What evidence exists for the use of urban forest management in nature-based carbon solutions and bird conservation. A systematic map protocol

Abstract

Background There is global interest in finding innovative solutions that address current climate and societal challenges in an urban context. Cities are often on the front lines of environmental change, meaning urban greening strategies have high potential to provide benefits across human communities, while protecting global biodiversity. There is growing consensus that nature-based solutions can provide multiple benefits to people and nature while also mitigating the effects of climate change. Urban forest management is well-suited to a nature-based solutions framework due to the wide variety of services trees provide our communities. Effective approaches to urban forest management also have the potential to promote other forms of urban biodiversity, particularly birds and species at risk. However, studies that integrate strategies for both climate and biodiversity conservation are rare. The goal of this systematic map is to gather and describe information on two desired outcomes of urban forest management: (1) conserving avian diversity and species at risk (2) carbon storage and sequestration (i.e., nature-based climate solutions). Methods We will identify relevant articles from two separate searches for inclusion in our systematic map that address (1) urban forestry and avian and species at risk conservation and, (2) urban forestry and carbon storage and sequestration. We will search two bibliographic databases, consult 20 relevant organizational websites, and solicit grey literature through an open call for evidence. Eligibility screening will be conducted at two stages: (1) title and abstract and (2) full text. Relevant information from included papers will be extracted and entered in a searchable, coded database. Synthesis of evidence will describe the key characteristics of each study (e.g., geographic locations, interventions, outcomes, species studied) and identify knowledge gaps and clusters of evidence. Our systematic map will guide further research on opportunities for multiple benefits using nature-based solutions, particularly as they relate to urban forest management. Furthermore, our evidence base will support both management and funding decisions to ensure the effective use of resources for maximum benefits across people and ecosystems.

Review on the Application of Nature-Based Solutions in Urban Forest Planning and Sustainable Management

“…Urban forestry, with its well-established and effective set of practices and methods for implementing NBS [28,29], is highly suitable for playing a key role in achieving the ultimate objectives of urban NBS [23]. Moreover, urban forest planning and management align effectively with a nature-based solutions framework because trees offer a diverse range of services to our communities [30]. Urban forests as nature-based solutions (UF-NBS) are a subset of nature-based solutions (NBS), as highlighted by the Clearing House H2020 initiative [31].…”

“…By implementing these initial measures, the groundwork can be established for the effective urban implementation of UF-NBS in subsequent phases, while simultaneously fulfilling various functions. In terms of ecological functions, a varied species composition boosts urban biodiversity [59], while a carefully designed spatial arrangement optimizes the cooling effect of urban forests [60], enhancing local air quality, decreasing surface runoff [61], and increasing carbon storage [30,[62][63][64]. Essentially, this leads to improved forest sustainability [65], and ultimately, a better environmental quality in the city [66], which has a positive effect on human health and wellbeing [24,67,68].…”

“…To begin with, improving the health and sustainability of trees includes augmenting the canopy cover [57,74], increasing species diversity [75], and promoting the growth of larger trees [76], as well as improving the ability of carbon sequestration and storage [77]. Furthermore, promoting diversity in various aspects entails factors such as protecting biodiversity [30], encouraging the presence of different bird species and endangered species in urban areas, and creating stopover habitats for bird species during their migratory journeys [78][79][80]. Ultimately, a more resilient city can be achieved through the enhancement of environmental justice [30,81], the implementation of an efficient city-focused tool for climate change mitigation [62], and the promotion of more ecological services [82].…”

“…Furthermore, promoting diversity in various aspects entails factors such as protecting biodiversity [30], encouraging the presence of different bird species and endangered species in urban areas, and creating stopover habitats for bird species during their migratory journeys [78][79][80]. Ultimately, a more resilient city can be achieved through the enhancement of environmental justice [30,81], the implementation of an efficient city-focused tool for climate change mitigation [62], and the promotion of more ecological services [82]. Therefore, urban challenges such as climate resilience, green space management, biodiversity enhancement, air quality, social justice and cohesion, as well as health and wellbeing, could be addressed.…”

“…The first category is planting, which includes afforestation, reforestation, and urban tree planting. Its primary function is to increase forest cover rates, especially by enhancing urban tree cover in cities [61,[83][84][85][86][87][88], and serve as a carbon sink by fixing and storing carbon [30,[62][63][64]. Additionally, it provides various ecosystem services [89] and contributes to mitigating climate change [90,91].…”