Australia’s urban biodiversity: how is adaptive governance influencing land-use policy?

Abstract

Green space in cities is valuable in improving the quality of life of urban residents. This occurs through the provision of ecosystem services within areas of open space. Biodiversity plays an important role in enhancing the resilience of urban ecosystems, ensuring the continued supply of ecosystem services. Urban changes in Australia are expected to result in significant changes in urban biodiversity. Climate change is one factor considered likely to exacerbate many existing urban threats to biodiversity. Where cities are located in areas of high conservation significance, such as Melbourne’s temperate grassland communities, these rare and threatened habitats are particularly vulnerable. Bi..