms like Stadtnatur (urban nature) or Indust- important role to define the exact locations of parameters, which are influenced and utilised ecology & urban 68 Urban Biodiversity Protection in the City of Berlin, Germany

left Fig. 5: Habitat mapping on an industrial plot in the city centre. Bottom Fig. 6: Breakdown of biotope classifications in Berlin (2009). Opposite Fig. 7: This Berlin land use map shows the distribution of green spaces. Details can be viewed online at www.stadtentwicklung.berlin.de

by a specific species population. The term unturned. Architects and designers also have The knowledge about the composition and “biotope” or “habitat” always refers to a certain an impact on the plots in the name of “fashion” spatial distribution of the culturally shaped space; while “habitat type” or “biotope type” and “international good taste”. near-nature biotopes in Berlin is an essen- refers to a community with same characteris- tial basis for urban and regional planning, tics. A diversity of habitats provides homes for An assessment of the Red List of Endangered landscape design, and the conservation- a wide range of biodiversity. In reverse, a less Biotopes Types in Berlin shows that biotopes appropriate developments of spatial utilisa- complex or monotonously structured landscape connected to the local water regime and nutri- tion. A current and full-coverage database with large areas of the same physical factors or ent-low and sandy soils have become rare in is also essential for environmental analysis settings can only harbour a very low biodiver- urban settings (Fig. 6). In Berlin, 18 biotopes and ecological assessments like the Environ- sity. Berlin realised this interrelation very early have been identified as particularly valuable mental Impact Assessments (EIA), the Strate- and included a territory-wide biotope mapping for biodiversity protection: fenlands, swamps, gic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and together with the species-based mapping marsh land, reed beds, areas with sedges and mandatory reports. Berlin, Munich, Augsburg, programmes from the beginning. Berlin listed bulrushes, springs, natural creek and river Warsaw and London are among the first cities more than 500 habitat types and visualised banks, silting up areas of lakes, alluvial forests, to follow Berlin and carry out urban ecological about 37 in the maps “Arten & Biotopschutz” lowland riparian forests, xeric grasslands, investigations. first issued in 1986 in the Environmental Atlas wet meadows and sand and gravel pits. All of Berlin1(Fig. 5). endangered biotopes have been placed under legal protection. This legal protection status Biotope type classes Area in Proportion of the hectares total area of Berlin Conditions for plants and animals have been requires no further formal procedure, as is Flowing waters 970.75 1.1% continuously changed by destruction, imper- the case of the certification of protected areas. Standing waters (including 4,521.86 5.1% meable coverage of the soil, extensive drops in Legal protection is designed to preserve these shore area, cane brakes etc.) the groundwater table, fertilizer and pollutant biotopes completely, to keep them intact, and to Anthropogenic regosol sites 1,882.16 2.1% input, and last but not least, recreational use. protect them from adverse changes. All actions and ruderal fields Complex food chains and communities were and measures, which can cause considerable Bogs and marshes 210.35 0.2% developed by nature that lasted for millennia. or permanent damage, are strictly forbidden Green spaces, herb fringe 4,355.12 4.9% It is estimated that the loss of a single plant and punishable by law. This instant protection fields and grassland species is the loss of basic conditions of life for law for enhancing biodiversity was endorsed communities about 10 to 20 species of animals. While previ- since 2008 by the newly updated federal law for Dwarf shrub heaths 12.32 0.0% ously only those rare and strongly specialised nature conservation. Past experiences show Bushes, tree rows 1,550 1.8% species were affected, Berlin today increasingly that the bureaucratic certification system was and groves sees a deterioration process which is endan- too slow when urban development pressure Forest 16,481.38 18.7% gering species which were still very common exists. Citizens of Berlin are aware of this Fields 2,054 2.3% during the 1950s. The pressure of construc- important tool and it is to be believed than Green and open spaces 8,201.96 9.3% tion has increased tremendously after Berlin none of these protected biotopes can disap- Special biotopes 612.42 0.7% resumed its capital status in 1990; this frenetic pear into the unknown anymore because of the Built-up areas, traffic 47,572.34 53.8% redevelopment is further aided by new urban widespread public awareness. facilities and special areas planning tools which literally leaves no stone BERLIN 88,353.01 100% 69

