UNLEASHING THE POTENTIAL OF NATURE DISCUSSION PAPER ON CITY ECOLOGY, ECOSYSTEMS AND BIODIVERSITY Join the discussion online at participate..vic.gov.au/nature

Acknowledgements Many people have contributed ideas presented within this Discussion Paper including within the , and researchers at the Australian Research Centre for Urban Ecology (ARCUE), RMIT, and the Stockholm Resilience Centre. Cover image of Banded Bee, Amegilla bee Source: Museum

participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/nature CONTENTS

Purpose and process  03

Key terms  04

Chapter 1: Nature in Melbourne  05

Chapter 2: How does our city contribute to the Australian landscape?  09

Chapter 3: Why should we care about urban ecosystems?  11

Chapter 4: How can we better value and manage nature? 15

Chapter 5: How can we undertake nature sensitive urban design and planning?  17

Chapter 6: Should we increase nature in the private realm? 21

Chapter 7: What symbolises nature for Melburnians?  23

Chapter 8: How can ecology help us respond to climate change? 28

Chapter 9: How can Melbourne demonstrate leadership?  31

Selected resources  33

References  34 2 participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/nature Purpose and process

Purpose Process The purpose of this discussion paper is to An indicative timeline for the process support conversation and seek comment is shown below: from our community and stakeholders to contribute to the development of a strategic policy framework for municipal ecology, biodiversity and ecosystem services, or nature within our city. February 2015 City of Melbourne has not previously Discussion paper released for public comment. formulated a comprehensive policy position on urban nature. The policies and strategies developed to date have focused on individual components of the city’s ecology. To design a new policy framework we must elevate our February – March 2015 thinking beyond compartmentalisation; Consultation with community, stakeholders and experts. we must consider the ecology of our city from a holistic perspective in order to understand the interactions and dependencies within the system. Using a holistic approach, we can better understand the impacts of policy decisions and the associated trade offs. April 2015 Closing date for comments on Discussion Paper. Healthy ecosystems and a rich biodiversity are vital for the livability and functionality of our city. We are currently contending with the most complex challenges in the history of our city’s development. The way in which we can June 2015 increase Melbourne’s capacity to cope Draft strategy released for public comment. with a rapidly increasing population and plan for future climate change will fundamentally affect the nature that lives within the city, including many plants and animals. This paper is by no means comprehensive AUGUST 2015 but it does aim to highlight key issues Closing date for public comment on draft strategy. that need deeper consideration. At the end of each chapter you will find a series of questions, which we hope will stimulate discussion. We invite you to join the conversation and share your thoughts and ideas online. October 2015 Your contribution will inform the Final strategy presented to Council. development of a plan for ecology, biodiversity and ecosystem services within the City of Melbourne. This framework will influence the outcomes for nature in our city, which will fundamentally affect residents, workers, visitors and the diverse range of species that make this city home.

Find out more at: participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/nature

Unleashing the Potential of Nature Discussion Paper 3 Key terms

Ecology Ecology is the study of plants and animals, and their interaction with the environment. Urban ecology is the study of the relationship between living organisms and their environment in an urbanised context. Living organisms and the ecosystems they form are commonly termed ‘biodiversity’, a truncation of the words ‘biological’ and ‘diversity’. Ecosystem services Green infrastructure Ecosystem services are the benefits There are various descriptions for that are obtained from nature that green infrastructure. At City of contribute directly or indirectly to Melbourne we use the term to describe human wellbeing (MEA, 2005). They the layers and infrastructures in the include clean air, noise reduction, city that directly provide multiple climate regulation, water filtration, ecosystem services or support the recreation, nature education, natural provision of those services. Examples heritage, among others. In cities, of green infrastructure in our city ecosystem services can come from include; all vegetation, parks, gardens, green infrastructure such as parks, reserves, greenways, living green roofs Ecosystems gardens and forests as well as street and walls, stormwater and rainwater trees, pop-up parks, wetlands and harvesting interventions, permeable Ecosystems comprise of natural lakes. These services can be valued surfaces, waterways and wetlands. components, such as plants, animals, in several ways such as economic, water, soil, air and their interactions. ecological, socio-cultural, health or Cities are urban ecosystems which insurance contribution. Ecosystem Private realm include both nature and humans, services can be considered in in a predominately human-built four categories: This is land that is privately managed. environment. Functioning ecosystems The City of Melbourne currently manages are the foundation of human 1. provisioning services such public land under Council control; wellbeing and most economic as food and fresh water however much of the land in our city is

activity (TEEB, 2011). 2. regulating services such under private tenure. as climate amelioration

3. supporting services such as pollination

4. cultural services such as aesthetic contributions and spiritual connections

Ecological resilience Ecological resilience is the capacity of an ecosystem to respond to a Biodiversity disturbance by resisting damage Biodiversity is the variety of all life and recovering quickly. Resilience is forms on earth; different plants, dependent on components functioning. animals and microorganisms; their genes; and the terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems of which they are a part (National Biodiversity Strategy Review Task Group, 2009). Biodiversity exists at three levels; genes, species and ecosystems.

4 melbourne.vic.gov.au/participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/natureXXXXXX Chapter 1: Nature in Melbourne Many cities around the world are considered biodiversity ‘hotspots’ and Biodiversity integration in... can contain habitat for a variety of threatened plant and animal species. Ecologists have been surprised by the Private Rooftop presence and vitality of organisms in B edible vegetables and near cities. gardens Rooftop Herb & beekeeping salad Whilst we hear much about Melbourne’s window planter liveability, we tend to hear less about Lightweight Permeable soils & plants Melbourne as one of the world’s most paving Herbs & salads biologically diverse cities. Our municipality Stormwater filtration & Productive is home to a world-renowned network of moderation climbers parks, gardens and streetscapes. These Native green layers contribute to our status as edible Green roofs, shrubs walls and Native A Cooler one of the world’s most liveable cities. edible roots facades interiors & energy savings Overview of nature Green walls & facades in Melbourne A The City of Melbourne has a long and proud natural and cultural history. This began with the Wurundjeri, C Boonerwrung, Taungurong, Djajawurrung, B and Wauthaurong people of the Kulin Nation, who inhabited a landscape that was rich in wetlands, and open scattered forest (ARCUE, 2012). For the people of the Kulin Nation, Bunjil (an eaglehawk) is the creator spirit of the land, the D lore and its people. These people had, and continue to have, an intimate understanding of, and a deep connection E with the land – how its seasons work, its plants grow and its animals behave. In fact, the people of the Kulin Nation Private observed seven seasons annually, C frontyard habitat not four.

