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ASLA Survey: Biodiversity Deemed Top Priority10-03-24 | News

ASLA Survey: Biodiversity Deemed Top Priority

Nature Based Solutions Paramount
by Rebecca Radtke, LASN

Landscape architecture as a profession is seeing an increasing need for nature based solutions.

According to the results of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) first national survey on landscape architects' planning and design, professionals are deeming biodiversity as the number one priority.

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The survey, given in July 2024, saw nearly 300 landscape architects, educators, and designers across the U.S. voicing their opinions on the topic which would that 96% of landscape architects are familiar with the impacts of biodiversity. Meanwhile, 45% have made biodiversity conservation a top priority of their practice while another 41% consider biodiversity apart of their environmental ethos.

Some challenges also noted were client demand, public awareness, financial resources, native plant supply, training for maintenance teams, policy and regulatory obstacles, and increased development in natural areas.

"This survey shows that a growing share of landscape architects are taking action on global biodiversity loss," said ASLA CEO Torey Carter-Conneen. "A majority of landscape architects are now designing nature-based solutions and incorporating native trees and plants with the goal of restoring ecosystems."

The survey notes that many landscape architects are leveraging projects that increase biodiversity and restore ecosystems while also using a range of planning and design strategies to increase biodiversity, regardless of the project type.

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