Nature-based solutions for urban biodiversity: Spatial targeting of retrofits can multiply ecological connectivity benefits

Abstract

Protecting and enhancing biodiversity in urban areas is critical for meeting international conservation commitments, and has a vital role to play in the health and wellbeing of city residents. Yet, urbanisation can have devastating impacts on biodiversity, with urban development typically delivering landscapes in which habitat remains only as small, fragmented patches, surrounded by an inhospitable urban matrix. As cities begin to plan for urban biodiversity alongside other land use considerations, planners can leverage ecological knowledge and conservation planning concepts to aid decision making to deliver benefits for nature and people. Here we demonstrate how targeted green infrastructur..