Iuk Eel Season (March) Bird & mammal Urban Extensive habitat E parklands Waring Wombat Season D streetscapes (April-July)

Wildflowers & Lizard Orchid Season (August) pollinators habitat Guling Nectar for pollinators Poorneet Tadpole Season (September-October) Tree hollow habitat for bats & birds Multistorey Buath Gurru Grass Flowering Habitat for ecologies reptiles Seasons (November) & insects WSUD treepit & Native kerb treatments Kangaroo Apple Season (December) grasslands Reed & rock habitat & Shade filtration Biderap Dry Season Nutrient (January-February) cycling Permeable Source: bike path Underground Natural Aquatic services edging Habitat Stormwater drains

These ideas provide a basis for discussion and highlight interventions that may enable a more biodiverse habitat to be created within our city.

6 participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/nature The arrival of the early Europeans saw the establishment of the Hoddle Grid, and the surrounding greenbelt of large parks and gardens. The historic vegetation communities of Melbourne include native grasslands, grassy woodlands and saltmarsh habitats. Significant biodiversity hotspots within the city contain some remnants of this vegetation, including Royal Park West, Domain Parklands and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Westgate Park and Birds Frogs and reptiles (Williams & Hahs, 2004). 182 species of birds have been 14 species frogs and reptiles have been Melbourne is rich in biodiversity. recorded across the municipality, recorded, including the Common The greater Melbourne area supports where over 100 species have been Blue-tongued Lizard Tiliqua scincoides, some 1,864 indigenous plant species, recorded in hotspots such as Royal White’s skink Egernia whitii, and of which 178 are considered threatened, Park, Westgate Park and the Royal common froglet Crinia signifera. and 520 indigenous fauna species, of Botanic Gardens. which 136 of are currently considered threatened. Melbourne has one of the highest percentages of open green space of any city in the world, with more than 28 percent, including Crown road reserves (Metropolitan Melbourne Investigation, 2011). Our open spaces comprise over 14 percent of the total municipal area, supporting a range of flora and fauna species, both indigenous and introduced. The urban forest contributes enormously to the types of plants and animals found within the Invertebrates municipality. Through the Urban Forest Mammals Strategy goal to double canopy cover The City of Melbourne has recently to 40 percent by 2040, we expect to Eight species of native mammals commissioned an invertebrate survey see parallel increases in the number have been recorded, including four of the city, as no comprehensive of animal species inhabiting the city, species of bats such as the threatened survey has ever been undertaken. from birds to bats to insects and much grey-headed flying-fox Pteropus Known species include many types more. However, Melbourne is currently poliocephalus and Gould’s Wattled Bat of butterflies such as the Australian at a tipping point whereby continued Chalinolobus gouldii. painted lady, Vanessa kershawi, and urban growth is likely to result in a loss several different types of native of biodiversity if ecology is not explicitly bees such as the blue banded bee and carefully considered in planning, Amegilla asserta, leafcutter bees policy and management. Megachile sp., reed bees Exoneura sp., and many species of ground nesting Many plants and animals call Melbourne solitary bees such as Lasioglossum home. Within the municipality there are (Chilalictus) brunnesetum. many biodiversity ‘hotspots’, shown on the map over the page.

Unleashing the Potential of Nature Discussion Paper 7 Biodiversity present within wetland communities along the rivers ecosystems are being placed under Melbourne is shaped by many and creeks, at Long Island in the Royal increasing pressure. This is evident in significant features: Botanic Gardens and at Westgate Park the west of the city where temperate in Fisherman’s Bend. native grassland communities are • The city’s green open spaces Princes nearing total destruction. DespitePark these and our healthy urban forest: significant threats to biodiversity, we Significant natural features Royal Park To protect our urban biodiversity it is of the city are vulnerable. have the opportunity to adopt many necessary to protect and enhance both new approaches that can promote large and small open spaces and Nature in the city is undergoing biodiversity within the city. We explore corridors. Increasing habitat provision rapid change. As the city expands at these approaches over the next chapters. in neighbourhoods, business districts its fringes, many rare and depleted and new open spaces is an equally important task (Hosteler, Allen & J.J. Holland Meurck, 2011). A critical feature supporting Park biodiversity in our open spaces is the presence of the urban forest, especially Princes Carlton sections containing large old trees and Park Gardens

dense understorey. As trees age, they Royal Park develop cavities and dead wood, which form vital habitat for hundreds of species Flagsta of animals in the city. Some of our parks Maribyrnong Moonee Gardens Fitzroy Ponds Creek Gardens such as Royal Park and River J.J. Holland contain many large old trees which Park support significant populations of animals in the city, including microbats, owls, and many bird species. In order to support this across the entire region we need to consider opportunities to Flagsta Maribyrnong Moonee Gardens Fitzroy River Ponds Creek Gardens Kings enable diverse ecological communities Domain including grasslands, woodlands, saltmarsh, swampland, wetlands and Yarra Park our diverse urban forest. Yarra River Royal Botanic • Waterways running through the city: Westgate Kings Gardens Major waterways include the Yarra Park Domain River and Moonee Ponds Creek,

both running directly through the Royal Botanic Westgate Gardens municipality, and the Maribyrnong River Park

running along the western municipal Fawkner boundary. These waterways help to Park shape the biodiversity present in our Fawkner city. Other important water bodies Park include the wetlands in Westgate Park, Royal Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens. These support a diversity of frog and bird species, as do some smaller ponds located in Carlton Open Space EVC Remnant Vegetation Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens, Queen Open Space EVC Remnant Vegetation Victoria Gardens, and Waterways Biodiversity Hot Spots Waterways Biodiversity Hot Spots the University of Melbourne.

