Biocultural diversity (BCD) - concept and assessment: Published Project Report on BCD concept and explorative survey of BCD in 20 European cities

Summary of the report

Our conceptual work on the use of BCD framework in the urban setting builds upon the view that the diversity of life in all its manifestations (biological, cultural, and linguistic) are interrelated within a complex socio-ecological system. The concept of BCD underlines the dynamic and constantly evolving nature of interactions between humans and nature. Thus, the concept of BCD
offers a useful way of thinking about biodiversity conservation and management in constantly changing cities. In addition to the conservation of the original natural biodiversity, the creation of new manifestations of urban biodiversity can be studied by using the BCD concept. In exploring the relationship between BCD and the ecosystem services concept we came to the conclusion that in contrast with the idea of ecosystem services as a bridge between humans and
nature, BCD integrates biological diversity and cultural diversity into an entity in which culture is an inherent part of producing ecosystem services.