Urban transition towards the inclusion of pollinators

Sammanfattning

Due to urbanization and the increasing number of people living in urban areas, cities play a significant role in conserving biodiversity, including pollination. In addition, pressures on surrounding agricultural land means that pollinators increasingly find refuge in cities. However, local actors, such as civil servants, experts, landscape architects, and planners, face difficulties implementing pollinator-friendly spaces in urban environments. Drawing on transition theory, this paper uses a multi-level perspective framework to examine underlying drivers, opportunities, and barriers to such a sustainable transition in Vienna. These aspects were identified through interviews with 11 key stakeholders. The analysis shows that acceptance, maintenance issues, densely built-up areas, and missing regulations within zoning plans are the main barriers for local actors. Therefore, stricter regulations and requirements are fundamental to ensure a sustainable transition towards a more pollinator-friendly Vienna. Furthermore, communication and networking among the relevant actors for this transition are necessary.