Jacqueline Theis: Breaking the Wall of Nature for All

Jacqueline Theis, University of Otago

I’m breaking the wall between cities and nature with the New Zealand Biodiversity Factor (NZBF), a tool that helps urban professionals design more biodiverse spaces. It provides scores and tailored recommendations for residential, commercial, and transport projects. The NZBF translates ecological knowledge into action by embedding biodiversity into urban planning for the benefit of both people and native wildlife.

Jacqueline Theis, a doctoral ecology candidate at the University of Otago, is embedded in the People, Cities and Nature research programme, funded by MBIE. Jacqueline’s background in ecology, wildlife management and mental health care uniquely positions her to understand the connections between biodiversity, human wellbeing and urban design. Her work translates ecological data into tools for urban professionals, exploring how cities can be transformed into viable habitats for native wildlife and a healthier place to live.