How Informed Design Can Make a Difference: Supporting Insect Pollinators in Cities

Abstract

Pollinators are responsible for the reproduction of many plant and crop species and provide important diversity for food webs and cultural value. Despite the critical ecosystem services provided by pollinators, rapid pollinator declines are occurring in response to anthropogenic activities that cause the loss of suitable habitat. There is an opportunity for urban green space to support pollination ecosystem services locally and across the landscape. However, there is a lack of practical but evidence-based guidance on how urban green space can be designed effectively to provide floral resources and other habitat needs to a diverse assemblage of pollinators. We examine the existing pollinator research in this paper to address the following questions specific to insect pollinators in temperate urban settings: (1) Which pollinators can be the focus of efforts to increase pollinator ecosystem services in cities? (2) Which plants and what arrangements of plants are most attractive and supportive to urban pollinators? (3) What do urban pollinators need beyond floral resources? (4) How can the surrounding landscape inform where to prioritize new habitat creation within cities? Using these questions as a framework, we provide specific and informed management and planning recommendations that optimize pollinator ecosystem value in urban settings.

Does the Use of Perennials in Flower Beds Necessarily Imply Sustainability?

“…There are numerous studies showing that users prefer diversity and species richness [ 67 , 68 ], which is characteristic of a sustainable flower bed. It also promotes biodiversity and attracts pollinators, which is extremely important in today’s challenging times [ 69 , 70 ].…”

Can trait matching inform the design of pollinator‐friendly urban green spaces? A review and synthesis of the literature

“…Several studies have demonstrated different techniques, incorporating knowledge of species functional traits, that improve the quality of pollinator habitat while also reducing the risk of harming resident species (Majewska & Altizer, 2019;Schueller et al, 2023;Zaninotto et al, 2023). Knowledge of local pollinator diversity and pollinator requirements may aid in the timing of management practices.…”

Urban Ecosystem Services in a Rapidly Urbanizing World: Scaling up Nature’s Benefits from Single Trees to Thriving Urban Forests

“…The rapid advancement of urbanization, evident in the relentless expansion of concrete jungles, poses a significant threat to the delicate balance of ecosystem services. Throughout history, cities have endeavored to cultivate thriving human environments [1], a pursuit aligning with Elkington's [2] vision of full-cost accounting for nature and the imperative of sustainable urban development in the long term. Consequently, it becomes crucial to cultivate connections with nature for all urban dwellers while simultaneously mitigating the adverse effects of urbanization on these essential ecosystem services [3].…”

“…Consequently, it becomes crucial to cultivate connections with nature for all urban dwellers while simultaneously mitigating the adverse effects of urbanization on these essential ecosystem services [3]. However, research reveals that only a paltry 13% of city residents live close enough to nature to enjoy its well-documented mental health benefits [1]. This stark reality underscores the challenge of reconciling the needs of a burgeoning urban populace with the imperative to maintain a healthy and sustainable built environment.…”