Urban nature and ecology

The vision of this programme is "to develop the management of healthy and biodiverse urban ecosystems". Biodiversity conservation is ultimately a human problem. Today 85% of New Zealanders live in cities and accordingly ecological knowledge and consciousness is most relevant to urban populations. The only place the majority of people will learn about the environment is in cities. The programme will develop understanding of structure, function and planning of urban ecosystems and lead to ways of sustainably managing and maintaining urban ecosystems while increasing quality of life for people living in urban areas. Central to this is development of inter-disciplinary holistic and integrated research with both theoretical and applied aspects.

Approximately 30 team members with specific interests in urban ecology have been identified as part of this programme - this includes staff based at Lincoln University, Landcare Research Ltd, Christchurch City Council, Department of Conservation, University of Canterbury, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, and private consultants.

• Collaborate in achieving the objectives of ICNC at Lincoln University by investigating ecological and sociological aspects of urban ecosystems and the conservation of biodiversity in urban areas.
• Promote and research a holistic approach to understanding of urban ecosystems and the development and sustainable management of healthy and biodiverse cities including transport, utility, waste and cultural aspects.
• Contribute to a better understanding of the concept of biological diversity and the role of the Convention on Biological Diversity in urban areas.
• Coordinate opportunities for continuity and long-term research in urban ecology involving inventory and characterising of habitats as a bench mark for monitoring trends and state-of-the-environment.
• Provide opportunities for community involvement in the process of nature conservation and restoration in urban areas.
• Develop and coordination of national (Agenda 21) and international partnerships with like-minded Centres for Urban Ecology in temperate regions elsewhere in the world.

Why is Christchurch an ideal location for the study of urban nature and ecology?

• It is a moderate sized city that is quite rapidly expanding with the accompanying emerging problems.
• It has a sophisticated but diverse and sympathetic Council that shows some understanding of environmental and quality of life issues.
• There are opportunities for partnerships and synergisms - the city can provide an example to others in this country and in the world.
• There are established models of good practices in urban environmental planning and management.

The year 2005 was designated as "The Year of the Built Environment". This was an opportunity for New Zealanders to celebrate the buildings, spaces, places and structures in which they live, work and play. For the 87 per cent of New Zealanders whom live in cities and towns, the built environment is an even more familiar and immediate part of their daily lives.

The Urban Ecology Conference, "Meaning and Design of Nature for the Urban Built Environment", was held at Lincoln University from the 24 - 26th August 2005 as part of celebrations for The Year of the Built Environment.  The aim of the conference was to explore aspects of nature in cities and towns, and addressed questions such as: What role does nature play in our lives? How do we incorporate nature in our urban design? How do we manage our built environment for wildlife? Are we maintaining functioning ecosystems? How do we enhance indigenous biodiversity in cities?

The Role of Nature in the Built Environment, Sarel Cilliers, North West University, South Africa
Abstract (PDF 66 KB), handout (PDF 1 MB)

Cultural Literacy in the Built Environment, Hirini Matunga, Lincoln University
Abstract (PDF 63 KB), handout  (PDF 513 KB)

The Importance of Nature for Human Well-Being: A Cultural Geographer's Perspective on Nature and the City, Harvey Perkins, Lincoln University
Abstract (PDF 65 KB), handout  (PDF 28 KB)

Natural Landforms, Artificial Substrates and Habitat in the Built Environment, Ian Lynn, Landcare Research
Abstract  (PDF 68 KB), handout  (PDF 426 KB)

The Role of Nature in Aesthetic Values: Globalisation and Westernisation of the Urban Environment, Maria Ignatieva and Jacky Bowring, Lincoln University
Abstract  (PDF 69 KB), handout (PDF 527 KB)

Cities as Complex Landscapes - Part 1: Issues for Urban Greenspace Design, Simon Swaffield (Lincoln University) and Colin Meurk (Landcare Research).

Plant Communities and Biodiversity in the City, Glenn Stewart (Lincoln University), Ben Horne (Lincoln University), Toni Braddick (Lincoln University), Maria Ignatieva Lincoln University), Colin Meurk (Landcare Research)  and Hannah Buckley (Lincoln University)
Abstract  (PDF 69 KB), handout (PDF 196 KB)

Trees in Urban Environments: Which Species and Why? Ian Spellerberg (Lincoln University) and David Given (Christchurch City Council)
Abstract (PDF 65 KB), handout  (PDF 43 KB)

Maintaining Biodiversity and Ecosystem Processes in Cities and Towns, Mark McDonnell, Australian Research Centre for Urban Ecology, Melbourne
Abstract  (PDF 65 KB), 

Managing New Zealand Cities for Indigenous Wildlife, Colin Miskelly, Department of Conservation, Wellington
Abstract (PDF 66 KB), handout  (PDF 654 KB)

Challenges for Pest Management in the Urban Environment, Bruce Chapman, Lincoln University
Abstract  (PDF 62 KB), handout  (PDF 689 KB)

Habitat potential of aquatic systems in the built environment: A Christchurch Perspective, Shelly McMurtrie (EOS Ecology) and Alistair Suren (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research) 
Abstract  (PDF 68 KB), handout (PDF 2 MB)

Thinking Like a Tree: Short-Term Planning Ignores New Zealand's Urban and Peri-Urban Development Crisis, Mark Bellingham, Aristos Consultants Ltd, Waitakere City
Abstract  (PDF 67 KB), handout (PDF 596 KB)

Facilitating Nature's Role in Urban Design: Integrating the Built and Natural Environments, Charles Eason (Landcare Research), Jenny Dixon2, Robert Vale (Landcare Research) and Marjorie van Roon (University of Auckland)
Abstract  (PDF 66 KB), handout (PDF 557 KB)

Cities as Complex Landscapes - Part 2: Design Directions, Landscape Configurations and Biodiversity Opportunities, Colin Meurk (Landcare Research), Simon Swaffield (Lincoln University) and Graeme Hall (Landcare Research)
Abstract (PDF 68 KB), handout (PDF 1 MB)

Posters

Urban Streamscapes: What do people want to see in their neighbourhood?, Stephanie Parkyn, John Quinn and Beth Quinn, National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research
Abstract (PDF 7 KB)

Aidanfield (Christchurch): Low Impact Urban Design and Development (LIUDD): matching urban design and urban ecology, Maria Ignatieva, Frazer Baggaley, Charlotte Cameron, Antonia Guthrey and Angela Newall, Landscape Architecture Group, Lincoln University
Abstract (PDF 77 KB)