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Global biodiversity decline is dramatic. Urbanization is a global trend that is often driving biodiversity loss. At the same time urban green spaces can maintain high levels of biodiversity. However, for urban Nature-based Solutions to maintain biodiversity they have to be designed and managed with this goal in mind. Furthermore, there are certain risks to biodiversity associated with the urban green infrastructure. These risks merit consideration when urban planning is undertaken. Approaches to green infrastructu...

Urbanization is an ongoing trend. It causes various negative issues, including strain on human health and biodiversity. Cities are often subject to negative effects of climate change. Currently green and blue infrastructure are often seen as potential solutions for these problems. However, integration of topographically diverse sites and geological elements into urban landscapes is rarely considered as an important measure for addressing societal and environmental issues in cities. This can lead to lost opportunit...

Geographical areas with high biodiversity, high geodiversity and high cultural diversity tend to coincide. However, conservation strategies tend to consider these aspect of diversity separately, instead of considering them all together. Application of an integrated approach could potentially improve effectiveness of conservation actions and deliver significant benefits both to human and to the natural environment. Practical implementation of the integrated approach might, however, be problematic due to the fact th...

Nature-based Solutions is an umbrella concept, gaining traction in recent years. It implies working with nature in order to simultaneously address multiple challenges humanity faces today, including biodiversity loss, climate change, food and energy insecurity. Nature-based Solutions are being applied across landscape types, including urban, rural, forest and protected areas. Combining nature-based solutions with landscape design, however, has predominantly been considered in cities. However, there is a great pote...

The UNESCO Global Geopark network is expanding. Geoparks are intended to play important roles in sustainable development. For this to happen, new sites geopark establishment need to be carefully evaluated. In addition, protection and maintenance of heritage and sustainability within established geoparks requires effective monitoring. Modern geographic information system (GIS) technologies have a lot to offer for effective landscape-scale assessments and monitoring of geo park territories. However, little attention...

Landscape design and land art are usually associated with professional activity of designers and artists. However, implementation of landscape design projects and creation of land art objects may be achieved by efforts of regular citizens. Involvement in landscape decoration activities may create high level of participant engagement. This both landscape design and land art may be used for achievement of community engagement in achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Involvement of individu...