Reconnecting with nature
Nature corridor in the city centre
Creating a blue-green corridor on the banks of the small river Kalicha
The small river Kalicha, flowing through the historic centre of Vinnytsia, is one of the city's underrated natural treasures. We want to transform this cluttered, littered dark corner hidden among the historic buildings into a green oasis where life will be bustling. A blue-green corridor in the middle of the busy streets will serve as a place for mental recovery, contact with nature and support for local biodiversity and promote soft mobility in the city centre.
Ukraine
Local
Vinnytsia
Mainly urban
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Early concept
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
The project aims to create a green-blue corridor to support local biodiversity, recreation and transit on the banks of the small river Kalicha, which flows within the historic centre of Vinnytsia.
Kalicha is a small river in the central part of Vinnytsia. It is mostly hidden in collectors underground, and only surfaces in a few places. The centre of Vinnytsia and its surroundings are one of the most densely built-up areas. The rapidly progressing degradation of greenery is among the main challenges of the area. Combined with heavily trafficked streets, the area becomes a continuous heat island in summer. The small river Kalicha can become an oasis in the asphalted environment and a place to reconnect with nature in the heart of Vinnytsia.
Kalicha is a unique small river, the only one in the historic centre of Vinnytsia. It is an unobvious element of the city's heritage, as it has been flowing here for centuries and has a unique environment formed around it. City centres are usually associated with traffic, architecture, and services, but the revitalisation of the Kalicha banks will add another – natural – context.
Preserving biodiversity in a highly urbanised city centre sounds like something incompatible with reality, but fortunately, our city can still succeed in this. Due to the depreciation of small rivers in the past years and the resulting decline of the areas around them, the currently unclaimed area in the centre of Vinnytsia is a choice morsel for developers. There are several historically important buildings along the project area, occupied by motivated and proactive stakeholders who actively support the project. We want to fill up the space with nature and people before it gets commercialised.
We see the banks of the Kalicha river as a place where history and space intertwine with nature, harmoniously interacting with each other, creating a space for the mental recovery of the citizens.
Kalicha is a small river in the central part of Vinnytsia. It is mostly hidden in collectors underground, and only surfaces in a few places. The centre of Vinnytsia and its surroundings are one of the most densely built-up areas. The rapidly progressing degradation of greenery is among the main challenges of the area. Combined with heavily trafficked streets, the area becomes a continuous heat island in summer. The small river Kalicha can become an oasis in the asphalted environment and a place to reconnect with nature in the heart of Vinnytsia.
Kalicha is a unique small river, the only one in the historic centre of Vinnytsia. It is an unobvious element of the city's heritage, as it has been flowing here for centuries and has a unique environment formed around it. City centres are usually associated with traffic, architecture, and services, but the revitalisation of the Kalicha banks will add another – natural – context.
Preserving biodiversity in a highly urbanised city centre sounds like something incompatible with reality, but fortunately, our city can still succeed in this. Due to the depreciation of small rivers in the past years and the resulting decline of the areas around them, the currently unclaimed area in the centre of Vinnytsia is a choice morsel for developers. There are several historically important buildings along the project area, occupied by motivated and proactive stakeholders who actively support the project. We want to fill up the space with nature and people before it gets commercialised.
We see the banks of the Kalicha river as a place where history and space intertwine with nature, harmoniously interacting with each other, creating a space for the mental recovery of the citizens.
Nature in the city centre
Small river revitalization
Space reintegration
Nature for mental well-being
Soft mobility
For centuries, Kalicha has been an integral part of Vinnytsia's life, witnessing its development, playing various roles – from a transit artery to a place for collective washing and garbage disposal. The riverbed and banks store material evidence of the river's existence in different eras: bricks, glass, concrete slabs, used tyres and other solid waste.
The traditional approach to cleaning the area by removing garbage requires considerable human and financial resources, will result in carbon emissions and does not guarantee proper waste disposal. Instead the project will use the on-site materials to address another pressing problem of the small river Kalicha – bank sliding resulting in riverbed pollution.
Filled with solid waste gabions, strategically reinforcing the banks, will create the basis for restoring the space and its transit function. The project envisages the creation of a convenient safe green path connecting two important, now car-oriented and lacking pedestrian infrastructure, streets – Kniaziv Koriatovychiv and Arkhitektora Artynova. This will contribute to the area’s connectivity and the development of soft mobility in the Vinnytsia centre.
