20 September 2000 Studies in urban ecology planned by researchers

A grant from Lincoln University's Fund for Excellence has enabled the Lincoln-based International Centre for Nature Conservation (ICNC) to bring together a range of specialists to plan and lead research into urban ecosystems.

Dr Maria lgnatieva, a lecturer in Lincoln University's Landscape Architecture Group, says the weekend course was part of the ICNC's Urban Ecology Programme which aims to promote an understanding of the structure and function of urban ecosystems and how these differ from natural ones. The programme aimed to develop new ways for managing and maintaining ecosystems sustainability.

The Urban Diversity and Ecology workshop was presented by leaders in the field of urban ecology based at Lincoln University and Landcare Research. It was designed for local authority staff, developers, landscape architects, planners, water and drainage engineers, students, traffic engineers, conservationists, teachers and councillors, and others interested in urban ecology.

The workshop aimed to provide a holistic understanding of the urban environment and implications for integrated and sustainable management.

Dr Ignatieva says 85% of New Zealanders live in cities and 95% in a strongly modified cultural landscape, and so an understanding of ecology is most relevant to urban populations. The Urban Ecology Programme aims to develop on-going research incorporating a wide range of research disciplines.

It is expected the Urban Ecology Programme will lead to a number of new papers within the University's Environment and Design Division.

Lincoln's Fund for Excellence was the first of its kind established by a New Zealand university, and aims to promote excellence in teaching, research and student services using funds collected in an annual appeal to alumni, University Council members and friends of Lincoln University.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand