As our cities expand, more and more species are adapting to urban environments. To protect these species, we must find ways to coexist with nature in urban areas. Our “Building in Harmony with Nature” project, a collaboration with the Dubrovnik Natural History museum, aims to conserve swifts as a vital part of urban biodiversity and the city of Dubrovnik.
This project has resulted in the publication of “Building in Harmony with Nature: Guidelines for Swift Conservation in Cities,” which was launched last week at the Dubrovnik Natural History museum.
Along with the presentation of the guidelines, the meeting also focused on the current state of swift populations in Dubrovnik, highlighting the challenges they face. Swifts, crucial for controlling insect populations, are struggling to find suitable nesting sites in urban environments like Dubrovnik. These birds rely on holes and crevices in old buildings, which are often lost during renovations. However, with careful planning and design, it is possible to create urban spaces that both preserve existing nesting sites and provide new nesting places for swifts.
The enthusiastic response from stakeholders and the lively discussion demonstrate the public’s interest in this important issue. This gives us hope for future collaboration and further steps in swift conservation. In the future, we aim to build on these results by strengthening existing partnerships and forging new collaborations to support the conservation of these remarkable birds.
Our swift conservation guidelines are now available online! Download them from our website to learn how you can help protect these amazing birds in urban environments.
Preserving biodiversity in urban areas is not only our duty but also an opportunity to create healthier and more beautiful cities.
This publication is part of our ‘Building in Harmony with Nature’ project, supported by the City of Dubrovnik. Our aim is to raise awareness about the importance of preserving swifts in cities and propose sustainable solutions that foster coexistence. Swifts are a valuable part of urban biodiversity and symbolize the harmonious relationship between nature, culture, and people in Dubrovnik.