It is important to note that the space is now under threat of development. The success of the project will be a strong argument for preserving the river and the surrounding area as a public green space that contributes to the sustainable development of the city and improves its environmental status.
The project not only manages resources sustainably, but also has a significant environmental and social impact. It helps to protect the river and the space around it from further pollution and destruction, creates conditions for protecting biodiversity and improving the quality of life for local residents. The restoration of the transit function of the space along the river will also help lessen car traffic in the city centre, consequently, reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
The traditional approach to cleaning the area by removing garbage requires considerable human and financial resources, will result in carbon emissions and does not guarantee proper waste disposal. Instead the project will use the on-site materials to address another pressing problem of the small river Kalicha – bank sliding resulting in riverbed pollution.
Filled with solid waste gabions, strategically reinforcing the banks, will create the basis for restoring the space and its transit function. The project envisages the creation of a convenient safe green path connecting two important, now car-oriented and lacking pedestrian infrastructure, streets – Kniaziv Koriatovychiv and Arkhitektora Artynova. This will contribute to the area’s connectivity and the development of soft mobility in the Vinnytsia centre.
It is important to note that the space is now under threat of development. The success of the project will be a strong argument for preserving the river and the surrounding area as a public green space that contributes to the sustainable development of the city and improves its environmental status.
The project not only manages resources sustainably, but also has a significant environmental and social impact. It helps to protect the river and the space around it from further pollution and destruction, creates conditions for protecting biodiversity and improving the quality of life for local residents. The restoration of the transit function of the space along the river will also help lessen car traffic in the city centre, consequently, reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
The city centre is about the history, culture, city image and its identity. In a city a river is an archetypal symbol, ‘sacred’ place along which communities are being formed. Small rivers have also always attracted people, with their terrain and course forming a unique landscape.
We envisage improving the Kalicha banks in the project area using natural materials and nature-based solutions that will emphasise the existing features and beauty of the surrounding area without drawing too much attention to themselves. The river is the main element of this ensemble, and people are the variables that, depending on their activity, add different contexts to the space.
Being in a river valley surrounded by manor houses and architectural heritage will serve as an interesting contrast and make people rethink the role of nature, particularly small rivers, in the city. Another of our goals is to change the paradigm of how the locals perceive Kalicha, acknowledging it as a heritage, because the river is a natural object that has existed here for a long time, perhaps even before the humans showed up. Understanding this and spending time at Kalicha will fill people with new meaning, help them develop a sense of belonging to the territory and create a new cultural space.
The river and the surrounding nature as a key value of the space. One of our main goals is also to maintain and preserve nature of the territory, multiply its number and improve its species composition. By diving into the natural space amidst the noisy, hot and polluted streets, its users will have the chance to slow down, experience nature and the comfort it brings, mentally unload and gain strength by watching birds and the change of seasons.
This natural space, contrasting to the surrounding urban environment, will put the river and greenery in the spotlight.
We envisage improving the Kalicha banks in the project area using natural materials and nature-based solutions that will emphasise the existing features and beauty of the surrounding area without drawing too much attention to themselves. The river is the main element of this ensemble, and people are the variables that, depending on their activity, add different contexts to the space.
Being in a river valley surrounded by manor houses and architectural heritage will serve as an interesting contrast and make people rethink the role of nature, particularly small rivers, in the city. Another of our goals is to change the paradigm of how the locals perceive Kalicha, acknowledging it as a heritage, because the river is a natural object that has existed here for a long time, perhaps even before the humans showed up. Understanding this and spending time at Kalicha will fill people with new meaning, help them develop a sense of belonging to the territory and create a new cultural space.
The river and the surrounding nature as a key value of the space. One of our main goals is also to maintain and preserve nature of the territory, multiply its number and improve its species composition. By diving into the natural space amidst the noisy, hot and polluted streets, its users will have the chance to slow down, experience nature and the comfort it brings, mentally unload and gain strength by watching birds and the change of seasons.
This natural space, contrasting to the surrounding urban environment, will put the river and greenery in the spotlight.
