Uploaded on 2017-06-23 by Fabienne Mitev

Ecosystems in the greater Zurich Area Provisioning services In and around the city of Zurich there are numerous provisioning services. Within the city there is a well functioning blue network (lake, rivers and brooks), which not only supply food and fresh water but as well provide a large possibility of recreation. The green network (parks, trees alongside the streets, in courtyards, vineyards in the city etc.) is increasing with e.g. urban gardening not only on private balconies but as well in public space (e.g. Zürich Europaallee “Veg and the City”). Just around the city you will find immediately and everywhere agriculture and large spaces of woods. On the picture added you can see public urban gardening. Regulating services The city of Zurich has as above mentioned a blue and a green network. The lake, the rivers and brooks help to cool down the temperatures in summer time. We have quite a few parks within the city, but the government understood, that we have to increase the amount of parks and trees (and with that as well the not sealed pavement). Every new development or redevelopment needs to have a certain percent of green ecological area by law. Habitat or Supporting services The city of Zurich undertakes every effort to support many different species to live within the city. So you may find for example bee housing on the top of newly built high buildings (e.g. Europaallee). Or between the rails there is a tremendous offer of an habitat for very different animals and plants. Just next to the city lays a very famous nature experience park which offers a combination of forest, wilderness and animals. In 2009 the Sihlwald forest was officially designated a “nature discover of national importance”. The Sihlwald is both recreational space and an impressive natural experience. Cultural services In the middle of Zurich you just may jump into the river Limmat or have a swim in the lake of Zurich. With its surrounding parks you have a great offer for recreation, everywhere you will find playgrounds and a lot of trees to give you shade. Or you can hike on the top of the “house mountain” Uetliberg. It is a very attractive place for tourist, as in very small distance you will find different landscape in no time.