Biodiversity
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Biodiversity
simply refers to all life forms that exist and the environment in which they
live as an interconnected system. All plants and animals contribute to our
planet's biodiversity with each individual species playing its own unique part.
The property, construction and infrastructure industry
can impact biodiversity both directly and indirectly.
Construction and the increased modernisation of
our lives have harmed biodiversity; the pressures of urban growth place an
ever-increasing demand on natural resources in urban areas. Halting
biodiversity loss is a huge challenge, particularly considering climate change
and increasing climate extremes, which will exacerbate many of the adverse
drivers.
All development has some impact on biodiversity,
and yet biodiversity is crucial for the functioning of ecosystems which provide
us with products and services without which we cannot live. Food, fresh water,
fertile soil, medicines, shelter, protection from storms and floods, stable
climate and recreation - all have their source in nature and healthy
ecosystems.
Australia’s BiodiversityConservation Strategy 2010 – 2030 emphasises that the natural world, its
biodiversity and its constituent ecosystems are critically important to our
well-being and economic prosperity, but are persistently declining and
consistently undervalued in decision making.
Biodiversity is protected in Australia by both
national and international legislation. State and Territory planning
authorities require that biodiversity is considered during the planning stage
and that appropriate measures are taken to avoid negative effects on local
biodiversity during construction or operation of a business.
Businesses can promote biodiversity conservation
and increase their reputation as a sustainable company by incorporating
initiatives such as are suggested within the Green Star and the ISCA IS rating
tools at the design and planning stages of development.
It is not only new developments that can be
enhanced for biodiversity. Existing landscaped/revegetation areas, buildings
and structures can be enhanced to make them more interesting for wildlife. By incorporating planting and management regimes, green roofs, green walls
and other ecological features, many spaces can be improved for wildlife.