Protection and Conservation It is common sense that biodiversity protections need foremost a spatial protection scheme to mitigate the main threats. Habitat protection is the basic requirement for biodiversity conser- vation and protection in Germany. Besides this instant protection of habitats/ biotopes just mentioned, Berlin is using a “five-tier” nature protection system as it was targeted by the Federal Law of Germany. The protection categories are:

1 National Parks. (The Priority lies more on biodiversity protection than public education). Not (!) important under this agenda are recreational activities and tourism, although some controlled activities—with nature guides—are possible. Usually, activities are only allowed in the surrounding areas of National Parks; even outside the buffer zone. National Parks should also develop wilderness zones, which mean a transformation of formerly used Besides the Instant Protected Habitats and disruption of the nutrient cycles, and the input landscapes to meet IUCN requirements. the classic conservation areas like those listed of chemicals into these cycles; mass tourism; above, there are the protection zones installed and pollution. All green space management and 2 Nature Reserves. (The Priority is firstly, by the EU under the programme “Natura 2000” all development plans have to include tools and on biodiversity protection and secondly, from 1992. Every municipality in Germany, approaches where measurements are taken to on public education, but these areas are whether urban or rural, has to develop 10 protect or to enhance biodiversity. The “List of much smaller than National Parks). percent of their land territory according to this Possible Threats to Biodiversity” and the “List protection programme for biodiversity. These of Development Measurements for Biodiver- 3 Landscape Protected Zones “Flora & Fauna Habitat” protection zones (FFH), sity Conservation” give an overview of potential (Landschaftsschutzgebiete) are areas in addition to the “Special Protected Areas” problems the park management may face. Both where selected human activities (SPA) for birds from 1979, should become the can be downloaded from the internet3. are allowed. The type of activity, the backbone of a European-wide habitat network. frequency—including the quantity of Interlinking isolated natural areas and protected In Berlin, the first Nature Reserve, which is people allowed to do these activities— zones are considered the most important task the strictest category of protection, was estab- are regulated in the park’s plan. nowadays in nature and biodiversity conservation lished in 1941 (Pfaueninsel). Since the seven- facing climate change. We need to give plants ties, a more systematic approach has been 4 Nature parks (Naturparke) and Biosphere and animals the possibility to migrate and find taken in nature protection. The nature conser- Reserves (Biosphaerenservate) are priority suitable new habitats within the totally segre- vation departments want to protect or redevelop areas for recreational activities in nature gated landscape, which is the result of more nature reserves to showcase all recent and all (eco tourism). Biosphere Reserves are than 80 years of car-friendly planning approach. original natural habitats within Berlin. To cover much larger areas and are declared In addition, other departments like the water, the whole range of possible habitats, the admin- model areas for a balanced harmony climate, soil and forest departments also have istration is guided by the main natural biophys- between human activities and nature their designated protected areas. The EU intro- ical environment: habitats of the glacial valley, requirements. Industrial agriculture and duced a European-wide classification, evalua- the Plateau and the Plateau. In forestry is discouraged and eco-friendly tion and monitoring system for protected areas 2008, Berlin listed 39 certified Nature Reserves (often traditional) forms of cultivation are which follows German practice a great deal2. with a total area of 1,990 hectares. These areas supported by monetary compensation with the tightest protection measures account payments for farmers and eco-friendly All protected areas or protected zones have to for about 2.2 percent of Berlin’s territory. In companies. be integrated into the local land use plan, and addition, currently 13 percent of Berlin’s terri- have to have a proper concept and develop- tory is under the “landscape protected zones” 5 Natural Monuments (Under this category ment plan (master plan) in written and visual- scheme, which aims to cover 20 percent of the we can find single trees, alleys or a cliff ised forms (Fig. 7). Besides the land use issue, area within the next 10 years. Also, more than formations or special glacial erratic block main threats to biodiversity are: segregation of 620 “Natural Monuments” around the city area and rockeries). land and urban space by urbanisation; sealing of have been declared. soil by built structures such as paved areas; the ecology & urban 70 Urban Biodiversity Protection in the City of Berlin, Germany

