Modelling Urban Environments to Promote Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity – Case of Stockholm

Urbanization effects on vegetation and the alteration in land use is likely to be major drivers of fragmentation of habitat for species. Understanding varying levels of biodiversity within cities is pivotal to protect it in the face of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. However, due to thigh complexity of urban systems, ecological connectivity assessment in urban planning is still challenging. This paper aims to reflect on methods of modelling urban environments for biodiversity of green areas. We present an overview of tools and approaches to measure ES used in the urban planning process in Stockholm. Results show the complementary nature of these tools show a need to integrate them in a platform based on a GIS model. The increasing amount of green spaces with higher Green Areas Factor and creating a network of green spaces are the most important strategies to increase ES and maintain high levels of biodiversity. Ultimately, development of such integrated tool aims to inform and support practice in the endeavour of guiding urban systems towards trajectories of greater sustainability.