Designing for Biodiversity
“Nature-based solutions are one of the most powerful tools we have to mitigate and adapt to climate change, while at the same time, these solutions can provide benefits for biodiversity. For example, large amounts of carbon dioxide are stored in the soil and plant life of forests, wetlands, grasslands and in oceans. Conserving these carbon-rich ecosystems allows carbon to be absorbed and prevents carbon from releasing into the atmosphere, while simultaneously supporting biodiversity” (Government of Canada, 2023).
“In the life of a forest, we are here for a very short time” (Habitat Acquisition Trust, 2022). So, how can landscape horticulturalists connect with nature, develop a relationship with the land they are on and acknowledge their role in changing the environment through construction activities? The next videos are an example of people who have been inspired and feel connected to spaces and places and developed a relationship with the environments that they contribute to and disrupt.
Video credit: Finding Inspiration in the Rainforests of British Columbia, Canada, (Canada Explore, 2019)
Video credit: Being a Good Neighbour to Nature, (Habitat Acquisition Trust, 2022)
Teaching and Learning Examples for Instructors
Title: My Favourite Plant | Objective: To encourage participants to share their favourite plants and the family connections they have with them | Purpose: to build a community of learners centred around family connections and plants.
Reflect
Please use the following questions to guide your reflection:
- What does biodiversity mean to you, and how do you incorporate biodiverse practices into your work?
- What role do you feel you have in changing the landscape, and how can you promote biodiversity and restore and rejuvenate the ecosystem and environmental health?
- How can you be a good neighbour to your ecosystem in your role as a Horticulturalist?
Feedback/Errata