Management and Maintenance to protected areas Different to protection zones in large nature areas, protected areas in the cities need constant management according to the protec- tion goals. Although physical changes are no longer allowed under the protection law, pollu- tion and recreational pressure pose a contin- uous threat onto these sites. In many cases, natural succession will eventually wipe out endangered species. Without the annual trimming of vegetation, a Xeric grassland might “Weeds” and “invasive species” change into a woodland. As there are many Berlin’s urban planning fabric consists of a different habitats, each habitat has its own mosaic of diverse habitats. These habitats are goals and requirements. All taken measures more diverse than the surrounding agricul- need to be customised to the defined develop- tural landscape. Many new plant species which ment goal. have been introduced deliberately or uninten- tionally attribute to this diversity. Therefore, In general, the selection of tools and methods the wild-growing ruderal vegetation on derelict are modified based on the constant monitor- areas or wastelands is considered very valuable ing of the targeted species population; decreas- for urban biodiversity in contrast to horticul- ing numbers indicate mistakes and would need tural modified plants. The word “weeds” simply further evaluation. Management is usually describe the relation to humans for a certain carried out only by manual labour as big time period for unwanted and nuisance plant machinery can cause too much damage to the species. It has been substituted by the term habitat by compressing the soil and causing “wild plant” or “spontaneous vegetation” when air and noise pollution (Fig. 8). Also, heavy referring to communities, or “ruderal vegeta- machinery needs proper access, which will tion” when referring to a larger area. Horticul- further damage the protected area. Manpower turally modified and infertile plants are now is expensive nowadays and nature conserva- nuisances to ecologically oriented citizens and tion requires a lot of help from volunteers and they may now be called “weeds”. NGOs. Sensitive management often requires special skills like working with horses in forests These so-called newly arrived plant species or with sheep on grasslands and heather or (neophytes) are closely monitored but are not fenlands (Fig. 9). They serve as environmentally considered as threats to the environment. friendly tall-grass mowers. NGOs or nature Nor are they classified as “unwanted” plants academies offer such practical training classes. in general. From 1,492 registered neophytes, only 271 could establish a stable population in Choosing the right timeslot for implementation Berlin. And only a few of them are considered a of certain management measures is also very threat and classified as “invasive” like the Asian crucial for habitat development. For example, ladybug, raccoon or the plant, Ambrosia artem- species are very sensitive to disturbance isiifolia. Neophytes are viewed as nature’s Above, right Fig. 7: during breeding times. Another important rule response to human travel activities and changes Management of protected areas is to work on a small scale. Mowing the whole of the local environment. Under the threat of are done by humans. Old skills flower meadow at one go prevents the species climate change, the natural migration of plants such as that of using the scythe from finding refuge. It is thus better to set up and wildlife is considered a necessity now. are in high demand. a mowing schedule for different patches. The Therefore, all new biodiversity policies work on Above, left Fig. 8: Management of protected areas by sheep: an same applies for management work along the development of local, regional and interna- environmentally and tourist- rivers and lake banks. tional ecological corridors to ease migration. friendly grass mower. 71

Berlin was the first city in Germany, as well as in Europe, to view the existing wildlife within its city boundaries as an asset of its natural resources.