• Remnant vegetation communities: Figure 1. The landscape within the City of Melbourne consists of many different Remnant vegetation in the city is a features, including parks, waterbodies and remnant vegetation described as unique and significant component of Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs) and protected under State and Federal our local biodiversity. Such vegetation legislation (ARCUE, 2012) includes grassy woodland communities at Brens Drive and Royal Park West in Parkville; saltmarsh communities around Webb Dock; riparian and

8 participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/nature Chapter 2: how does our city contribute to the Australian Landscape?

Royal Park - an ecological hot spot and the lungs of Melbourne. Cities play an important role in the Using this principle, native plantings conservation of local and regional species, and a variety of vegetation forms have Successful examples providing a platform for urban inhabitants been designed into the new parkland, to understand natural processes that such as grassland, areas of canopy, and of planning natural affect the urban environment. Investing areas of lower flowering native shrubs, in the restoration of regional ecosystems to attract native fauna. Other design landscapes into will strengthen our ability to adapt to principles described building a place that urban areas climate change, and journey to transition provides passive and active recreational to a more sustainable and healthy city opportunities for all members of the Portland, USA (URBES, 2014). community. Consultation with the The Metropolitan Greenspaces Master Wurundjeri Elders was also undertaken Plan adopted by Metro Council in City of Melbourne to strengthen the connection of the 1992 describes a system for regional landscape to its indigenous heritage. parks, natural areas, greenways and has maintained and From this consultation the seven seasons trails for fish, wildlife and people. The restored regional of Melbourne, as referenced in Chapter 1, plan identifies 57 urban natural areas were explored as one way of enhancing and 34 trail and greenway corridors. ecosystems within the visitor experience. The seven seasons The plan is implemented by local have inspired the landscape design park providers, schools, business and its boundary and planting palette for sections of the citizen groups through a combination Royal Park is a multipurpose green parkland, and reflect indigenous stories of open space acquisition, land use landscape, which has a rich diversity of fauna, flora and astrology unique to standards, incentives and stewardship. of native and exotic vegetation. This each season. This approach reinforces They created educational programs to park maintains populations of native the native landscape character of Royal inform the community about Oregon’s eucalypts, grasses and wattles, while Park, and highlights the role of planning natural heritage, habitats and projects supporting many birds, including several and design in facilitating multi-use in order to build appreciation that will native species rarely seen within highly spaces that have an array of benefits. lead to citizen actions that supports urbanised landscapes of . A These benefits not only extend to the biodiversity conservation. The significant population of White’s skink community, but also to native fauna and regional authority provided technical Egernia whitii can be found near the enhance urban ecosystem services. and financial support for restoration wetland area. The park provides a variety projects garnering a higher level of of settings which encourage participation public interest. Examples include in recreation. Retaining natural features stormwater management projects amongst a space designed for multiple that mimic natural hydrology, purposes can improve the wellbeing of landscaping with native plants, Melburnians, by providing the space for restoring habitat during redevelopment, spiritual enrichment, exposure to nature, education and outreach and other a sense of place, physical recreation, conservation actions. social interaction and mental restoration. Further to this, Royal Park, being the City of Melbourne’s largest open space acts as the lungs of the city, providing Discussion points a regional oasis from the surrounding development. Our open spaces need • How can the City of Melbourne to be considered vital assets of natural improve connectivity with the capital, as ecological stepping stones of native Australian landscape? regional significance. • How could the city expand The City of Melbourne and Department of representation of the seven Health have collaborated on the Return seasons of the Kulin Nation? to Royal Park project, to reinstate parkland on the site of the old Royal Children’s Hospital. Through extensive community consultation, a vision, design principles and a design brief for the parkland were developed. One principle was to create a native park which complements the existing vegetation and landscape character of Royal Park.

10 participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/nature Chapter 3: Why should we care about urban ecosystems?

Fitzroy Gardens Australasian Darter, Anhinga novaehollandiae suns his wings under Docklands Link where plastic pollution remains an issue Nature in cities is a fundamental driver of human health and wellbeing. Biodiversity directly provides ecosystem services such as pollution and water filtration, shade and nutrient cycling. Our urban forest is comprised of 77,000 trees, which remove significant amounts of pollution to clean the air that we WELLBEINGeNVIRONMENT breathe each day. This ecosystem service is critical for ameliorating the impact of vehicle and transport emissions in EQUILIBRIUM the city and supporting the health and wellbeing of those who inhabit and RESILIENCE traverse our city. As our city has developed, we have witnessed the gradual erosion of nature COM CHARACTER and decline of ecosystem services. This means that protecting, maintaining and CONSERVATION restoring nature in Melbourne is of critical importance to the health and wellbeing of the city’s residents, workers and visitors. We must consider how we build and ECOSYSTEM shape our city into the future so that we create a healthy and liveable urban form whilst we contend with the challenges of climate change, rapid population growth SERVICES ECONOMICS and land use change.

