What are the best ways to promote human and wildlife coexistence in urban areas?

1 Incorporate green spaces

Green spaces, such as parks, gardens, and green roofs, can provide habitat, food, and shelter for urban wildlife, as well as improve human health, well-being, and quality of life. Urban planners can design green spaces that are connected, diverse, and native, to support a range of wildlife species and ecological functions. For example, planting native trees and flowers can attract birds and pollinators, while creating wetlands and ponds can support amphibians and fish.

2 Implement wildlife-friendly infrastructure

Wildlife-friendly infrastructure, such as wildlife crossings, fences, and underpasses, can reduce the risk of animal-vehicle collisions, which are a major cause of wildlife mortality and human injury in urban areas. Urban planners can also install features that deter or exclude wildlife from entering areas where they are not welcome, such as trash bins, bird feeders, and pet doors. Additionally, urban planners can use materials and designs that minimize the impacts of artificial lighting, noise, and heat on wildlife behavior and physiology.

3 Educate and engage the public

Public education and engagement are essential for promoting human and wildlife coexistence in urban areas, as they can foster awareness, appreciation, and stewardship of urban wildlife. Urban planners can collaborate with local organizations, schools, and media to provide information and resources on how to identify, observe, and coexist with urban wildlife. They can also create opportunities for the public to participate in citizen science, volunteerism, and advocacy for urban wildlife conservation and management.

4 Conduct environmental impact assessments

Environmental impact assessments (EIA) are tools that evaluate the potential effects of a proposed project or policy on the environment, including wildlife and biodiversity. Urban planners can use EIA to identify, avoid, or mitigate the negative impacts of urban development on wildlife habitats and populations. They can also use EIA to enhance the positive impacts of urban development on wildlife conservation and restoration. EIA can help urban planners balance the needs and interests of humans and wildlife in urban areas.

5 Collaborate with stakeholders

Stakeholders are individuals or groups that have an interest or influence on a particular issue or decision. Urban planners can collaborate with stakeholders to promote human and wildlife coexistence in urban areas, as they can bring diverse perspectives, knowledge, and resources to the table. Stakeholders may include local residents, businesses, governments, NGOs, researchers, and wildlife managers. Urban planners can involve stakeholders in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of urban wildlife policies and projects, and seek their feedback and input.

6 Adapt to changing conditions

Changing conditions, such as climate change, urbanization, and human-wildlife interactions, can affect the dynamics and outcomes of human and wildlife coexistence in urban areas. Urban planners can adapt to changing conditions by monitoring, evaluating, and updating their plans and actions to address the emerging challenges and opportunities. They can also use adaptive management, which is a systematic and iterative process that incorporates learning and feedback into decision making and action taking.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?