Biodiversity in Urban Coastal Ecosystems and the Biodiversity-Friendly Park Approach: The Case of Ordu
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Objective: Rapid urbanization presents significant challenges to the sustainability of urban ecosystems, especially through biodiversity loss and habitat fragmentation. Integrating biodiversity-oriented approaches into urban green space planning has therefore become increasingly critical. This study aims to evaluate the ecological performance of the coastal park system in the city of Ordu using Biodiversity-Friendly Settlement (Biyo-friendly) criteria, focusing on its capacity to support biodiversity, mitigate climate stress, and provide habitats for urban fauna.Materials and Methods: The study area is a coastal park system in Ordu, including Akyazı Park, Tayfun Gürsoy Park, Teleferik Park, Atatürk Park, and Rüsumat Park, which extend along the east–west coastal corridor parallel to the highway and cover approximately 19.5 ha. A complete inventory method was used to identify tree and shrub taxa, and direct fauna observations were made. Spatial analyses of green and impervious surfaces were conducted, and the ecological performance of the area was systematically evaluated using the Biodost Index. According to this index, a site must contain at least 25 plant taxa, with a minimum of 10% native species and 10% species bearing edible fruits.Results: A total of 80 plant taxa were identified in the study area, including 38 native species (47.5%) and 14 species (17.5%) with fleshy fruits. Fauna observations recorded more than 20 individuals within one hour. Additionally, two natural streams (Civil and Bülbül Creeks), various ecosystem-supporting elements, and a continuous green corridor were identified. The Biodost Index assessment yielded a gross score of 87; however, 9 points were deducted for air pollution, noise, and excessive nighttime lighting caused by the E70 highway, resulting in a net score of 78 and classification of the area as a “Bio-friendly Urban Green Space at a Good Level.” The strongest aspects of the area are its high proportion of native species and the presence of positive ecosystem components. The weakest aspects are a low score in the dominant species criterion (Platanus orientalis at 9.40% and Robinia pseudoacacia at 9.45%) and the negative environmental impacts of the adjacent highway.Conclusion: The findings indicate that the coastal park system in Ordu has strong potential to support urban biodiversity. The study provides a basis for developing biodiversity-friendly urban planning strategies, such as increasing native species diversity, balancing dominant species ratios, and implementing buffer zone planning to mitigate the impacts of nearby transportation infrastructure.
Source: Akademik Ziraat Dergisi
DOI: 10.29278/azd.1917454
Authors: Gülşah Bilge Öztürk, Pervin Yeşil
Institution: Ordu University
Language: Turkish
Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204914527