Urban natural reserves function as oases in the middle of large cities. They are also spaces for the conservation of native species, migratory corridors, and optimal places to engage in activities related to nature. A common example is birdwatching.
They are also spaces chosen by many schools and institutions to provide students with environmental education content. Reserves are also an educational space for the entire community.
Among other things, one can learn about ecosystem functions, the importance of distinguishing native species from exotic ones, and their benefits for the environment in general.
### Urban Natural Reserves: Some of the Main Functions
These protected areas are a fundamental strategy for the long-term conservation of biological and cultural diversity, providing essential ecosystem goods and services for society and life in general.
It is important to differentiate urban reserves from National Parks, as they do not have the same magnitude. However, they are spaces larger than a square or a city park, as they are related to some natural formation, even on a small scale.
As the trend of population concentration in cities continues, one of the current major challenges is to design them to ensure an adequate and equitable quality of life for inhabitants.
Some benefits and values they provide include:
– Protecting watersheds and soils.
– Collaborating in climate regulation.
– Providing resources and raw materials, food, and medicines.
– Contributing to the biological control of pests and diseases.
– Providing an ideal setting “in situ” for scientific research, education, and environmental training.
– Allowing the development of sustainable tourism and recreational activities that enable local and regional social and economic development.
– Providing cultural, emotional, and spiritual values obtained from human relationships with ecosystems.
– Constituting scenarios for integrating biodiversity conservation with its sustainable use.
### The Importance of Citizens’ Care
It is also worth highlighting the fundamental role of citizen participation in the maintenance and creation of many natural reserves.
Several of them are located on premises that were abandoned or poorly cared for or where other activities previously operated.
However, often due to citizens’ demands and care, they have managed to become spaces for conservation and recreation for neighbors to enjoy.
### The Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve, the First in Buenos Aires City
Although natural reserves can be found throughout the country, in the most densely populated urban areas, they are often harder to come by.
A noteworthy example is the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve, the first Protected Natural Area in Buenos Aires City, and also the most important in the district.
Covering more than 350 hectares, its trails reach nine kilometers in length, and species belonging to three ecoregions of our country can be found there: the Delta and Islands of the Paraná, the Pampas Grassland, and the Espinal.
Additionally, more than 360 bird species can be observed there, representing one-third of all species in the country.
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