Author(s): Maria Ignatieva

NZ Natural History

Low Impact Urban Design and Development (LIUDD) is a sustainable living concept. Urban sustainability and health are achieved through effective management of stormwater, waste, energy, transport and ecosystem services. The greening of cities by planting ecologically with local species is also a vital part of the overall well-being of ecosystems and citizens. Biodiversity or nature heritage contributes to enduring sense of place or identity - a key element of nationhood. This manual is for the town dweller, developer, landscape designer and planner - and provides practical applications from nearly a decade of LIUDD research across New Zealand. It summarises and links to information regarding the physical and built environment, but its focal point is nature heritage and overcoming attrition and critical loss.