Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Urbanization poses significant challenges to biodiversity conservation due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Green infrastructure, defined as strategically planned networks of natural and semi-natural areas, can play a vital role in mitigating these impacts by providing habitat, enhancing ecosystem services, and promoting connectivity for wildlife in urban areas. This thesis aims to assess the effectiveness of green infrastructure in urban areas for biodiversity conservation through a comprehensive study that integrates ecological assessments, spatial analysis, and stakeholder engagement. The research begins with a thorough literature review to explore the concepts of green infrastructure, urban biodiversity conservation, and relevant ecological principles. Subsequently, the methodology chapter describes the research design, data collection methods, and analytical techniques employed to evaluate the effectiveness of green infrastructure in supporting biodiversity in urban settings. Spatial analysis tools, such as GIS mapping and landscape metrics, will be utilized to quantify habitat quality, connectivity, and species diversity within green infrastructure networks. Field surveys will be conducted to assess the ecological attributes of green infrastructure elements, including vegetation structure, species composition, and wildlife presence. These data will be complemented by interviews and surveys with stakeholders, including local authorities, conservation organizations, and residents, to understand perceptions, challenges, and opportunities related to green infrastructure planning and management. The findings chapter will present the results of the ecological assessments and spatial analysis, highlighting the key factors influencing the effectiveness of green infrastructure for biodiversity conservation in urban areas. The discussion will explore the implications of these findings for urban planning, policy-making, and conservation practices, emphasizing the importance of integrating ecological considerations into green infrastructure design and management. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on green infrastructure and urban biodiversity conservation by providing empirical evidence on its effectiveness and identifying strategies for enhancing its impact on wildlife in urban areas. The study underscores the importance of integrating green infrastructure into urban planning processes to create more sustainable and resilient cities that support biodiversity and human well-being.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Assessment of the Effectiveness of Green Infrastructure in Urban Areas for Biodiversity Conservation" aims to investigate and evaluate the impact of green infrastructure on biodiversity conservation in urban environments. Urbanization is rapidly increasing worldwide, leading to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation, which ultimately threatens biodiversity. Green infrastructure, including parks, green spaces, urban forests, and green roofs, has been proposed as a sustainable solution to mitigate these negative impacts and promote biodiversity conservation within urban areas. The research will begin with a comprehensive review of existing literature on green infrastructure, biodiversity conservation, and their interconnections. This literature review will provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the importance of green infrastructure in supporting biodiversity in urban settings. Key concepts such as ecosystem services, habitat connectivity, species diversity, and urban ecology will be explored to establish a framework for the study. Following the literature review, the research will focus on assessing the current status of green infrastructure implementation in selected urban areas. Various methods such as field surveys, remote sensing, and GIS analysis will be employed to map and quantify the extent and distribution of green spaces within the study area. The effectiveness of existing green infrastructure in supporting biodiversity will be evaluated through biodiversity surveys, including plant and animal species inventories, population assessments, and habitat quality measurements. Moreover, the research will investigate the perceptions and attitudes of urban residents, policymakers, and stakeholders towards green infrastructure and biodiversity conservation. Surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions will be conducted to gather qualitative data on public awareness, preferences, and engagement with green spaces. The findings will provide insights into the social aspects of green infrastructure planning and management and their implications for biodiversity conservation efforts. Through a comparative analysis of biodiversity data and stakeholder feedback, the research aims to identify best practices and recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of green infrastructure in urban areas for biodiversity conservation. The project outcomes are expected to contribute to policy development, urban planning, and environmental management strategies that promote sustainable urban development while conserving biodiversity. In conclusion, the project "Assessment of the Effectiveness of Green Infrastructure in Urban Areas for Biodiversity Conservation" seeks to address the pressing need for innovative solutions to balance urban growth with biodiversity conservation. By exploring the role of green infrastructure in creating resilient and biodiverse urban ecosystems, this research endeavors to provide valuable insights and practical recommendations for fostering sustainable urban environments that support both human well-being and biodiversity conservation."