Aesthetics of Biodiversity

The variety of life on Earth, including the various species, ecosystems, and genetic variants within these animals, is called biodiversity. Millions of years of evolutionary processes have given rise to billions of different species. However, today at least 1.2 million species of plants and animals are facing the threat of extinction, not because of natural causes or a global calamity, but because of us. [9] If humanity had taken a cue from nature and developed sustainable ways to co-exist with it many ancient species would still have been around today. In order to maintain planetary health, we as a species should aim to maintain the balance of nature. [1]

Besides the environmental and socio-economic importance of biodiversity, which is often explored in more biology focused articles, it has a lot of creative and aesthetic potential! Humans have always sought inspiration from nature for their art. Artists and designers can produce works that resonate with the natural world and strengthen our connection to it by incorporating elements of nature's different forms, colours, and patterns into their work.

This notion encompasses urban planning as well. Cities, which are sometimes viewed as concrete jungles, can have green spaces that mimic natural ecosystems. Parks, green roofs, and vertical gardens are examples of how to improve urban aesthetics while fostering biodiversity. These environmentally friendly designs promote ecological balance and sustainability by beautifying cities and provide habitats for a variety of species. [1]

The potential of green roofs to increase urban biodiversity has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. This interest is especially strong in European cities, where green roofs are becoming more and more recognised as vital ecosystems that make up for the natural places that urban expansion has taken away. "Biodiversity roofs" are a particular kind of green roof that have arisen based on restoration ecological concepts. Let’s take a closer look at these ideas, their applicability in science, and the wider effects of encouraging green roofs on biodiversity, shall we? [2]

Principles of Biodiversity Roofs

1. Use of Native Plant Species:

   
   

   Native plants are often preferred for green roofs because they are assumed to be better adapted to local climates and to support a wider range of local wildlife compared to non-native species. The underlying premise of this principle is that local species are essential to preserving the ecological balance of the area. [3]

   
   
   
   

2. Local-Provenance Material and Local Ecotypes:

   
   

   It has been a longstanding belief that using seeds and plants sourced from the local area is thought to preserve local genetic diversity and ensure that the plants are well adapted to the specific conditions of the region. However, recent studies have shown that doing so might not actually be beneficial. [4] Natural selection produces quite well-fitting local populations, but that doesn’t mean non-local genotypes can’t be well suited for a biodiversity roof. [5]

   
   
   
   

3. Local Soils and Substrates:

   
   

   Using local soils and substrates is believed to be beneficial because these materials are better suited to support local vegetation [6] and have a lower environmental impact due to reduced transportation requirements. It is recommended that you do so more because of sustainability principles than biodiversity ones.

To create green roofs that are both ecologically beneficial and visually appealing, it is essential to integrate scientific principles with aesthetic considerations. This involves designing green roofs that not only support local biodiversity but also enhance the visual appeal and usability of urban spaces. Simple design elements, such as incorporating a variety of plant colours and maintaining tidy, well-defined areas, can significantly increase public acceptance. [7] 

As Kendle and Rose state: "Are native-only policies justified? Of course not. They are often better, and we would subscribe to the argument that local character and local species should always be given a presumption in their favour when planting anything, but this is not the same as endorsing condemnation of alternatives." [8] 

While native plants are great for biodiversity, the soil, plant structure, and variety are just as important, no matter where they come from. Rather than seeing this as a challenge to old beliefs, we should embrace it as a freedom, opening up endless possibilities for green roofs that boost biodiversity and are aesthetically pleasing. If we focus on the right soil and plant structure, we can create perfect conditions for natural vegetation to thrive long-term, with the mix of plants changing based on the context. It's about seeing ecology and biodiversity as living, evolving processes, not just lists of species. We should view ecological communities as flowing and dynamic, not rigid and fixed. 

In addition to their ecological and aesthetic benefits, green spaces in urban areas offer significant psychological advantages. Being surrounded by greenery can reduce stress, elevate mood, and enhance overall mental well-being. [10] These natural environments provide a soothing escape from the urban hustle, fostering relaxation and tranquility. Moreover, green spaces encourage physical activity, facilitate social interaction, and improve cognitive function, all of which contribute to a healthier and more balanced urban lifestyle. 

Green roofs have huge potential to boost urban biodiversity, especially where natural habitats are disappearing due to development. By balancing ecological needs with aesthetic appeal and understanding the psychological benefits of green spaces, we can create green roofs that support wildlife, beautify cities, and enhance the well-being of urban dwellers. This thoughtful approach ensures that green roofs contribute to vibrant, sustainable, and psychologically enriching urban ecosystems.

- Varun Kheria, Science Communicator, ARISA Foundation

References:

1. Intertwined Strands for Ecology in Planetary Health

2. Green roofs for biodiversity: reconciling aesthetics with ecology

3. Hitchmough, J. Herbaceous Plant Communities. (2003) In: Nigel Dunnett and James Hitchmough (ed.) The Dynamic Landscape: ecology, design and management of urban naturalistic vegetation, Edited by Spon Press, London. 

4. Sackville Hamilton, N. (2001) Is local provenance important in habitat creation? A reply. Journal of Applied Ecology, 38, 1374-1376 

5. Gould, S. J. (1997) An Evolutionary Perspective on strengths, fallacies, and confusions in the concept of native plants. In: Wolschke-Bulmahn, J. (ed.) Nature and Ideology, Natural Garden Design in the Twentieth Century, pp 11-19, Dumbarton Oaks, Washington D.C. 

6. Brenneisen, S. (2005) Biodiversity Strategy on Green Roofs. Proceedings, 3rd Annual Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Cities, Washington DC, 2005. Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, Toronto, Canada 

7. Jorgensen, A. (2004) The social and cultural context of ecological plantings. In: Nigel Dunnett and James Hitchmough (ed.) The Dynamic Landscape: ecology, design and management of urban naturalistic vegetation, Edited by Spon Press, London. 

8. Kendle A.D. Rose JE. (2000) The aliens have landed! What are the justifications for „native only‟ policies in landscape plantings, Landscape and urban planning 47: 19-31 

9. What are the extent and causes of biodiversity loss?

10. The importance of greenspace for mental health