Considering the ways biocultural diversity helps enforce the urban green infrastructure in times of urban transformation

•Biocultural diversity (BCD) is a reflexive concept for studying human–nature relationships.•BCD is a useful tool when planning and managing for inclusive and ecologically sound UGI.•BCD helps identify changes in human–nature interactions and reconnect people with nature. Traditionally, biocultural diversity (BCD) has been researched in non-western and indigenous societies. Recently, it has also been applied in urbanized and industrialized societies, in particular for the planning and management of urban green infrastructure (UGI). Diversity in human and biological systems is considered to support cities’ adaptation capacity. However, diversity might also increase the risk of conflicts. In this paper, we discuss not only how the BCD approach could strengthen studies on human–nature interactions in an urban context, but also the potential pitfalls of applying BCD. By means of two examples of BCD research, that is people in-places and people-making UGI in cities, we argue that BCD as a reflexive concept can strengthen UGI planning and management.