The project creates an accessible recreational space along the small river Kalicha, integrating it into urban life. The main goal is to provide equal access to nature, which is key to the prevention of PTSD and mental health. The WHO defines a ‘minimum time dose of nature’ as a necessary factor for well-being, and this project implements this concept.
1. Nature as a space for all
The Kalicha river is currently inaccessible. The project envisages:
– Physical accessibility: arranging safe routes and smooth descents for groups with limited mobility.
– Psychological accessibility: creation of a comfortable environment for people with PTSD and increased sensitivity to stress.
– Emotional accessibility: preservation of the natural landscape, which promotes relaxation and psychological recovery.
2. Co-management as social inclusion
The project not only provides physical access, but also promotes co-management of natural areas through:
– Community involvement in decision-making on the development of the area.
– Volunteer initiatives to maintain the cleanliness and care of the recreational area.
– Dialogue between experts (ecologists, urbanists) and local residents.
3. Nature as an accessible resource
In many cities, access to nature is limited by financial or transport factors. The project creates a free recreational space within walking distance, which is especially important for:
– veterans and military personnel who need an environment for rehabilitation;
– people with psycho-emotional exhaustion who need a place to reduce stress;
– citizens who need regular contact with nature.
The Kalicha river restoration project is an example of inclusive use of natural spaces. Minimal intervention ensures maximum social impact: creating a safe, accessible and natural environment for everyone, regardless of physical ability or mental state. This is an important step towards creating an urban space where nature is not a luxury but a necessity.
1. Nature as a space for all
The Kalicha river is currently inaccessible. The project envisages:
– Physical accessibility: arranging safe routes and smooth descents for groups with limited mobility.
– Psychological accessibility: creation of a comfortable environment for people with PTSD and increased sensitivity to stress.
– Emotional accessibility: preservation of the natural landscape, which promotes relaxation and psychological recovery.
2. Co-management as social inclusion
The project not only provides physical access, but also promotes co-management of natural areas through:
– Community involvement in decision-making on the development of the area.
– Volunteer initiatives to maintain the cleanliness and care of the recreational area.
– Dialogue between experts (ecologists, urbanists) and local residents.
3. Nature as an accessible resource
In many cities, access to nature is limited by financial or transport factors. The project creates a free recreational space within walking distance, which is especially important for:
– veterans and military personnel who need an environment for rehabilitation;
– people with psycho-emotional exhaustion who need a place to reduce stress;
– citizens who need regular contact with nature.
The Kalicha river restoration project is an example of inclusive use of natural spaces. Minimal intervention ensures maximum social impact: creating a safe, accessible and natural environment for everyone, regardless of physical ability or mental state. This is an important step towards creating an urban space where nature is not a luxury but a necessity.
The project for the revitalisation of the small river Kalicha and the space around it envisages the active involvement of a wide range of stakeholders to develop a common vision for creating a balanced and sustainable green public space in the heart of Vinnytsia. Due to its location, the project brings together a variety of stakeholders with different levels of influence, from local governments and NGOs to local residents and businesses.
The involvement of the river's ‘neighbours’ and interested citizens will provide a multifaceted view of the space and allow for a variety of needs and ideas to be taken into account.
The Small Rivers of Vinnytsia NGO will promote the project's ideas among the local population and provide additional support for its development.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), located next to the project site, has repeatedly expressed interest in developing the area. After a successful autumn clean-up organised by the Institute for Urban Development, which was joined by more than 30 citizens, representatives of local authorities and municipal services, it became clear that the space has great potential for becoming a recreational area.
The Department of Architecture and Urban Planing of the Vinnytsia City Council (VMR), located next to the river, also showed interest in the project. Involving the Department in the project development and implementation processes will ensure a professional approach to the planning and architectural design of the space.
The involvement of all stakeholders ensures that the project will meet the needs of the community and contribute to the creation of a comfortable, safe, and environmentally sustainable public space in the city centre.
The involvement of the river's ‘neighbours’ and interested citizens will provide a multifaceted view of the space and allow for a variety of needs and ideas to be taken into account.
The Small Rivers of Vinnytsia NGO will promote the project's ideas among the local population and provide additional support for its development.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), located next to the project site, has repeatedly expressed interest in developing the area. After a successful autumn clean-up organised by the Institute for Urban Development, which was joined by more than 30 citizens, representatives of local authorities and municipal services, it became clear that the space has great potential for becoming a recreational area.
