Managing Wildland-Urban Solutions

The difficulty in managing shared urban-wild environments is striking a balance between urban growth and biodiversity conservation. The survival of different species in these zones is threatened by urban expansion. Construction can ruin natural ecosystems, forcing species to relocate or perish as a result of the loss of food and shelter. Noise and light pollution, which are frequently connected with human populations, aggravate wildlife. On the human side, there is the risk of wildfires and wildlife interactions, particularly with potentially violent animals. If I were in charge of these areas, I would create a strategy based on buffer zones and wise growth policies. Buffer zones would be gaps between developed regions and natural habitats that would reduce direct contact between wildlife and humans. 

Figure 1: The picture shows the simulated buffer zone. (1)

Sustainable and responsible eco-tourism is one strategy to reach this balance. Eco-tourism encourages people to explore and appreciate nature while reducing their environmental effects. Tourism and recreation restrictions are needed. This entails participating in outdoor activities in methods that have a low environmental impact. Visitors, for example, should stay on identified pathways to avoid trampling and disrupting natural flora and animals. Following rules such as size and bag limitations, or hunting seasons, is critical for maintaining healthy populations of fish and wildlife. Following principles like as sticking to recognized paths, keeping a safe distance from wildlife, and using established campsites. We can also consider more holistic approaches. Ecotourism, for example, is a model that combines tourism and conservation initiatives. It frequently engages local communities, providing them with a financial incentive to conserve their environment. Managing shared urban-wild environments entails balancing urban growth requirements, public safety, and biodiversity protection. Rapid growth frequently disrupts wildlife habitats, affecting animal migration routes and nesting, resulting in decreased biodiversity. 

My home town Xi'an, renowned for its rich historical and cultural heritage, has also been experiencing rapid urbanization over the past decades. The city has expanded and now borders areas that were once considered rural (Kayl, 2013)(2). This rapid development has encroached upon the habitats of native species, causing similar issues to those we've discussed earlier, such as habitat fragmentation and loss of biodiversity. One notable example in Xi'an is the Qinling Mountains, located in the southern part of the city. The Qinling Mountains are home to numerous endangered and endemic species such as the Giant Panda and the Golden Monkey. However, the unauthorized construction of villas and other structures in the region has threatened these animals' natural habitats, leading to conflict between urban growth and biodiversity conservation.

Figure 2: Xi'an geography from the article Forging a Metropolis: State-led Urban Development in Xi’an, China. (2)

Furthermore, as residential areas expand into wildlife habitats, the potential for human-wildlife conflict and susceptibility to natural disasters such as wildfires grows. Furthermore, ethical tourism can provide financing for conservation activities, creating a win-win situation.

citations: 

1. https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/plants-animals/pests-weeds/Pages/caring-for-our-park-buffers.aspx 
  

2. https://wcfia.harvard.edu/publications/centerpiece/fall2013/feature_jaros