CitiesWithNature was developed out of a fundamental need by cities and provides a powerful global platform to connect them and other subnational governments with each other, their communities and experts to inspire and learn from one another on their shared journey to integrate nature into cities in a way that benefits both people and nature.

Biodiversity is essential for human survival. Since more than 50% of the human population live in cities now, we must ensure that biodiversity thrives in cities – for our own good!

Whilst the case for nature-based solutions has been thoroughly made, we remain a long way short of mainstreaming green design at all scales in urban ecosystems. The IUCN Urban Nature Alliance looks forward to working with ICLEI and CitiesWithNature in ensuring nature-based solutions become the new normal for cities across the world in the next decade.

Now, more than ever, we need to reconnect with nature, to plan, build and manage our cities with nature! ICLEI and its partners are proud to present this shared global ambition, which aims to enable a growing number of cities and partners to come on board and collaborate.

Cities can help us solve some of the biggest challenges facing the world. Natural solutions in urban areas can protect biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and help us adapt to hotter summers and more frequent storms, and make life better for millions of people. That’s why we need municipal leaders to step up and work for cities with nature and all the benefits that more nature brings.