The Department of Architecture and Urban Planing of the Vinnytsia City Council (VMR), located next to the river, also showed interest in the project. Involving the Department in the project development and implementation processes will ensure a professional approach to the planning and architectural design of the space.
The involvement of all stakeholders ensures that the project will meet the needs of the community and contribute to the creation of a comfortable, safe, and environmentally sustainable public space in the city centre.
Our project operates at the local level, involving mainly representatives of the municipality and the city community. At the municipal level, the main stakeholders will be the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, whose office is located right above the river. They can act as the main planners of this space in terms of architecture, as well as one of the key beneficiaries. Other departments of the city council that deal with landscaping and maintenance will be involved during the project implementation and afterwards as balance holders of municipal territories.
We, as representatives of the municipal enterprise Institute for Urban Development, will be the main managers of the entire process. Another municipal enterprise, the Spatial Development Agency, will also be able to join the development of spatial and visual solutions for the site.
From the civil society sector, the International Organisation for Migration, along with the Department of Architecture, are the main beneficiaries, as their building also borders the site and they are interested in the space as a place to engage with internally displaced people (IDPs). They will be involved in the planning stage. We will also involve the local NGO ‘Small Rivers of Vinnytsia’ to organise various events at the waterbody, to communicate with local residents and the city administration.
At a higher level, we plan to involve a small rivers specialist and his team of researchers who are engaged in research and development of projects for similar waterbodies throughout the country and in Vinnytsia as well.
We, as representatives of the municipal enterprise Institute for Urban Development, will be the main managers of the entire process. Another municipal enterprise, the Spatial Development Agency, will also be able to join the development of spatial and visual solutions for the site.
From the civil society sector, the International Organisation for Migration, along with the Department of Architecture, are the main beneficiaries, as their building also borders the site and they are interested in the space as a place to engage with internally displaced people (IDPs). They will be involved in the planning stage. We will also involve the local NGO ‘Small Rivers of Vinnytsia’ to organise various events at the waterbody, to communicate with local residents and the city administration.
At a higher level, we plan to involve a small rivers specialist and his team of researchers who are engaged in research and development of projects for similar waterbodies throughout the country and in Vinnytsia as well.
The project team brings together experts in urban innovation, spatial development, water management, urban greening, psychology, architecture, and inclusion. This interdisciplinary approach will ensure a harmonious combination of different aspects of the project, as each team member brings in unique experience and knowledge, which allows for a comprehensive approach to solving the tasks.
The combination of expertise in urban innovation and spatial development will ensure the development of modern and effective solutions that meet the needs of Vinnytsia city centre and its residents and fit harmoniously into the overall urban context. Water and urban greening specialists will be responsible for the environmental sustainability and balance of the project, taking into account the peculiarities of the local ecosystem, which will help with the development of the city's blue-green infrastructure.
The involvement of architects will help create an aesthetically pleasing and functional space that blends well with the environment and meets modern urban design requirements. An inclusion expert will ensure that the space is accessible and comfortable for all groups of people, taking into account the needs of people with disabilities and other low-mobility groups, whose number continues to grow rapidly in Vinnytsia.
Bringing together different specialists in a team promotes open dialogue, the flow of creative ideas and finding innovative solutions. Thanks to this integrated approach, the project will take into account various aspects of urban development and create a high-quality, sustainable and inclusive public space that meets the needs of the community and contributes to improving the quality of life in both the city and the city centre.
The combination of expertise in urban innovation and spatial development will ensure the development of modern and effective solutions that meet the needs of Vinnytsia city centre and its residents and fit harmoniously into the overall urban context. Water and urban greening specialists will be responsible for the environmental sustainability and balance of the project, taking into account the peculiarities of the local ecosystem, which will help with the development of the city's blue-green infrastructure.
The involvement of architects will help create an aesthetically pleasing and functional space that blends well with the environment and meets modern urban design requirements. An inclusion expert will ensure that the space is accessible and comfortable for all groups of people, taking into account the needs of people with disabilities and other low-mobility groups, whose number continues to grow rapidly in Vinnytsia.
