data jungle adventures

*Seebens et al (2017)

TL;DR

1. Biourbanism drives sustainable urban development to improve living conditions globally, supported by technological advances for urban farming, air quality improvements, carbon storage, vertical greening and climate change mitigation.
2.  Ecological systems interact with challenging feedback loops at multiple spatial and temporal scales, making them complex to engineer.
3.  A human-focused environmental engineering approach may lead to the impactful deregulation of natural systems.
4.  Here, we highlight a novel effort in invasive species control and public awareness adjacent to urban greening initiatives in the Middle East.

Background 

Biourbanism is on the horizon, and urban centres compete globally for livability scores, anticipating climate change and its impact on residents. National and regional initiatives are sprouting to support sustainable development, environmental awareness and protection (Middle East Green Initiative, Saudi Greening Initiative, and similar.)

One of the more ambitious projects is the Saudi Greening Initiative, which aims to plant 10 billion trees supported by regional development agencies (Riyadh, Jeddah, Medinah, etc.). Utilising the ten biourbanism mechanisms (citizens, food, landscape, food, water, economy energy, infrastructure, mobility and technology) to deliver supportive, regulatory ecosystem services to urban dwellers often depends on sophisticated technology, species introductions and engineered solutions in relatively hostile, hyper-arid environments.

The concept of automation has always been central to the path of human development. After conquering industrial mechanisation, humans now use digital means to delve into the nanoscale. Big data is increasingly driving decision-making, and soon, quantum computing will make our largest super-computers look like an abacus.

Biourbanism 2022

Introducing and testing novel species (formes, hybrids, varieties) has been common practice in regions with sparse native local flora and fauna and ambitious greening efforts. As an example, Saudi Arabia introduced Conocarpus Erectus, an Australian native, for landscaping and oxygen production. This hardy tree tolerates saline water and is evergreen but outcompetes the surrounding native plants.

Hardening is exposing transplants (seedlings) gradually to outdoor conditions. It enables your transplants to withstand the changes in environmental conditions they will face when planted outside in the garden. It encourages a change from soft, succulent growth to a firmer, harder growth.

University of Maryland

Much evidence links human movement, economic exchange, and trade to the accidental and deliberate introduction of species into ecosystems. In addition to accidentally introduced species, the ambitious greening initiative in regions with low plant diversity is likely to research and test non-native species for use in urban ecosystems and developments.

The economic cost of aliens

IInvasive species impose substantial costs on agriculture, ecosystems, and human activities. Invasive species can disrupt native ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, and negatively affect agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, leading to economic losses and expensive management and eradication efforts. These impacts include increased production costs, reduced crop yields, damage to infrastructure, and expenditures on control and eradication efforts. Moreover, invasive species can also have cascading effects on ecosystem services, such as pollination and water purification, further compounding their economic consequences. While invasive species cost the global economy about 243 bn USD annually, the negative impacts of a single species can reach >45 million , due to management, impact on crop yields and other.

International efforts

Much knowledge is produced by fundamental and applied research, while little makes it out into business, policy, and governance. Some efforts never get published due to ‘insignificant’ findings, unexpected roadblocks, and reviewers’ comments, while others still need to be seen behind paywalls.

Ecological processes are well-researched, modelled, and reported in the environmental realm. While some ‘eureka’ findings focus on a specific context, species, event or practice, meta-studies generalise findings and extrapolate to allow applicability in planning, design and governance. However, in less regulated regions and scientific fields, some environmental consultancy projects need standards and frameworks to comply with and will be exposed to limited peer review and ‘only’ inspected by clients. This may result in less critical review and time and schedule-driven approval processes.

Several global committees and regulations exist to address invasive species management and bridge the gap between science and policy. They regulate, provide data and analysis tools, and advise early detection and control methods. We should, therefore, pay attention to the impact and consequences of invasive in the rush of climate change mitigation, urban renewal ambitions and other planning initiatives.

1. IPBES Global Assessment and Thematic Invasive Alien Species Assessment: The IPBES Assessment Report on Invasive Alien Species and their Control is composed of six chapters and a summary for policymakers bridging scientific findings and policy.
2. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): CBD is an international treaty promoting sustainable development. It recognises the impact of invasive species on biodiversity and ecosystems and encourages parties to prevent, control, and eradicate invasive alien species.
3.  International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC): The IPPC is an international treaty related to plant health. It provides standards for phytosanitary measures, including those concerning managing invasive species in the international trade of plants and plant products.
4.  International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): IUCN facilitates global cooperation and provides expertise on invasive species management. It publishes guidelines and resources for preventing and controlling invasions, supporting conservation efforts worldwide.
5.  International Maritime Organization (IMO): IMO addresses the issue of aquatic invasive species through the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments. This convention aims to prevent the spread of harmful marine organisms from one region to another via ballast water discharge.
6.  The UNU’s Sustainability Nexus Analytics, Informatics, and Data (AID) Programme identifies and promotes information, data, computational techniques, and analytical tools that facilitate studying and managing invasive species.
7.  Regional Agreements: Various regional bodies, such as the European Union (EU) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), have agreements and regulations regarding managing invasive species in their regions. These agreements often address specific invasive species that are particularly problematic in those areas.
8.  National Legislation and Regulations: Many countries have laws and regulations regarding preventing, controlling, and managing invasive species. Depending on the country’s unique ecological challenges, these laws vary widely in scope and effectiveness.

It’s important to note that the effectiveness of these committees and regulations often depends on the cooperation and commitment of individual countries and regions to enforce and implement the measures outlined in these agreements. International collaboration, research, and awareness are crucial in addressing the challenges of invasive species globally.

Seeing a novel national initiative to counter invasive species in a region where significant development and greening initiatives are trending is all the better. The National Centre of Vegetation Cover (NCVC) in KSA aims to combat harmful and invasive plants in the local environment by applying and communicating research findings related to this unique hyper-arid environment.

The National Center for Vegetation Cover is a government organisation to combat desertification and develop vegetation and agricultural cover [in KSA]. It provides initiatives, implements programs, strengthens partnerships, and many more to overcome environmental challenges.

https://ncvc.gov.sa/

NCVC’s projects to counter invasive plants

• Monitor alien and invasive plants in terrestrial and coastal areas, national parks, and forests.
• rehabilitate and cultivate affected sites and replace them with local species
• mechanical and chemical control and eradication projects projects

Target alien plant species

• Prickly pear (Cylindrical, Elderberry, Indian)
• False tobacco
• Prosopis juliflora ssp.
• Argemone spp.
• Lantana spp.
• Parthenium spp.

The initiative is supported by the Ministry of Water and Agriculture, governmental agencies, scientific research centers and establishments, environmental associations, and aims to control and regulate plant production and ornamental use. Regulations, planting manuals, and guides along with the public awareness will benefit from this.