The Town of Victoria Park, located in Western Australia's south-west biodiversity hotspot, is taking a significant step towards conserving global biodiversity through an innovative program which encourages the expansion of local ecosystems.
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'Act Local, Contribute Global'
Living in a Biodiversity Hotspot
The south-west of Western Australia (WA) is recognised as one of 36 global biodiversity hotspots. These areas, which constitute only 2.4% of the Earth's total land surface, house 60% of all species. Jirdarup Bushland, part of Victoria Park, is home to several endemic flora species, which contribute significantly to the area's biodiversity.
However, the rapid pace of development and urbanisation has led to a significant loss of the urban tree canopy, impacting not only the endemic species but also the health and amenity of local residents.
© Derrin Kee
A Response to Community Concerns
Community concerns about the dwindling tree cover led to the development of the Town's first Urban Forest Strategy (UFS) in 2018. The Town's Urban Forest team has since been working to increase canopy coverage from 10% in 2016 to a healthier 20% by implementing eight specific annual programs during planting season (June-September).
One of the UFS's core strategies is the collection of seeds from over 40 endemic shrub and tree species in the Jirdarup bushland. These seeds are propagated into plant stock by specialist nurseries for use in various Urban Forest activities, thereby promoting the spread of these endemic species beyond their usual habitat.
© Pierre Quesnel
Taking Green Infrastructure to the Community
The Urban Forest programs aim to not only conserve biodiversity but also encourage the spread of local ecosystems throughout the Town's homes, streetscapes, parks, and other spaces. Some of these programs include:
- Urban Forest at Home - provides residents with free local provenance trees and shrubs for private gardens.
- Vic Park Leafy Streets - involves residents in planting and caring for trees on verges.
- Community Planting Days - encourages community involvement in planting events at identified public spaces around the Town.
- Urban Ecosystems - promotes tree and low shrub planting in public areas to increase canopy cover, reduce urban heating, and increase biodiversity.
- Friends of Jirdarup - a group of community volunteers who conduct annual plantings at the Bushland.
© Kat Wray
Benefits Beyond the Environment
The Urban Forest program’s benefits transcend the environmental realm. They encourage community bonding and a deeper understanding and appreciation of urban greening. Notably, they contribute to the global good, underlining how simple local acts, such as planting a tree, can have a profound impact on global diversity, ultimately strengthening our environment for everyone, everywhere.
Further reading:
The Town of Victoria Park’s “Act Local, Contribute Global to World Biodiversity Conservation” initiative was a finalist in the “Living Green for Biodiversity” category of the AIPH World Green City Awards 2022. Read the full case study here.
Find out more about the AIPH World Green City Awards and how your city can enter here.
Dive deeper into the inspiring world of green urban solutions by exploring more case studies from the AIPH World Green Cities Awards on the use platform here.