![Words of Eco-Logia – 21st May 2026
Welcome to a new weekly column of Eco-Logia!
EPISODE 7: What does Urban Functional Biodiversity refer to?
How do you feel when you come into contact with the green spaces of your city? Maybe more relaxed, regenerated and energetic! it is not by chance. #Urban Functional #Biodiversity is about various natural #species and their specific functional traits (e.g., nitrogen fixation, pollination, water retention) that maintain #ecosystems and provide essential #services in heavily populated areas. Boosting #climate regulation, favouring flood #control, reducing #pollution, providing recreational spaces and improving human #wellbeing, resilience and health are some of the most significant #benefits they generate.
Being inspired by #Nature’s balance helps #architects, #designers and urban #planners to select vegetation able to optimises specific ecological functions, such as #water infiltration or biodiversity support. Integrating interconnected #green spaces (e.g.: parks, green roofs) and #blue spaces (ponds, wetlands) promotes #habitat connectivity and strengthens urban biodiversity. Moreover, engaging local residents and stakeholders in the planning and management of urban nature, encourages a shared vision of the development of densely inhabited areas, boosting mental and physical health.
Main Strategies for Enhancing Urban Functional Biodiversity are:
· Biodiversity-Sensitive Design]: that is integrating native, multi-functional plant species into urban design, including vertical gardens and green roofs.
· Ecological Restoration: that is actively restoring urban green and blue spaces to enhance habitat diversity and ecological function.
· Inclusive Governance: that is engaging local residents and stakeholders in the planning and management of urban nature.
🎬 Editing, Layout and Contents by: © MonacoEcoArt](https://scontent-iad6-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/704041748_18591891829048354_6937176257147723648_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=PYxUxb_2XnAQ7kNvwHD747P&_nc_oc=Ado7fbbK5PcHewfbjsUeSF21tsHX5vKuRC1iy288NBYaLOjnwKMQH2e8vJruhvVph0g&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad6-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=r7Ly7Cea_bsz_Yg7h63NKw&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQHKnGRiLmhQ8rZRClThBZ6ctIrgggP6xuOfEzTuQJrfl8R7DojHgOTPCKPQmyzJhWhuTJjzBXXt&oh=00_Af6reWs-WdNtngipxqQa2r991zePhu8AoKVr0CYZrxx3KQ&oe=6A205E82)
Ocean Acidification Impacts and Economic Evaluation under the lens of CSM.
- M Abti
- Nov 8, 2024
- 3 min read
Marine ecosystems are key elements of the Planet Earth puzzle and any imbalance produces significant impacts on food security and economic stability. The Centre Scientifique de Monaco - CSM (Scientific Centre of Monaco) is particularly committed to the development of Sustainable Economy. In this context, the Sixth Workshop on Ocean Acidification, held at the Lycée Rainier III Amphitheatre from the 9th to the 11th October 2024 by the will of Dr Nathalie Hilmi, Section Head of Environmental Economics, tackled the gap between ocean acidification impacts and the economic assessment.
"Bridging the Gap Between Ocean Acidification Impacts and Economic Valuation : an Interdisciplinary Approach to Address Multiple Ocean Stressors" was the fil rouge of the debate while addressing multiple ocean aspects through an interdisciplinary approach.
H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, with a group pf officials and representatives of partner institutions, attended the conclusis of the colloquia on the 11th October 2024. In her keynote sppech, H.E. Anne-Marie Boisbouvier, Permanent Delegate of the Principality of Monaco to UNESCO, recalled the pivotal role played by the CSM in the field of Blue Economy, bridging links among Planet Earth, Science and Human Daily Routines, while contributing to raise awareness on ocean preservation among future generation.
The Sovereign Prince pointed out: « In order to understand and treat these mechanisms, we must adopt an interdisciplinary approach. We must combine the knowledge of Natural Sciences with the on of Human Sciences, since through this conjunction phenomena find their source. We need also to think through the eyes of Economics and Political Science, through which we can find the solutions we need to develop ».
Photos >> 1. Dr Patrick Rampal, President of CSM; 2. The particints to the Workshop; 3. Dr Nathalie Hilmi, Section Head of Environmental Economics © T.Apparu / CSM
The workshop was intended to fix the foundations of the third United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC) which will be held next year in Nice, under the umbrella of France and Costa Rica. That international summit is considered a cornerstone towards climate mitigation and ocean biodiversity preservation with the involvement of all the actors in society and the economy. As a matter of fact, the continuing increase in world population and food overproduction are putting at risk biosphere integrity and biogeochemical flux.
The workshop by CSM detected main factors of coastal degradation and interactions between climate change and ocean acidification, including: nutrient runoff, micro-plastic pollution and the invasion of non-native species.
Various solutions to environmental policies aimed at reducing their impacts have been discussed with special regard to ocean-related climate change, notably: rising temperatures and sea levels, as well as the increase in the frequency of extreme events like heat waves and storms, and the decrease in sea ice, pH and oxygen levels.
The Sixth Workshop on Ocean Acidification represented an important step in the evolution of the scientific debate to respond to the climate crisis that touches us more and more closely. ***
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By Maurice Abbati
Journalist; Editor; Communication, Media and Public Relations Specialist
Lecturer and Author in English language of Technical Articles and the Manual: "Communicating the Environment to Save the Planet, a Journey into Eco-Communication" by Springer International Publishing.
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