CBCGDF-BCON: Urban parks should prioritize native plants and be "pollinator friendly" | Measures for the Management of Urban Parks (Draft for Comments)

 

Recently, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development issued a notice on the public consultation of "Measures for the Management of Urban Parks (Draft for Comments)", widely soliciting comments in order to promote the development of urban parks and improve the urban ecology and human environment. The "Biodiversity Conservation in Our Neighborhood" (BCON) Working Group of China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) has responded positively to the call, and after serious discussion, put forward 8 recommendations for reference in its scientific decision-making. The following is [Recommendation 4].


Recommendation 4: Add "pollinator-friendly" to [Article 10 (5)]; and advance the priority of "native plants".


Reasons:

1. It is important to reflect "pollinator-friendly" in the plant configuration of urban parks. Choosing to plant nectar plants that are beneficial to pollinating insects such as native Chinese bees and butterflies will help to maintain ecological balance and promote biodiversity conservation, improve the reproductive success of native plants, and increase the landscape value of urban parks. This initiative can also draw public attention to native plant species and local unique ecosystems through science education and public interest displays, which will in turn raise environmental awareness and at the same time adapt to the urban environment, making a positive contribution to the health and sustainable development of urban ecosystems.


2. "Priority of Native Plants" should be reflected as an important principle in "Plant Configuration" instead of being put behind "Characteristics". Because native plants are plants that have long been adapted to the local climate, soil and ecosystem, they are more ecologically adaptable and can better adapt to the urban environment; the conservation of native pollinating insects such as Chinese bees can increase the survival rate of plants and reduce the ecological risks that may be brought about by the introduction of exotic plants. Moreover, the use of native plants helps maintain and promote local biodiversity. These plants adapt to the local flora and fauna, provide richer food and habitat, and help protect and promote the balance of the local ecosystem. In addition, native plants are usually better for the protection of local water resources and soils because they are better adapted to local rainfall patterns and climatic conditions, which helps in soil and water conservation and reduces water wastage and soil erosion.


3. 【Case】: Bogbean (buckbean) (睡菜) is a native species of Beijing, they are widely distributed in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, they are white and beautiful, and can be used for landscaping and water features, commonly found at the edges of rivers and ponds; they can also be potted and decorated in courtyards. Bogbean (buckbean) is the only species in the Menyanthes family that may still be inhabiting Beijing. Therefore, if it disappears, it means that Beijing will lose this plant forever. However, the traditional habitat of Menyanthes in Beijing is being drastically lost. In 2018, in response to the loss of Menyanthes habitat and the threats faced by the species, the CBCGDF Secretariat, with the support of relevant experts, established the "Community Conservation Area for bogbean (buckbean)" (CCAfa) in Yanqing, Beijing, to raise awareness of the protection of native species. 

Photo Credit: Prof. Liu Huajie, CBCGDF CCAfa

(Please stay tuned for more recommendations.)


Read more:

How long can the Bogbean (buckbean) (睡菜)  survive in Beijing? | Concerned about the local biodiversity crisis

http://www.cbcgdf.org/NewsShow/4854/5780.html


(Please note that this article is based on machine translation and is for reference only.)

 

Editor: Samantha

Contact: V10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

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