BIOCITY PROJECT

Many of the ornamental plants used in landscaping projects in Brazil are exotic plants introduced in the country. In the meantime, there has been little cultivation of native plants and, due to this, a few are threatened with extinction. This has been causing loss of biodiversity in urban spaces. The “Biocity Project” seeks to value the urban biodiversity of Curitiba by retrieving native plant species with ornamental potential in areas that still have not undergone anthropic actions as well as the reintroduction of these species in public and private gardens with a view to preserving the city’s natural heritage. This project is being developed by the City Hall of Curitiba, capital of the State of Paraná, Brazil, a city with national renown for its ecology-driven actions. The survey successfully identified ten native and exotic plants found in three Preservation Units of Curitiba, of which three are exotic invaders. A field survey showed a low knowledge level in connection to native plants, which led the city hall to drafting strategies to foster their use. The actions dealt with agronomic, legal and environmental education aspects.