More than half of the planet’s population now lives in cities, up 30 percent from 50 years ago. By 2050, 5 billion people AESTHETICS DIVERSE CITY DIVERSE AWARENESS are expected to live in urban areas, or 60 percent of the projected global population of 8.3 billion. Over the next 25 Figure 2. Keywords linked to the importance of biodiversity to society, as a result of years, rural populations are expected to a survey of 158 people in the City of Melbourne. The size of the words is proportional decline, meaning that almost all population to the amount of times the words were found within answers. growth will occur in urban areas (United Nations Population Fund, 2007). The quality of city environments – both their oceans. The United Nations Environment increasing recycling, and moving citizens to built and natural components – will Programme estimated in 2006 that every more sustainable forms of consumption. determine the quality of life for an square mile of ocean contains 46,000 estimated total of five billion existing pieces of floating plastic. These plastics In the coming decades there will be and new urban dwellers by 2050. require about 500 years to decompose many changes to the local environment Expected Melbourne’s community is expected in the ocean. More than 200 species, due to climate change. changes include an increase in storm and to increase by 50,000 residents and including over a million seabirds and flood events and conversely increased 120,000 workers over the next 15 more than 100,000 marine mammals, dry periods and extreme heat (City of years, along with the associated urban die from this plastic annually. Cities’ Melbourne, 2009). These challenges will development required to accommodate contribution of plastic impacts immensely have significant implications for which these increases. Creating healthy, on the environment and is crucial to be species can occur within the municipality. habitable, urban living spaces for so recognised in urban ecology protection We need innovative solutions to meet many more people will be one of the and management. the challenges of creating an urban defining challenges of our time. A city’s ecological footprint contributes landscape that retains natural elements Cities consume tremendous amounts of significantly to biodiversity loss, both under the pressure of a growing urban resources and thus generate large amounts locally and at the global level. However, population and an uncertain, complex of waste and emissions. Plastic is a cities cannot be viewed as problematic climate. These solutions must integrate particular problem. UNESCO estimates merely because they form a large local, national and international that more than 220 million tonnes of consumer base. They also hold the key knowledge on biodiversity and the plastics are produced globally each year, to changing production and resource social and cultural components of a large portion of which ends up in our use – by decreasing waste production, urban ecosystems.

Unleashing the Potential of Nature Discussion Paper 13 ecosystem Benefits Environment Benefits Human Benefits Ecological Benefits Economic Benefits

Air Improved health, Cultural & Improved health Improved Increased Energy pollution wellbeing spiritual of ecosystems species land value savings removal and mental value balance & state diversity

Seed Carbon Play & dispersal storage learning

Insect control Pollination Increased Less financial Urban cooling burden on health Shade & productivity Relaxation & emergency Comfort & creativity services

Water filtration Nutrient cycling & moderation

These illustrations show the potential range of benefits and services that nature can provide to humans and other species in our city.

City of Melbourne users believe found in the City of Melbourne continues biodiversity is very important. to be important to the people that live in Successful examples Over 50 percent of people recently and visit the city. These landscapes are surveyed reported that they believe a reflection of the indigenous, European of community biodiversity is ‘very important’ for the colonial and immigrant history of the participation City of Melbourne, and over 70 percent City of Melbourne. Iconic streetscapes in of people reported that they believe it is St. Kilda Rd and Royal Parade showcase Edmonton, Canada the responsibility of local government to our colonial European history, while The City protects and enhances a manage biodiversity in the city (Analysis native landscapes in Royal Park and system of conservation areas within an of City of Melbourne Biodiversity the landscape features of the larger interconnected ecological network, to intercept survey). Furthermore, some rivers and creeks provide a continuous promote many ecosystem services for city users suggested that both public connection to our natural heritage. residents. The City restores degraded or and private realms are very important to damaged ecological systems and linkages the maintenance of biodiversity in the How can we help shape what nature to protect, expand and enhance city, including natural areas, public parks, occurs in Melbourne in the future? Focussing on developing an urban form biodiversity. In collaboration with the residential gardens, streets and rooftops. that is sensitive to nature is critical. If we Province, Capital Region Board and Hence, the City of Melbourne is uniquely reverse the way we currently trade off adjacent municipalities, the City placed to show leadership in this area. nature as we develop the city and move developed a comprehensive plan for City of Melbourne has a responsibility towards nature sensitive urban planning wetland conservation and integration to take the lead in the management and design we can begin to maximise and into the urban environment. The City of urban ecosystems. This is not only harness the power of nature in our city to has focussed on protecting their urban because of the large ecological impact respond to these challenges and create a wetland network, as it is recognised the the city has on the surrounding natural more liveable city fabric. network provides important regulating, environment, but also because of the supporting and cultural ecosystem potential the city has for generating services. The City views protecting the innovative solutions for the challenges urban wetland network into new and urban landscapes face. As the capital Discussion point existing developments as a key asset of Edmonton’s ecological network. The City city of Victoria, City of Melbourne is • How can the built environment established conservation easements for uniquely positioned to demonstrate contribute to the natural environment? how responsible stewardship of urban privately owned wetlands and requires biodiversity and urban ecosystems can • What kind of urban nature initiatives compensation for the alteration or be achieved within a highly urbanised could we undertake in Melbourne? destruction of wetlands within the environment; and that these actions also City limits. Wetland conservation is contribute to the health and wellbeing of integrated into neighbourhood, zoning Melburnians. The diversity of landscapes and subdivision administrative units, (i.e. parks, remnant woodlands, residential recognising the role of urban areas for developments and commercial areas) conserving regional wetlands.

14 melbourne.vic.gov.au/participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/natureXXXXXX Chapter 4: How can we better value and manage nature?

