Improving biodiversity in Central and Eastern European domestic gardens needs regionally scaled strategies

Abstract

Amid ongoing urbanisation and increasing anthropogenic activities, domestic gardens, while they cannot replace undisturbed habitats, play a valuable role in enhancing urban biodiversity by supplementing green areas and improving landscape connectivity. Moreover, biodiversity-friendly gardens also improve human well-being and foster connections between nature and people. To study these benefits, we distributed an online questionnaire between 2022 and 2023, and used a scoring system to evaluate the ecological value of gardens, garden owners motivations, and pesticide use habits. We used machine learning to explore how these indices interact and what sociodemographic factors drive them across nine Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. Additionally, we explored the differences and similarities between the ecological values of gardens and gardening practices in building high biodiversity. Our findings reveal significant variability both between and within countries, across all three indices with Romania faring low and Czechia reaching high scores in all three indices. Domestic pesticide use was ubiquitous across all CEE and largely unaffected by sociodemographic factors. However, increased time spent with gardening was associated with reduced pesticide use and a greater potential for fostering high biodiversity. Garden owners over 55 tended to follow and uphold longstanding conventional practices and thus lowered both pesticide and garden index scores. The local-scale differences we observed emphasise the need for regionally tailored guidelines for biodiversity-friendly gardening over standardized regulations across Europe. Optimal strategies for effective environmental educational and community programs can be developed based on local biodiversity and the three indices used in this study. To maximize their impact and meet local needs, these programs should educate garden owners about the environmental and health effects of pesticides and offer comprehensive biodiversity-related information across all regions and social strata. This is particularly crucial in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), where such initiatives are currently underrepresented. HighlightsO_LIDomestic gardens can enhance biodiversity and support human well-being. C_LIO_LIStudy conducted across nine Central and Eastern European countries. C_LIO_LISignificant variability both between and within countries in gardening practices. C_LIO_LIImproving biodiversity in domestic gardens needs regionally scaled strategies. C_LIO_LIReducing pesticide use and increasing awareness are key. C_LI