Worldwide, whether we feel it or not, we are experiencing a biodiversity crisis. 

Biodiversity is vital for our survival as it serves as the foundation of all life. Biodiversity can be defined as the measure of the variety and variability of living organisms. Everywhere on the planet, species live together and in harmony and depend on one another for their day-to-day functions. Healthy ecosystems contribute to clean water and air, healthy nutrient-rich soils, consistent climate conditions, and provide food and habitat for countless species. Further, healthy ecosystems provide raw materials for medicines and many resources used daily by humans. We simply could not live without these biodiverse ecosystems and the services they provide.

Urbanization is one of the most intensive and rapid human-driven factors that threaten biodiversity. Urbanization also contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases that leads to increased air pollution and diminishes habitable areas for wildlife, and plant species.

By 2030 60% of the world’s population will live in cities, so there’s a question that needs to be addressed; what kind of urban future do we want? One where humans coexist with nature for sustainable and eco-friendly living or, one which resembles an urban wasteland?

Damage has been done, but it does not mean that we cannot rehabilitate what is still left. Green infrastructure has been proven to bring numerous ecosystem benefits such as pollination and water and air regulation. Green development and infrastructure can further provide food to the surrounding communities as well as employment and educational opportunities. 

I propose the development of a new linear features or patches of greenspace throughout the city which focus on growing native flowering plants to increase biodiversity in terms of native plant species and increase the pollinating potential for species such as bees, wasps, flies, beetles, butterflies, moths, bats, and hummingbirds. I also suggest these areas to be maintained in ways to attract pollinators such as reducing mowing in these areas and reducing the use of herbicides and pesticides (which ultimately reduce maintenance cost as well)

Native plant species are essential to increase biodiversity in local communities as they are the best adapted to local growing seasons thus they attract a variety of native wildlife species by providing diverse habitats and food sources. Additionally, pollinator populations are an important part of the natural environment and benefit humans by their services to plants.

As a group, pollinator populations are declining. They pollinate fruits, vegetables, and flowers, both wild and domesticated, making plants healthier and more likely to produce a better quality harvest. The presence of pollinators can only be positive. The implementation of a pollinator-based garden will create attractive environments for pollinators and provide them with essential habitats in an urban setting where they can thrive. For example, the swamp Milkweed (Asclepias Incarnata) supports the Monarch butterfly life cycle as well as providing its leaves to raise zebra-striped caterpillars and the Wild Quinine (Parthenium Integrifolium) provides pollen and nectar for a variety of pollinators. Therefore, not only will the native plants provide resources for pollinators but they will also foster habitats for other invertebrates. 

By reaching a goal of 100 signatures I will send my proposal to the the city of London, Ontario to develop these green areas that focus on creating a welcoming space for pollinators as well as creating a space thriving in biodiversity.