5. Bring Biodiversity to the forefront of Planning
Though efforts have been made in recent years to bring biodiversity into decision making across sectors, including the National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) 2017-2021 National Biodiversity Action Plan, latest figures highlight an ever increasing loss in native plant and animal species across the country. This tragedy is largely caused by habitat destruction, the constant poisoning of our land and waterways and prevalence of invasive species such as sika deer and sheep whose continuous grazing prevents any trees and shrubs from self-seeding and growing in natural environments - all are a result of an unsustainable, dysfunctional, but high influential agricultural industry. Though profound change is needed to reverse this alarming decline, there are significant opportunities within urban settings to improve biodiversity before approving new infrastructure projects. Stringent, measurable biodiversity quotas are one simple measure. Many cities are already embracing ambitious, transformative changes which are proving extremely popular with citizens and improving biodiversity and air quality (see links below). The development of ‘living walls’ and ‘vertical forests’ should be prioritised and new developments should include ‘green roofs’ when feasible. These innovations not only improve biodiversity but improve energy efficiency, help to regulate heat and combat urban heat island effects, absorb pollutants, provide good sound insulation. A move to 21st century thinking on infrastructure should be both incentivised and enforced by government.
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