Just leave the weeds alone! A best showcase of “Rewilding” in urban environment governance

 

“再野化”（rewilding）is an ecological concept and approach to nature conservation aimed at restoring and re-establishing the ecological functioning of natural ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity, ecological resilience and ecosystem services, while mitigating the impacts of human activities on the natural environment.

 

“Just leave the weeds alone!” This has turned out to be a perfect practice for “rewilding” in the urban cities. In order to maintain cleanliness and order, urban gardens and public green spaces are often cleared of weeds through frequent mowing and spraying. However, the concept of "rewilding" encourages us to revisit this practice and allow weeds to grow naturally where appropriate.

 

Weeds are an ecological community in nature and they have a unique ecological function in urban environments. Weeds provide food and habitats, attract a variety of insects and wildlife, and contribute to the diversity of urban ecosystems. Also, the root systems of weeds help prevent erosion, increase soil water retention capacity, and reduce the risk of urban flooding.

 

Therefore, in some parts of the city, instead of removing weeds frequently, we may allow them to grow naturally. This will not only reduce the maintenance costs of gardens and green spaces, but also help restore the ecological balance in the city. In practice, we can, through rational planning and management, designate some areas as "re-wilding zones" and "butterfly gardens", so as to allow weeds to grow freely in these areas, while ensuring that other areas can still be maintained in accordance with the requirements of landscape and greening management to maintain a clean and orderly environment.

 

The practice of "re-wilding" requires a certain degree of public acceptance and understanding of weeds, as well as a change in the aesthetic mechanization and homogenization brought about by industrial civilization. The growth of weeds may appear untidy and often even haphazard. Therefore, mainstreaming biodiversity and raising public awareness of the importance of “rewilding” and the value of weeds in urban ecosystems are key to advancing this concept. Only when we recognize the value of "letting the weeds grow", and are willing to support and participate in the process will the practice of rewilding be truly successful in creating a more ecologically friendly and sustainable environment for our cities.

 

Translator: Samantha

Editor: Samantha

Contact: V10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

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