Green Roofs in a Dry Climate: A Feasibility Test for Urban Biodiversity Conservation in the Palestinian Territories (West Bank)

Source abstract

Urbanization is one of many factors leading to global biodiversity declines due to its negative effect on habitat area, isolation, and quality. Green roofs have been proposed to mitigate adverse environmental effects by increasing local urban biodiversity and buffering the urban heat island effect. Nevertheless, little is known about the feasibility of green roof implementation in areas where it may be most needed, i.e., cities of the Global South where biodiversity is under pressure and where climatic and economic constraints may impede green roof establishment. Here, we aim to provide a proof-principle for the effectiveness of (low cost) wicking beds planted with native wild plant mixtures for increasing biodiversity in Hebron, West Bank. Effectiveness was evaluated in terms of establishment success and biodiversity of plants, and their potential to increase insect biodiversity compared to conventional roofs. Wild plants established in high densities and a decent rage of species. Green rooftops also supported significantly higher insect richness and abundance than conventional roofs. Our results highlight that green roof design with wild plants can be an effective and affordable means for urban biodiversity conservation in dry and hot areas.