Hongkongers’ Perceptions of Urban Green Space Plants and Biodiversity
2023-08-18
As the world talks about biodiversity, the conservation of native species has become a major issue. Native plants provide food and ideal habitats for various animals and microorganisms; animals in turn disperse the seeds, creating a mutually beneficial environment for future generations to flourish. Such habitats support a wide variety of animal and plant species, provide a more stable ecological environment, and avoid the problem of species homogenisation, thus enhancing fauna and flora diversity in the vicinity. Native plants, also known as indigenous plants, are resistant to local diseases and pests, and require less watering, fertilising and pest control. If used for urban greening, they would produce lower urban carbon footprint than exotic species. A recent study published in the journal Nature suggests that a diverse forest can raise the soil carbon storage and nitrogen storage for over a decade.