A data-driven\u00a0<\/span>roadmap<\/span>\u00a0to urban\u00a0<\/span>biodiversity For Copenhagen<\/span>\u00a0\u2013 from\u00a0<\/span>mapping<\/span>\u00a0to action<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h1>\n

Published on 3rd of October 2025<\/p>\n

Summary<\/strong>
\nThe City of Copenhagen, in collaboration with Sweco, conducted an extensive data-driven biodiversity mapping initiative to support its goals for enhancing biodiversity by 2030 and 2050. The mapping divided the city into zones and produced three strategic plans focused on conservation, expansion, and improvement. The result is an inspiration catalogue offering concrete, locally adapted actions and tools for landowners and decision-makers. The methodology is scalable and applicable to other cities and regions, promoting systematic and sustainable urban development.<\/em><\/p>\n

As part of its ambitious goals to enhance biodiversity by 2030 and 2050, the City of Copenhagen partnered with Sweco to carry out a municipality-wide biodiversity screening. The project marks a major step towards integrating nature into urban development \u2013 and offers a scalable model for cities everywhere.<\/p>\n

Understanding the Urban Biodiversity Potential<\/h2>\n

To identify where biodiversity in Copenhagen could be preserved, improved or expanded, Sweco developed a data-driven method that maps the biodiversity potential across the entire city. Using an interdisciplinary approach, a team of biologists, landscape architects and GIS experts analysed biotic and urban parameters.<\/p>\n

The city was divided into hexagonal zones, each scored based on biodiversity-relevant data. This enabled the creation of three comprehensive \u201cpotential maps\u201d:<\/p>\n

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1. Preservation & Improvement Areas<\/strong> \u2013 where existing biodiversity is high and can be strengthened further<\/li>\n
2. Expansion Zones<\/strong> \u2013 where new habitats can be introduced for plants and animals<\/li>\n
3. Improvement Areas<\/strong> \u2013 where current biodiversity is limited but has strong potential with the right intervention<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

   From Map to Action: The Inspiration Catalogue<\/h2>\n

   To translate the mapping into actionable strategies, Sweco created an inspiration catalogue. This guide includes nine diverse case studies, each with tailored, location-specific biodiversity recommendations.<\/p>\n

   Each recommendation reflects local conditions and addresses how to preserve, improve or expand biodiversity, while also considering opportunities for public engagement, education and community-building.<\/p>\n

   A Toolkit for Landowners and Decision-Makers<\/h2>\n

   Beyond municipal areas, the catalogue provides strategies for private, state and non-profit landowners. With visual tools, a generic project roadmap and clear biodiversity goals, the screening enables:<\/p>\n

   Informed prioritisation of areas for action
   \nCross-property dialogue between stakeholders
   \nIntegration of biodiversity into future investments and development plans<\/p>\n

   Scalable Beyond Copenhagen<\/h2>\n

   The methodology can be applied in other urban settings as well as rural areas \u2013 in Denmark or internationally. By combining scientific rigour with place-based insights, it paves the way for a systematic, scalable approach to making cities more biodiverse, resilient and liveable.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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