Bringing together different specialists in a team promotes open dialogue, the flow of creative ideas and finding innovative solutions. Thanks to this integrated approach, the project will take into account various aspects of urban development and create a high-quality, sustainable and inclusive public space that meets the needs of the community and contributes to improving the quality of life in both the city and the city centre.
The small river Kalicha project is unique for Ukrainian cities, as it combines the environmental revitalisation of a small river with the mental health of the population. In addition, our city has a unique strategic document, the Concept for the Development of Small Rivers of Vinnytsia until 2035, which will serve as a framework for the project.
Compared to standard approaches to the development of urban recreational areas, our project additionally integrates the scientifically based concept of the impact of nature on mental health, using the principle of the ‘minimum time dose of nature’ defined by the WHO.
In most Ukrainian cities, natural areas either remain abandoned or are transformed into standardised parks with urbanised landscapes. This does not take into account the psychological aspects of the impact of the natural environment on humans. Our approach is innovative because it:
– preserves the natural wildness and authenticity of the landscape, which reduces stress and promotes emotional recovery;
– applies ecological design with minimal intervention, adapted for people with high anxiety, PTSD, and psycho-emotional exhaustion;
– creates an accessible natural space in the city centre that allows people to benefit from contact with nature without additional costs and transportation.
Compared to standard approaches to the development of urban recreational areas, our project additionally integrates the scientifically based concept of the impact of nature on mental health, using the principle of the ‘minimum time dose of nature’ defined by the WHO.
In most Ukrainian cities, natural areas either remain abandoned or are transformed into standardised parks with urbanised landscapes. This does not take into account the psychological aspects of the impact of the natural environment on humans. Our approach is innovative because it:
– preserves the natural wildness and authenticity of the landscape, which reduces stress and promotes emotional recovery;
– applies ecological design with minimal intervention, adapted for people with high anxiety, PTSD, and psycho-emotional exhaustion;
– creates an accessible natural space in the city centre that allows people to benefit from contact with nature without additional costs and transportation.
The project methodology combines:
– The principles of soft mobility - the space along the river is integrated into the urban fabric as an ecological transit corridor for pedestrians, promoting social interaction and spontaneous recreation.
– Methods of natural therapy - the space provides zones of silence, contemplation and tactile contact with nature, which stimulate self-regulation of the nervous system.
– Revitalisation through circular use of resources - construction waste is used to strengthen the banks, which reduces the carbon footprint and creates a sustainable ecosystem.
– Shared governance - involving the local community in the care of the area creates a new social model of interaction between humans and nature.
Kalicha project demonstrates how the combination of science, sustainability and community engagement can create a unique, inclusive and therapeutic space in the city.
– The principles of soft mobility - the space along the river is integrated into the urban fabric as an ecological transit corridor for pedestrians, promoting social interaction and spontaneous recreation.
– Methods of natural therapy - the space provides zones of silence, contemplation and tactile contact with nature, which stimulate self-regulation of the nervous system.
– Revitalisation through circular use of resources - construction waste is used to strengthen the banks, which reduces the carbon footprint and creates a sustainable ecosystem.
– Shared governance - involving the local community in the care of the area creates a new social model of interaction between humans and nature.
Kalicha project demonstrates how the combination of science, sustainability and community engagement can create a unique, inclusive and therapeutic space in the city.
The project tackles the global problem of biodiversity loss in cities, often caused by the loss of value of natural spaces in favour of profit maximisation. The project offers an effective solution by transforming abandoned areas into shared spaces with restored biodiversity, where human mental health can benefit from reconnecting with nature in a highly urbanised environment.
The uniqueness of the project lies in the integrated approach that combines ecological restoration with the expansion of the functionality of the space. The creation of an additional transit function increases the value of the space for the city authorities and the community, as it helps to improve the spatial connectivity of the city centre and develop soft mobility.
The approach to restoring green spaces and providing them with additional functions proposed by the project has significant potential for replication in other cities around the world. The model of transforming an abandoned space into a green zone with a transit function can be an effective example of how to solve the problem of preserving green spaces and developing walkability. The project also contributes to the formation of a new culture of urban space use, where green areas are seen as places to restore mental health.
Thus, the project has significant potential for scaling up and adaptation in different contexts, contributing to the global problem of green space loss in highly urbanised areas and the city development in a more sustainable way.