Sunflowers on the border of the meadow at Birrarung Marr Placing a dollar value on ecosystem services can aid in developing a Successful examples million, recreation services were sustainable future, because ecosystem valued at US$58-70 million, and water services generally provide a cost-effective of valuing ecosystem purification and waste treatment solution to many environmental services reached US$9.9 million. problems. It is a global issue that we services Natural hazard regulation was valued predominantly treat our ecosystem at US$8.6 million, which was an services as if they were free and limitless. Montreal, Canada estimate for the cost of damages The City of Montreal was able to By identifying the benefits that nature avoided by having more green areas. determine that there is an increase provides, and by understanding the value between 5–20 percent in the value of these benefits, planners, educators and of property when is located less than managers can move towards creating a 30 meters from a park, increasing resilient city (TEEB, 2011). To begin this income taxes for the council and Discussion points process it is necessary to establish which increasing house sales. • What values should underpin services are central to society and the our approaches to planning for economy at the local and/or regional urban nature? scale, and which stakeholders are the Mayesbrook Park, London A partnership between private and most dependent on those services. It • How can we get greater recognition public organisations transformed a is also necessary to understand which for our urban nature values? services are at most risk, and how present 45 ha park in urbanized London into municipal policies can affect them. a green infrastructure showcase. Assigning an economic value to services The site is used to demonstrate how can aid in raising awareness, accounting a public green space can help the for municipal assets, setting priorities for community face the risks of climate neighbourhood improvements, and for change through solutions for flooding valuing offsets in development projects. and heat events while providing economic benefits. The new flooding A loss of ecosystem services in urban area and new planted shrubs and areas can incur large economic costs. trees provide storage for floodwater For example the loss of urban vegetation and shading and enhanced habitat for leads to an increase in energy costs for wildlife. The rate of economic benefit cooling in summer, while a loss in water vs. cost was estimated to reach 7:1, regulation leads to increased flooding where the economic benefits were with consequences for urban infrastructure. approximately £880,000. Cultural Loss of ecosystem services can also affect services (such as wellbeing) were the health of urban inhabitants, where evaluated to return an annual value loss of trees could affect air purification, of £820,000, demonstrating how noise reduction and climate regulation restoration of vegetation can provide with consequences for pulmonary economically robust climate change and cardiac diseases. For example, in adaptation options and enhance the Barcelona, Spain, the avoided costs of air wellbeing of urban inhabitants. purification by trees were estimated to be worth €1.1 million, while energy savings Cape Town, South Africa from trees in Sacramento, USA, were The Environmental Management estimated in US$18.5 million annually Department from Cape Town’s Council (Gómez-Baggethun & Barton, 2013). developed the business case for City of Melbourne has been investigating increased investment in and protection ways to value nature in the urban ecosystem. of the 9,000 indigenous flowering We have undertaken a process to species and many endangered or investigate the environmental benefit critically endangered species. They of its street trees, where inner-city valued ecosystem services by street trees were calculated to be highlighting their role in tourism, worth millions (Fairman et. al., 2010). waste water treatment and protection This value was calculated taking into of natural hazards, where the process account the benefits of street trees in involved different municipal terms of rainfall interception, carbon departments. Nature related tourism sequestration, energy savings and air in the city was valued at US$137 quality improvements.

16 participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/nature Chapter 5: How can we undertake nature sensitive urban design and planning?

Princes Bridge, Alexandra Gardens A living container initiative. One way to increase the biodiversity is to mimic nature on a small-scale, for example, by creating patches of habitat Discussion points in under-utilised spaces, even temporarily. • How can we enhance biodiversity In 2013 the City of Melbourne installed a and ecosystem function in a rapidly 3000m2 flowering meadow at Birrarung growing city through urban design Marr. This small-scale initiative created and planning? insect habitat in a space not traditionally • What urban nature approaches and viewed as appropriate for nature. The innovations from other cities would meadow also created a new experience work well in Melbourne? of nature in the city, and its location on Batman Avenue allowed it to be viewed by a vast number of people travelling to and from the city. Other locations in the city that have implemented green technologies with the potential to provide habitat, ecosystem services and contact with nature include green roofs, walls and facades, permeable paving, bio-filters, a living container display in City Square and a new temporary park in Yarra’s Edge. New urban habitat can be created in many ways via the implementation of green infrastructure (ARCUE, 2012). Manufactured spaces such as green walls, green roofs, and the green infrastructure associated with Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) all provide habitat for wildlife, and provide many ecosystem services. Some of these established urban habitats are increasingly being recognised for their role in supporting the biodiversity of urban areas, such as private residential gardens, planter boxes, and nature strips – (see Box 1 over page). Other small-scale initiatives that can make biodiversity more visible in the city include urban agriculture, art installations, pop-up displays and the design of habitat into buildings. As Melbourne plans for urban renewal in sections of the city, an opportunity exists to implement mandatory features such as water capture and storage solutions as new buildings are developed, that also contain designed habitat features such as emergent vegetation, open ponds, nest boxes or flowering plants that can provide resources for local wildlife (see new urban habitats on page 20).

Unleashing the Potential of Nature Discussion Paper 19 NEW URBAN HABITATS Green roofs Green facades

L-R: CH2 Building, Melbourne: succulents in light-weight strata and The Carlton Club, Melbourne Bloomfield Hotel, South Yarra Green walls Planter boxes

L-R: Illura Apartments, West Melbourne and St Kilda Road Barracks Pop-up patch in , Melbourne Pop-up parks Community gardens Floating habitat

Ballarat Street pop-up park in Yarraville 2014 Docklands Community Garden Floating vegetation bed in canal River restoration Biodiversity-friendly sculpture Storm water harvesting

Yarra river restoration Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Planting above an underground storm water harvesting scheme in East Melbourne Sound barriers Structurally-complex roadside vegetation

Kennedia nigricans climbers Citylink Tulla L-R: Amsterdam, and Morrah Street Parkville Source: VicRoads

20 melbourne.vic.gov.au/participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/natureXXXXXX Chapter 6: Should we increase nature in the private realm?