Most of the contributions to the biodiversity in Berlin come from the remains of the origi- nal landscapes and ecosystem and from the un-designed and abandoned industrial sites. Land in agricultural and horticultural use should also not be underestimated for biodiversity purposes. Vegetable gardens and fruit trees feed a lot of Integration of biodiversity conserva- wildlife, from insects to wild boars (Fig. 11). Many tion into urban green space systems private garden owners also install natural ponds The Berlin urban green space system deals and hang up nesting boxes for birds and wasps. Old with all types of greenery within its bounda- cemeteries are quiet places and usually covered by ries. This includes the planted areas, as well many old trees that serve as refuge for many birds. Stakeholders in Berlin’s urban as the wild and spontaneous vegetation cover. Old tombstones harbour a lot of mosses and other biodiversity Inventories of areas with wild and spontane- shade-loving plants. The value of public parks for TThe main stakeholders in urban biodiver- ous growing plants demonstrate the high value local wildlife is very different, depending on their sity protection are the Department of Nature of un-designed urban green spaces for biodi- design and management (Fig. 12). Conservation, the Department of Urban versity, as well as for people’s appreciation. Green Space, and the Department of Urban & Indeed, many species from surrounding and Historical parks and court gardens are often very Landscape Planning. Other departments in far-flung rural areas now find refuge within well manicured and can contain up to 30 percent charge of forest, water and agricultural issues the city green spaces. One explanation for the of foreign species. Therefore these segments of also contribute significantly to the success. relatively high biodiversity might be found in a parks are less interesting for local biodiversity Last but not least, the departments concern- high diversity of landscape features and green programmes. However, Berlin has a long tradi- ing statistics, public environmental education space types, the connectivity to surrounding tion of cultivating naturalistic landscape parks, and internet presentation are also important. rural areas, and simply the amount of green which are managed in an ecological way for a long All programmes for urban nature conserva- space in the city of Berlin. 56.2 percent of the time. Modern time greenery guidelines further tion have to find the support of the public. By total area of the German capital is classified as support this ecological approach. Just because of encouraging public involvement from land use “built-up and transportation area”. This means this, the patchwork of small but diverse private and decision-making processes to implementation, Berlin has more than 40 percent of public green public green plots interwoven into the city fabric is the administration can help local citizens gain spaces where parks are only one category (Fig. the reason to Berlin’s biological diversity. These ownership in these issues. 10); others include the private gardens and the “green islands” or “stepping stones” are linked by attached greenery to buildings under the classi- 428,444 street trees (about 81 trees per kilometre Laws and guidelines are available on informa- fication “built-up” or residential areas. of roadway), half of them which are more than 40 tion policies and public data sharing, particu- years old. Although World War II took a high toll on larly on formal public involvement for develop- In Germany, privately owned forests and Berlin’s trees, one can still visit Dicke Marie (Big ment projects by public agencies. In Germany agricultural areas have to be made accessi- Marie), the oldest tree in Berlin, at Tegel castle. every citizen has the right to obtain any infor- ble to the public by law. Therefore the green This oak has been growing there since around 1192 mation from the public administration. In administration has and can also integrate and is actually older than Berlin itself. return, nature conservationists depend on the these private areas into the public recrea- input of NGOs, universities and volunteers to tional walking and cycling networks through- The people of Berlin also appreciate wild and update biodiversity data due to the chronic lack out the city. Berlin has developed new catego- un-designed greenery and like to take walks or a of manpower and money. ries for connectional urban public green space bike tours near to nature areas. Even tourists from planning: other parts of the country enjoy exploring the city The design for urban, rural and all types of via the well-developed cycle trails or boat trips. natural spaces is in the hands of landscape 1 Remains of original natural Another favourite recreational activity of Berlin- architects and landscape ecologist who often landscapes: forests, moors, swamps, ers is having picnics in parks. School classes visit share the same academic training programme. rivers, creeks, wetlands their “outdoor classroom” on a regular basis. Landscape architects are required to under- 2 Cultural landscapes: meadows, Many Berliners like to do gardening in their little stand and differentiate horticultural and native, fields, pasture, hedges, heath Schrebergarden which is also called allotment or as well as wild plants. In this academic train- 3 Horticultural landscapes: community garden. These forms of “semi-public” ing programme, basic soil sciences, botany, garden and parks, allotment gardens, garden areas were invented in 1864 in Germany. forestry, zoology, limnology, metrological sport fields, street trees The trend of commercialising public green space knowledge and water management is required. 4 New urban nature: spontaneous has not yet reached Berlin but most people are Landscape architecture is a multidisciplinary vegetation, unmanaged brown fields, quite happy with enjoying nature without artificial field that needs to communicate with many old quarries and other wasteland patches entertainment. specialised academia and engineers. ecology & urban 72 Urban Biodiversity Protection in the City of Berlin, Germany