The uniqueness of the project lies in the integrated approach that combines ecological restoration with the expansion of the functionality of the space. The creation of an additional transit function increases the value of the space for the city authorities and the community, as it helps to improve the spatial connectivity of the city centre and develop soft mobility.
The approach to restoring green spaces and providing them with additional functions proposed by the project has significant potential for replication in other cities around the world. The model of transforming an abandoned space into a green zone with a transit function can be an effective example of how to solve the problem of preserving green spaces and developing walkability. The project also contributes to the formation of a new culture of urban space use, where green areas are seen as places to restore mental health.
Thus, the project has significant potential for scaling up and adaptation in different contexts, contributing to the global problem of green space loss in highly urbanised areas and the city development in a more sustainable way.
The project of revitalising the space around the small river Kalicha in the heart of Vinnytsia is an example of a local solution to the global problem of physical loss of natural spaces in cities. This problem is becoming increasingly important in the context of rapid urbanisation and climate change, as green areas play a crucial role in ensuring the environmental sustainability of cities, improving air quality and creating a comfortable living environment.
The cluttering and destruction of small rivers like Kalicha is common in many cities. This leads to the degradation of ecosystems, biodiversity loss and a deterioration in the quality of life for residents. The project in Vinnytsia offers an effective and innovative approach to solving this problem by combining ecological restoration of the river with the expansion of the functionality of the space around it with the involvement of the community.
The project not only improves the ecological state of the city and the district, but also creates additional opportunities for recreation and mental recovery for residents. Also, the space in the city centre prioritises pedestrians, which may be an impetus for some motorists to stop using cars within the city centre.
The cluttering and destruction of small rivers like Kalicha is common in many cities. This leads to the degradation of ecosystems, biodiversity loss and a deterioration in the quality of life for residents. The project in Vinnytsia offers an effective and innovative approach to solving this problem by combining ecological restoration of the river with the expansion of the functionality of the space around it with the involvement of the community.
The project not only improves the ecological state of the city and the district, but also creates additional opportunities for recreation and mental recovery for residents. Also, the space in the city centre prioritises pedestrians, which may be an impetus for some motorists to stop using cars within the city centre.
The first important step towards the implementation of the concept will be to carry out research on the area around the river and the river itself. Guided by a nature-based vision and scientific approaches, we understand that working with nature must be justified and refrain from harming the ecosystem. This will include conducting a variety of geodetic, geographical, historical, hydrological, microbiological and biodiversity surveys on the Kalicha river.
The results of these studies will help us understand the characteristics of the site and better plan its transformation and clearance, i.e. to create a renovation project. In parallel with this, participatory processes should take place, including meeting with stakeholders, holding roundtables to define a common goal and preparing the ToR for spatial transformation. These processes can also begin in parallel with the research and continue into the next year. The result should be an established team of people and an agreed and developed renovation project that includes all the points of interest: measures to restore biodiversity, measures to mitigate negative impacts on the river, and a plan for the physical transformation of the space.
Once the project is received and approved, the main task will be to promote it, advertise it, and find resources for its implementation. This will be based on research and studies of the jointly developed project. Once the resources are found, it will be a matter of implementing the revitalisation project and communicating with the city's residents about the upcoming changes. After the physical transformations are finalised, in a year's time, it will be valuable to monitor the results - to assess changes in the life of the city district, the users of this space and their activity, as well as the ecological state of the river and biodiversity.
The results of these studies will help us understand the characteristics of the site and better plan its transformation and clearance, i.e. to create a renovation project. In parallel with this, participatory processes should take place, including meeting with stakeholders, holding roundtables to define a common goal and preparing the ToR for spatial transformation. These processes can also begin in parallel with the research and continue into the next year. The result should be an established team of people and an agreed and developed renovation project that includes all the points of interest: measures to restore biodiversity, measures to mitigate negative impacts on the river, and a plan for the physical transformation of the space.
Once the project is received and approved, the main task will be to promote it, advertise it, and find resources for its implementation. This will be based on research and studies of the jointly developed project. Once the resources are found, it will be a matter of implementing the revitalisation project and communicating with the city's residents about the upcoming changes. After the physical transformations are finalised, in a year's time, it will be valuable to monitor the results - to assess changes in the life of the city district, the users of this space and their activity, as well as the ecological state of the river and biodiversity.