Triptych Apartments, Southbank There are many ways municipalities can City of Melbourne has several resources assist the community and businesses to that are available to facilitate wildlife Portland, USA improve nature within the private realm. friendly gardening practices and greening Portland has developed incentive Pathways include providing incentives initiatives in the private realm, such as programs such as the Ecoroof and regulation, but also the provision the Sustainable Gardening booklet, the Incentive and Clean River Rewards of training resources and educational Greening Melbourne’s Laneways initiative program. The first program has materials. A key recommendation for and the Growing Green Guide. been successful in assisting in the increasing the uptake of green infrastructure establishment of 17 ha of ecoroofs in the private realm includes developing which are lightweight and low showcase sites, development of easy to Successful strategies maintenance, offering the property use guidelines and policies that allow owners reimbursements of US$5 per for skills development of the industry, for involving square foot of eco-roof for retrofitting development of incentive schemes and the private realm properties larger than 11m2, also clearly expressing the aspirations, goals making the process simple and easily and targets for any greening programs in enhancing accessible. The second program offers (GHD, 2013). a discount in stormwater utility fees to urban nature private-property owners who manage Incentive programs provide one way to stormwater on site. increase green infrastructure on private Faenza, Italy property, and therefore contribute to The municipality implemented a the development of a sustainable and bio-neighbourhood incentive program resilient city. Incentive programs can for developers, included in their include financial and non-financial Planning Regulations. This program Discussion point incentives, and target specific locations achieves energy savings, promotes • How can the private realm or issues including combined sewer aesthetics and creates better contribute to urban nature? overflows, increasing groundwater microclimate conditions in preparation recharge, improving CBD walkability for increased temperatures due to • How can the City of Melbourne and access to green spaces. Different climate change. If developers create involve the private realm in types of incentives can be used to buildings with green roofs, walls and supporting urban nature? offset the cost of implementation, but water retention systems, in addition to also to encourage behaviour change. contributing to public green spaces, Incentives programs may include grant then they are allowed to extend the or reimbursement programs, penalties external surface area of their buildings for failure to comply, lower permit or in excess of approved standards. development fees for the implementation The agreement between developers of targets, or a qualification for more and the city authorities allows for intense development if certain conditions the timely processing of permits, are met. providing an incentive to engage in this type of scheme. Grant and award programs may be open to the private realm and community groups to fund improved green Basel, Switzerland infrastructure practices and recognise Basel has the highest area of green low-impact development. Examples roof per capita in the world. They include grants to fund installation of achieve this by a combination of green infrastructure in commercial, financial incentives and building industrial or residential properties located regulations. Building regulations have in areas of interest. Features that may required the use of green roofs since attract funding or reimbursement may 2002, which were initially driven by include permeable paving, stormwater energy-saving programs and afterwards capture or harvesting, or green roofs, by biodiversity conservation. The walls and facades. Rebates could be focus on green roofs was promoted proportional to the benefit of the by the University community, who installation, for example the amount worked to influence decision-makers of stormwater run-off captured. to amend building regulations and Furthermore, if successful projects offer financial incentives to increase receive awards or recognition, the green roof coverage. awareness of green infrastructure solutions may be increased throughout the public and private realms.

22 melbourne.vic.gov.au/participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/natureXXXXXX Chapter 7: What syMbolises nature for melburnians?

Kookaburra, Dacelo novaeguineae Source: Museum Victoria Rounded leaf noon flower (Disphyma crassifoliuis ssp. Clavellatum) Importance of Biodiversity Importance placed on biodiversity in the city by city users

100

80

60 50.4

40 31.2

20 10.7 .8 4.7 2.2 0 Not at all A little Moderately Important Very Don’t important important important important know

Figure 3: Percentage of responses to the importance of biodiversity in the City of Melbourne, from city user’s survey, 2014.

Urban biodiversity is not just about plants In early 2014, we conducted two surveys people in this demographic had heard of and animals. Biodiversity has different of residents, workers and visitors to the term. When asked what biodiversity values to different people, and can have better understand what biodiversity people see around the city, most people many important social functions. In cities, means to people, what biodiversity recognized different creatures living biodiversity can help to connect people people experience in the city and how around the city. Plants were the most with nature and natural processes. A important it is perceived to be. The commonly recognized component of diversity of organisms provides different first survey included 158 people, who biodiversity, followed by birds, while pathways for people to connect with were surveyed in nine locations that reptiles, amphibians and insects were the nature. Native biodiversity can contribute encompassed public parks, transport least commonly observed component to the distinct identity of a city or hubs, community centres and at public of biodiversity. In a larger survey of over neighbourhood, helping create a sense events focussing on the environment. 600 city users, more than 50 percent of place that differs from other cities Seventy-nine percent of the people of people agree that biodiversity in the (ARCUE, 2012). Introduced biodiversity surveyed, had heard the term biodiversity City of Melbourne is ‘very important’ can help people from different cultural before, with little difference in response (see Figure 3 above), even though backgrounds adjust to living in a new between males and females. People these people experience biodiversity in place by seeing familiar plants and under 25 years old were the least familiar different ways. animals. Both native and introduced with the term biodiversity, and people biodiversity connect people to their over 45, particularly in the 65 years and ancestors and the natural and cultural older bracket, were the most familiar . with the term, where over 80 percent of

Unleashing the Potential of Nature Discussion Paper 25 Many cities have a single species as an emblem, to assist in making all of the Emblems of urban components of biodiversity more visible Discussion points to the wider community. However, there biodiversity and • What species are characteristic are many other ways we can represent of Melbourne and should we have and promote biodiversity, including ecosystem services an emblem species? the use of multi-species icons, creating • Could the City of Melbourne biodiversity focussed events such as Return of the Sacred promote stories from indigenous nature festivals and bio-blitzes, installing Kingfisher Festival, CERES Each year, CERES (Centre for culture that represent nature eco-art and supporting an iconic site. Education and Research in in Melbourne? For example, a suggested floral emblem Environmental Strategies) holds for the City of Melbourne includes the an annual community celebration rounded leaf noon flower (Disphyma welcoming the Sacred Kingfisher back crassifoliuis ssp. Clavellatum), for its to its original habitat, along the banks historic significance to the region, shown of the Merri Creek in Brunswick. The on page 24. Similar fauna emblems Sacred Kingfisher bird has become a may also be used to represent iconic symbol of hope, connecting people or regionally important fauna species and place. It is a community ritual and occurring in the City, such as White’s a working process with the Wurundjeri skink (Egernia whitii) of Royal Park, people, various cultural communities which is the emblem of the Friends of and performers of all ages and abilities. Royal Park group. As long as the Kingfisher returns each year in Spring, it is a sign the local environment is being cared for.

Giant Panda icon, World Wildlife Fund The giant panda is perhaps the most powerful symbol in the world when it comes to species conservation. In China, it is a national treasure, and for WWF the panda has a special significance. It has been the organisation’s symbol since 1961 when WWF was formed.

26 participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/nature White’s skink, Egernia whitii Source: Museum Victoria Chapter 8: HOW CAN ECOLOGY HELP US RESPOND TO CLIMATE CHANGE?

