Biodiversity in the City: Protecting Urban Wildlife
DEAR JAKARTA, 2050SUSTAINABLE PROGRESS
Fredeline Gendhis Sujoko
10/19/20252 min read
A city is a large urban environment with a dense human population and a built environment with numerous buildings, streets, etc (Britannica, 2025). It plays an important role in the conservation of global biodiversity. Cities also hold enormous potential for conserving biodiversity. However, cities are less likely to support biodiversity due to being surrounded by buildings, streets, walls, and structures. It can be supported through the planning and management of urban green spaces (UGS). Although it is a complex assortment, in considering the aspects of social, cultural, and economic factors (Front Ecol Environ, 2017).
Biodiversity within cities is fundamental for both human physical and psychological health, but it is often overlooked (Bratman et al., 2019). Urbanization is one of the greatest threats to global biodiversity by reducing its natural habitats and altering ecosystems through pollution. Beyond human benefits, diverse ecosystems provide essential services, such as water regulation, soil fertility, and climate moderation. Protecting biodiversity in urban areas is not simply about preserving wildlife. It is also about maintaining the ecological systems that sustain urban life.
“Biodiversity is not just an environmental issue but also closely related to health, the economy, and the future of humanity,” said Governor Pramono Agung.
As one of the world’s megabiodiversity countries, Indonesia is home to an extraordinary range of ecosystems. In its capital city, Jakarta, it manages 49 urban forests, 949 green lanes, 7 plant nurseries, 1,459 parks, and 82 public cemeteries, all serving as green open spaces.
Yet, despite these initiatives, urban biodiversity continues to face numerous challenges, including pollution, urban expansion, illegal wildlife trade, invasive species, and climate change impacts.
There are many ways to protect biodiversity in cities. One approach is to use nature-based solutions integrated into modern infrastructure, such as green roofs, bioswales, vertical gardens, and green walls. This not only supports wildlife but also improves air quality and makes cities more livable.
The role of citizens is equally crucial. From community gardens to urban farming, people are helping reshape city environments into greener, more inclusive, and eco-friendly spaces.
Action on the ground is not enough. Embedding biodiversity into policies and aligning with international sustainability frameworks helps create a balance between urban development and environmental conservation. This ensures that as cities grow, it is crucial to protect ecosystems while also improving the quality of life for future generations.
REFERENCES
https://www.britannica.com/topic/city
https://www.encyclopedie-environnement.org/en/life/what-biodiversity-in-the-city-2/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1618866721002016#bib0075