HABITAT

Habitat is the living forms across city that interact with humans, including flora and fauna that connects the built and unbuilt in a harmonised manner. These allows for continued habitation for animals, enhanced biodiversity and enhanced human nature connectedness.

Prerequisite

The City form should allow for more than 30% natural habitat cover, with guidelines in place for continuation and safe management.

This category entails 6 criteria to obtain 26Credits.

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Criteria and Credits

H1:Restore natural habitat

4

H2:Restorative natural habitats

4

H3:Bio-Diversity

4

H4: Direct Nature Experience   

4

H5: Inter-species connectivity

4

 

HMC- HABITAT Management credits

6

 


H1:Restore natural habitat

Design strategies to restore natural habitats  aim to re-establish and enhance natural ecosystems within the urban environment. These strategies focus on promoting biodiversity, preserving native flora and fauna, and creating spaces that mimic natural habitats.Urban components provide opportunities for creating suitable habitats for native flora and fauna within the urban environment. 
These components may include Living walls and vertical gardens, Green Roofs, Urban forests,Tree Canopies, Habitat-Friendly Lighting fixtures, Urban wetlands,  Insect Hotels and Pollinator Gardens, Wildlife Crossings andRain Gardens with native plants.  

Total Credits: 4 

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H2:Restorative natural habitats

Design strategies focuses on enhancing the sensory connection to natural elements and representations. By implementing these can create sensory restorative habitats that engage multiple senses and enhance the overall well-being of residents. These sensory experiences foster a deeper connection to nature and provide opportunities for relaxation, rejuvenation, and a sense of tranquility within the urban environment.

Total Credits: 4 

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H3:Bio-Diversity

 Enhancing biodiversity  involves a holistic approach that incorporates various strategies to create a thriving and balanced ecosystem. Design buildings and infrastructure with features that promote biodiversity, such as green roofs, bird-friendly glass, and wildlife-friendly construction materials. Focusing on conserving and enhancing populations of specific species that are of particular ecological or cultural importance may involve targeted conservation efforts, such as providing nesting sites for endangered birds or protecting critical habitats for threatened species.

Total Credits: 4

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H4: Direct Nature Experience

Supporting direct nature experiences in biophilic cities is essential for fostering a strong connection between individuals and the natural environment. By implementing these strategies can create opportunities for residents and visitors to directly engage with nature, fostering a sense of wonder, appreciation, and environmental stewardship. These experiences have numerous benefits for individual well-being, community cohesion, and the overall sustainability and liveability of the city.
 
Total Credits: 4 

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H5: Inter-species connectivity

Designing animal-friendly urban elements  involves creating spaces and structures that consider the needs and well-being of various animal species.  This fosters coexistence between humans and wildlife, supports biodiversity, and contributes to a thriving and harmonious urban ecosystem.
These components may include Habitats,  Animal shelters and nesting spaces,  Wildlife-friendly Buildings, Water Sources, Animal Crossings and Wildlife Passages, Urban forests,Vegetated Corridors, Urban Agriculture, Sensitive Lighting fixtures and controls, Nature-based Stormwater infrastructure and  Bat Roosting Spaces.

Total Credits: 4 

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HMC: HABITAT Management credits

Strategies may include  Community engagement and education,   Ecological and sustainable land use planning, Restoration, Protection and Conservations programs,  Long-term Monitoring, evaluation and control,  Research and citizen science programs, and  Collaboration and Partnerships.

Total Credits: 6  

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