Princes Park The predicted impacts of climate change design features can contribute to include rising temperatures, heat stress, climate change adaptation, and should Successful strategies water security, sea level rise, flooding, also be considered for reducing run-off food security, biodiversity loss and ocean and storing water. Any green infrastructure to respond to acidification. As our city continues to initiatives should also consider the develop, there will be increasing areas of harvesting of rain and stormwater, climate variability impervious surface which will increase recycling of grey water, and the storage the urban heat island effect. Options of floodwater for efficient irrigation. New Orleans, USA Following hurricane Katrina the city for adaptation include shaping urban Green infrastructure is dependent on soil decided to use structural and development and infrastructure towards health, so initiatives must consider soil non-structural solutions to increase more sustainable solutions and low biology, soil fertility and soil structure. resilience of the city to sea level rise, carbon pathways (Van Staden, 2014). hurricanes and river flooding. One of Ecosystem driven climate adaptation How City of Melbourne the main solutions was the restoration such as increasing green infrastructure is responding to of wetlands to act as buffer zones, can be complex and require time for with detailed actions included in the implementation but can provide multiple climate change city master plan, involving restoration benefits such as shade, evaporative Temperature differences of up to 7˚C of the natural delta, constructing cooling, rainwater interception and have been recorded between the urban marshes from dredged material, and infiltration whilst increasing human health centre and Melbourne’s surrounding rural wetland conservation. Structural and wellbeing. Increasing green cover landscape, with the dome of the heat solutions included flood defences such can help to reduce rainfall runoff by island centred on the City of Melbourne’s as levees and flood gates. In addition increasing interception. An increase in municipality (ARCUE, 2012). By 2070, to adapting to climate change, the green cover of 10 percent can reduce the the average temperature is predicted to New Orleans strategy also aids impact of a rain event by close to 28mm. increase by 3.4˚C due to global climate biodiversity conservation. The incorporation of green roofs can change based on business-as-usual reduce rainfall runoff in areas with high scenarios (City of Melbourne, 2009). Stuttgart, Germany building cover up to 18mm per rain event. Managing these urban stressors will Stuttgart had increased urban heat island issues and poor air quality, and Urban temperatures are reduced in enable a broader range of species to actions were taken to mitigate both of areas with higher green cover, whereas persist within the City of Melbourne. these threats. Urban planners exploited low levels of vegetation in city centres The urban forest and open space play an the role of natural wind patterns and can increase temperatures between important role in mitigating the impacts dense vegetation for the purpose of 3 to 7°C. For the City of Melbourne, of these urban stressors, as outlined in the reducing overheating and improving increasing vegetation in open spaces, City of Melbourne’s Urban Forest Strategy air pollution. A Climate Atlas was encouraging greening in private property and Open Space Strategy. There are also developed for the Stuttgart region, and street planting will help to maintain opportunities to consider how these urban mapping the distribution of temperature and reduce urban temperatures (Gill et. stressors may be influencing biodiversity, and cold air flows according to the al., 2007). It is expected that through a key consideration for the strategic city’s topography and land use. Based the implementation of the Urban Forest framework that will be developed. on this information, a number of Strategy, doubling the canopy cover Some of the risks that Melbourne is planning and zoning regulations were will decrease municipal summertime subjected to under climate change recommended which aim to preserve temperatures by 4°C. include reduced rainfall and more frequent open space and increase the presence Carefully planned green infrastructure can periods of drought, extreme heatwaves of vegetation in densely built-up help alleviate impacts of climate change and bushfires, intense rainfall events, areas. The planning recommendations to the most vulnerable sectors of society. wind storms and sea level rise. The City of build on the legislative framework Priority areas to increase green cover (via Melbourne’s Climate Change Adaptation of the German Building Code and creating open space and tree plantings) Strategy explores the impacts of climate other national, regional and locally should be made with consideration to change on transport, communications, developed regulations. where the most vulnerable populations water supply, emergency services, built live, including children, the elderly and environment and social systems. We have socio-economically disadvantaged people. also developed greenhouse action plans; Planting choices should also consider created guides to sustainable gardening; Discussion points the tolerance of species to a range of local food production; how to build green • How can ecology help us respond extreme drought periods, how the plants roofs, walls and facades; funded urban to and create resilience to may improve site conditions, how the forest projects to improve water efficiency climate change? species may age, and the total diversity in parks and gardens; trialled cool roof of species used in an area. Sites with a techniques; encouraged projects using • What climate impacts do we need greater diversity of plant species will have water sensitive urban design; and to consider for the city’s biodiversity increased resilience in the face of climate assessed the economic impact of the and ecosystems? change. Many water sensitive urban urban heat island effect.

Unleashing the Potential of Nature Discussion Paper 29 Chapter 9: HOW CAN MELBOURNE DEMONSTRATE LEADERSHIP?