Summary and conclusion The city of Berlin tries to maintain the diver- Other factors like the biodiversity index and Public Green Spaces in the City (as of Dec. 31, 2008) sity of its natural, cultivated and urban nature tax incentives play a secondary role. Berlin is ha % of city area and landscape features by a number of legal unique because its 40 years of isolation had Public parks 1) 6,389 7.2% instruments and planning policies in nature slowed down industrial development. Other Allotment gardens 2) 3,064 3.4% conservation and Public Park system planning. cities and even villages which have taken a Cemeteries 3) 1,145 1.3% In summary, the main factors for a successful more radical approach to “sweep out” the old Sport facilities, bathing areas 942 1.0% urban biodiversity programme are: and the “untidy” areas in the 1950s and 1960s Green spaces on roadway land 1,252 1.4% are now struggling to win back their natural Total of public green spaces 12,792 14.3% 1 City-wide inventories on species and habitat and biological diversity. The tools and instru- Forest areas 16,223 18.2% level ments Berlin is using for the protection of its Water areas 5,947 6.7% 2 Data sharing and easy data access among biodiversity are more or less the same as other Agricultural areas 4,127 4.6% public authorities and with the general cities in Germany. The Federal Government Residential and 50,065 56.2% public and the EU law set out the framework for the Transportation areas 3 Early integration of all scientific data about municipalities in both rural and urban areas. In Total area of Berlin 89,154 100% natural recourse; already on the land use general, soil and microclimatic conditions differ planning level between urban and surrounding agricultural 1. including playgrounds and special green spaces 2. including surrounding green space 4 Soil and water space protection or natural areas. However, cities in temper- 3.both state-owned and denominational programmes as the “mother” of all life ate climate zones can still provide a home for 5 Compulsory procedure for the involvement many native plants and animals. The difference Above, top Fig. 11: Industrialised of NGOs and the general public between cities and the surrounding countryside agriculture practices drives wildlife, 6 Ecological oriented design and management microclimate seems to be larger only within such as wild boars onto Berlin’s roads. (Photo: Florian Mueller) programmes tropical areas. Above, Bottom Fig. 10: Breakdown 7 Administrative access to all green plots of land use in Berlin (2008). within the city, even those in private opposite Fig. 12: Foxes and rabbits ownership are common wildlife in city parks. (Photo: Florian Mueller) 8 A set of laws, directives and guidelines for spatial conservation (EU-level,Federal Level, Province Level) 9 Environmental awareness and appreciation for natural green spaces 1 http://www.stadtentwicklung.berlin.de/umwelt/umweltatlas/edua_index.shtml Compulsory consultation and ecological 2 http://bfn.de/0316_bewertungsschemata.html 10assessments for any government action 3 http://bfn.de/fileadmin/MDB/documents/030306_refgefaehrd.pdf and http://bfn.de/0316_bewertungsschemata.html 73

The highest biodiversity was found in transition zones in the city outskirts where urban structures are closely interlinked with larger open spaces and waste or derelict lands.