'Urban biocultural diversity' as a framework for human-nature interactions: reflections from a Brazilian favela

Biocultural diversity (BCD), denoting the 'inextricable link' between biological and cultural diversity, has traditionally highlighted the coevolution between highly biodiverse regions and the ethnic-linguistic diversity of indigenous communities. Recently, European researchers have relaunched BCD as a conceptual foundation for urban greenspace planning capable of overcoming challenges of the ecosystem services paradigm. However, the methodological foundation for this particular approach to 'urban BCD' is still in its infancy, obscuring preciselyhowthe framework is an advancement for studying different urban residents' experience of and connectedness to nature and biodiversity. In this paper, we further develop the urban BCD concept by using the culturally and biologically diverse city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as a 'critical case'. First, we employ qualitative field methods to investigate manifestations of human-nature relationships in thefavela(informal settlement) of Rocinha and the neighbouring Tijuca Forest. Second, we reflect on how the urban BCD framework and methodology emphasise i) interrelationships, ii) varied group values and iii) participation, and iv) are sensitising and reflexive. Our findings challenge the 'usual' narrative aboutfavelasas places of environmental degradation and disaster risk, revealing BCD and nature connectedness that are as related to popular culture, fitness ideals and citizen-building, as to traditional livelihoods and spiritual beliefs. Departing from interrelationships, BCD can portray aspects that a narrow focus on 'services' and 'disservices' cannot, but attention should be paid to how operationalisation risks perpetuating ecosystem services thinking. Nevertheless, we identify promising avenues for its use in highly diverse cities with unequal access to natural areas.

Automated summary

This paper explores the application of biocultural diversity in urban greenspace planning using Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as a case study. The findings emphasize the importance of interrelationships, varied group values, participation, and reflexivity in the urban BCD framework and methodology. The research challenges the traditional narrative about favelas and highlights aspects related to popular culture, fitness ideals, and citizen-building in biocultural diversity and nature connectedness.