Source: Jodi Jackson Cities are hubs of information and innovation – Melbourne is no different. Examples of the management of public land; and, The City of Melbourne could show improvements in the stewardship both local and international leadership governments of biodiversity on private land. The in urban ecology and biodiversity by municipal Biodiversity Plan is aligned providing best practice and innovative leading the way in with national legislation and policy, new examples of good governance and biodiversity, urban such that biodiversity is considered management of the public realm. Our city at the municipal level when proposals is part of a global ecosystem and we are ecosystems and for new development areas are made. in a unique position to show leadership the planning for The City created a spatial BioNet plan to become an ecologically resilient city. that defines three different areas: ecosystem services existing conservation areas; areas that Leadership becomes important when we are critical for biodiversity; and areas consider the range of global biodiversity New York critical to support ecological function. and ecosystems that are under threat. The New York Smart Growth Program These areas have targets that were Just as the ecological footprint of a city follows sensible, planned growth that established by researchers based can have a negative impact far beyond integrates economic development on the conservation of vegetation municipal boundaries, city actions can and job creation with quality of life types, species or populations also have a far-reaching positive impact by preserving the built and natural (Holmes et. al., 2012). and influence. environment, seeking to discourage Cities can raise biodiversity issues and development in open space and share lessons through networks such as encourage growth in developed areas those established under UNESCO’s Man with existing infrastructure. This Discussion points and the Biosphere Programme (MAB), combination of community planning, • What do we need to do to advance which focuses on the sustainable use land use regulations, government our approach to urban ecology? and conservation of biological diversity, incentives and individual actions have and the improvement of the relationship turned investment towards improving • What aspects of global biodiversity between people and their environment the city environment and the quality and ecosystems under threat should or networks of megacities like C40 Cities of life for residents. Environmental we be most concerned about for which aims to harness city innovation to benefits include reduced energy our city? reduce greenhouse gas emissions. and vehicle use; green development; improved water quality due to As the global population becomes retaining large areas for absorbing increasingly urbanised, we risk and filtering water naturally; improved disconnection from nature unless habitat and ecosystem function due we start to fundamentally rethink the to building compactly; and improving role and importance of nature within residents connection to nature by the urban fabric. Now is the time to creating spaces in neighbourhoods consider how strong leadership for that allow nature based recreation. this city could enable us to unleash the potential of nature, and continue Cape Town, South Africa to maintain a liveable city in a climate Cape Town is an urban hotspot within challenged future. the Cape Floristic Region with 19 national terrestrial vegetation types, wetlands and coastal ecosystems and 190 endemic plants species. Cape Town is also challenged by high rates of population growth increasing by 55,000 people per year, which significantly increases the risk of biodiversity loss. To deal with this risk, the City established a systematic biodiversity plan that involved: extensive communication, education and public awareness; negotiation of

Unleashing the Potential of Nature Discussion Paper 31 Selected resources

Video Links www.unep.org United Nations Environment Programme Melbourne’s Urban Forest: (UNEP) is the principal environment http://www.youtube.com/ organization of the United Nations watch?v=BplUmxFCE8A system. It supports governments and Melbourne’s Stormwater Harvesting: their partners to develop and implement http://www.youtube.com/ environment policies and activities. watch?v=XV4lpOV3faw www.nature.org Stockholm Resilience Centre The Nature Conservancy works to on Biodiversity: preserve the plants, animals and natural http://www.stockholmresilience.org/21/ communities that represent the diversity research/research-news/10-4-2013- of life on Earth. rich-biodiversity-can-exist-in-and- around-cities.html Books Guerrilla Gardening http://cbobook.org/?r=1&width=1366 http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=EzZzZ_qpZ4w Miracle on Elmer Avenue: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=bwcK8IWawY0 Put a value on Nature: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A- QpKiU-NHo New York’s Streets: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=LujWrkYsl64 Better block: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=ntwqVDzdqAU LA’s ecosystems: http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=uGzbDmgQHTo Milan: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=zy2hn8PizwI Cities need bees: http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=DwGoZA8ZpHo

Websites http://www.thenatureofcities.com/ A regularly updated blog authored by a collective of leading international academics and thinkers on urban nature. www.MAweb.org The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) is a United Nations initiative that provides decision makers and the public with scientific information concerning the consequences of ecosystem change and options for responding to those changes.

32 participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/nature REFERENCES

ARCUE - Australian Research Centre for Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA) Urban Ecology 2012, Urban Biodiversity 2005, ‘Ecosystems and human wellbeing: and Ecology Report a framework for assessment.’ Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Series. Island ARCUE - Australian Research Centre Press, Washington DC for Urban Ecology 2004, A Review of Biodiversity in the City of Melbourne. National Biodiversity Strategy Review Task Group 2009, ‘Australia’s Biodiversity City of Melbourne 2009, ‘City of Conservation Strategy 2010–2020.’ Melbourne Climate Change Adaptation Report, Australian Government, Strategy.’ Published online: melbourne. Department of the Environment, Water, vic.gov.au/climate_change_adaptation_ Heritage and the Arts, Canberra, ACT strategy.PDF http://www.environment.gov.au/system/ Fairman T A, Livesley S J, Summers J, files/pages/50e1085f-1ef9-4b25-8275- Shears I, & Pohls O 2010, ‘Using stratum 08808133c346/files/biodiversity- to estimate the benefits of street trees conservation-strategy2010-2020.pdf in Melbourne, Victoria.’ Master’s Thesis, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, UN-Habitat 2011, ‘Cities and Climate Australia. change. Global Report of Human Settlements.’ United Nations Population GHD 2013, ‘Green Infrastructure and Fund, 2007 the Private realm: International Review report.’ http://unhabitat.org/publications-listing/ cities-and-climate-change-global-report- Gill S E, Handley J F, Ennos A R, on-human-settlements-2011/ Pauleit S 2007, ‘Adapting cities for climate change: the role of green URBES 2014, ‘Urban biodiversity and infrastructure.’ Built Environment ecosystem services. Factsheet 1.’ 33(1), 115-133 www.urbesproject.org Gómez-Baggethun, E & Barton D N TEEB - The Economics of Ecosystem 2013, ‘Classifying and valuing ecosystem Biodiversity 2011. TEEB Manual services for urban planning. Ecological for Cities: Ecosystem Services in Economics 86: 235-245 urban management. www.teebweb.org Holmes P M, Rebelo A G, Dorse C, Van Staden R 2014, ‘Climate change: Wood J 2012, ‘Can Cape Town’s unique implications for cities. Key findings biodiversity be saved? Balancing from the Intergovernmental Panel on conservation imperatives and Climate Change Fifth Assessment report.’ development needs.’ Ecology and University of Cambridge, ICLEI Society 17(2), 28 Hosteler M, Allen W, Meurk C 2011, ‘Conserving urban biodiversity? Creating green infrastructure is only the first step.’ Landscape and Urban Planning 100, 369-371 2011, ‘Metropolitan Melbourne Investigation: Final Report.’ Victorian Environmental Assessment Council http://www.veac.vic.gov.au/investigation/ metropolitan-melbourne-investigation Millar, S, McMenamin, B & Adato, A 2014, ‘Green infrastructure Incentive for residential property in the City of Melbourne.’ School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT

Unleashing the Potential of Nature Discussion Paper 33 melbourne.vic.gov.au participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/nature