by Suzette Lopane, ASLA, RLA
Designing for biodiversity can feel complex, requiring collaboration across disciplines to navigate the complex web of nature. Yet prioritizing biodiversity is essential and a rewarding contribution. Development is reshaping our undeveloped lands and climate patterns are growing more unpredictable. There is an urgent need to create ecologically healthy, resilient, and diverse environments.
Last year, ASLA conducted the first national survey on landscape architects’ planning and design work focused on biodiversity. When asked to rank the primary barriers to addressing the biodiversity crisis, the survey’s 293 respondents highlighted three top issues:
- Client expectations and market demand – 32%
- Lack of awareness and understanding – 27%
- Financial and resources constraints – 19%
Other challenges identified are policy and regulatory constraints, technical and capacity constraints, increased development, and a lack of native plant availability and maintenance.
Increasing awareness of these barriers can inspire further research, drive policy improvements, and foster more coordinated efforts within the field.