ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews existing information on the links between people and urban ponds, based on a literature review of ponds in cities. It focuses on how urban ponds benefit people and the impact that urban populations may have on ponds. Urban ponds represent a wide array of small water bodies with very different functions. These can be related to their utilitarian value, their aesthetic significance or their benefits for biodiversity. The creation of urban ponds that are specifically aimed at enhancing species richness or attractiveness for people or ponds with multiple functions. The intangible values of urban ponds, such as their aesthetic appeal, contribution to sense of place or impact on mental health. This is unfortunate, because urban ponds and small wetlands are important to people in cities, as illustrated by public support and actions to protect or restore specific urban wetlands and roadside ponds.
