Can nature save our cities from the global water crisis?

Cities around the world experience water as being either too little, too much, or too dirty, and often usually a combination of the three. Rapid urbanisation, climate change, biodiversity loss and landscape degradation mean that many cities are facing chronic water insecurity. In 2023 alone, two-thirds of the global population experienced water stress, while cities from Cape Town to São Paulo have faced severe droughts over the past decade. Meanwhile, excessive rainfall and poor infrastructure left cities like Nairobi and Jakarta struggling with catastrophic flooding.

The growing urban water crisis

The economic cost of flooding is staggering. According to the multinational professional services firm Aon, urban flooding globally caused USD 105 billion in damages in 2021, disrupting economies, displacing millions, and overwhelming emergency response systems. In 2021, record-breaking floods in Germany and Belgium caused over €46 billion in damages, highlighting the vulnerability of even well-developed urban areas.

Water pollution further exacerbates urban water challenges. 80% of the world’s wastewater is discharged untreated into rivers, lakes, and oceans, contaminating drinking water and harming ecosystems. The UN estimates that polluted water leads to 1.8 million deaths annually, primarily due to waterborne diseases. Additionally, industrial waste and plastic pollution in urban waterways disrupt aquatic life and reduce the availability of clean water for consumption and irrigation.

A direct result of climate change is that the hydrological cycle has changed with flows between physical states (liquid, gas, ice and back) speeded up, resulting in more infrequent, shorter, and more intense precipitation in many parts of the world. Floods and droughts follow each other in close succession, while higher temperatures provide a fertile breeding ground for algal blooms and water-borne diseases.

The water sector globally is underinvested with the recently released World Bank report “Funding a Water-Secure Future: An Assessment of Public Spending” finding that in 2023 just 1.2% of public funding was invested in water infrastructure globally. More concerningly, the report finds that the annual funding shortfall to achieve SDG 6.1 (achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all) and SDG 6.2 (achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all) is USD 140.8 billion. 

The question is no longer if cities will be affected by water crises, but rather, how can cities adapt for a more water-resilient future?

A nature-based approach to water resilience

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) offer a powerful, cost-effective way for cities to tackle water challenges. Instead of relying solely on expensive grey infrastructure, cities can leverage natural systems to manage water sustainably. NbS investments are also a way of protecting investments in grey infrastructure by reducing the risk of flood damage, siltation, and salinisation. Green roofs, wetlands, urban forests, and permeable surfaces not only reduce flooding and improve water quality but also enhance biodiversity and create healthier urban spaces. For these investments in NbS to be sustainable it is important that they are included in the municipal asset register, listed as an item of grey infrastructure, such as a dam or a wastewater treatment works. Only then will they attract an annual operation and maintenance budget to keep them in the condition whereby they can continue providing service.

However, there is much work to be done at all levels. Investments in urban NbS projects are on the decline and only 37% of the world’s 500 most populous cities have specific strategies in place to sustainably manage and protect nature. A comprehensive study by the World Economic Forum (WEF) Nature Positive: Financing the Transition in Cities released in 2024 shows that from 2018 to 2023 there was a 47% drop in water-related urban nature finance approvals by the major multilateral development banks. Further, the report finds that only 0.3% of global urban infrastructure spending is allocated to NbS and on average less than 10% of total approved project expenditure from MDBs between 2018 and 2023 was directed towards urban nature projects.

For cities looking to take action, the message is clear: Nature is not an obstacle to urban development, it’s the foundation for a sustainable future.

A call to action for cities worldwide

CitiesWithWater webinar series

The CitiesWithWater webinar series, an initiative under the CitiesWithNature platform, will showcase leading examples of how urban areas are integrating NbS into water management strategies and financing their implementation. Examples include Barcelona highlighting its innovative use of urban wetlands and stormwater harvesting to reduce dependence on external water sources. Similarly, Bogotá has restored its high-altitude wetlands, ensuring long-term water security for its residents while preserving critical ecosystems, while Cape Town is developing a large-scale managed aquifer recharge system using a blended finance model developed with support of the World Bank.

A key takeaway from these discussions is that collaboration between city planners, environmentalists, the private sector, and communities is essential.

Inspiring action through visual storytelling

Recognising the power of visual storytelling, the CitiesWithNature International Photography Competition is inviting photographers to capture how nature is shaping urban water resilience. From rain gardens in Melbourne to mangrove restorations in Manila, powerful images are helping to highlight solutions to water being too little, too much or too dirty. The competition not only raises awareness but also inspires decision-makers to invest in sustainable, nature-based water solutions.

The challenges of urban water management are daunting, but cities do not have to tackle them alone. Through global platforms like CitiesWithNature and initiatives like the CitiesWithWater webinar series, cities can learn from one another and implement tested, scalable solutions. Investing in NBS is not just about securing water for today, it’s about ensuring resilience for generations to come.

Click below to learn more about the upcoming photography competition and webinar series.

Explore CitiesWithWater

With World Health Day coming up on the 7th of April, we reflect on how cities are more than concrete and skyscrapers – they are homes to millions seeking healthier, happier lives. By bringing nature back into the heart of urban living and fostering communities that thrive mentally and physically, cities can reshape how people connect with their environment.

The importance of nature connectedness

Throughout history, humans have been deeply connected to nature, relying on it for survival, from the air we breathe to the water we drink, to the food we grow. Nature connectedness explores how we think, feel, and interact with the natural world. Feeling close to nature fosters a sense of belonging, encourages us to seek it out, and enhances our happiness when immersed in it. Without nature, there is no “us.” When we feel very close to nature, we recognise ourselves as part of the natural world and value our relationship with it. 

Contact with nature has many benefits; studies demonstrate that people with high nature connectedness tend to have frequent, long-term contact with nature, spend more time outdoors, exhibit ecologically aware attitudes and behaviours, and are happier. Moreover, exposure to urban nature promotes pleasant moods. Research shows that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life since nature can generate positive emotions, including calmness, joy, and creativity (Nisbet & Zelenski, 2011). A population survey revealed that a strong connection to nature significantly boosts well-being, with its impact on life satisfaction being four times greater than socioeconomic status (Martin, White, Hunt, et. al., 2020).

By spending more time enjoying and connecting with nature, our society’s motivation to protect it might increase, ultimately supporting a cycle of benefits for people and the environment. The journey to connect with nature begins with an introspection of our ways of being in, engaging with, and relating to nature. The Nature Connection Handbook provides 5 pathways to nature connection:

Sense: explore and experience nature through all senses 

Beauty: seek and appreciate the beauty of the natural world 

Emotion: notice and welcome the feelings nature inspire

Meaning: celebrate and share nature’s events and stores

Compassion: help and care for nature

This approach aligns with GBF Target 12 which aims to ensure biodiversity-inclusive urban planning to improve human health and wellbeing.

The impact of nature connectedness on health and happiness

Numerous studies have shown that access to green spaces in cities has profound effects on human health:

Mental health benefits

Spending just two hours a week in nature significantly reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, according to research published in Nature (2019). Exposure to green environments has been shown to lower cortisol levels, significantly reducing the body’s primary stress hormone.

Physical health improvements

Urban greenery encourages physical activity such as walking, jogging, or cycling, helping combat lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. The presence of trees and parks is linked to improved air quality, reducing respiratory problems.

Community connection

Shared green spaces foster social cohesion and a sense of belonging, helping to reduce loneliness and isolation, especially among vulnerable groups like the elderly.

Examples of urban nature in action

Barcelona’s superblocks: The city has transformed car-dominated streets into vibrant pedestrian-friendly zones filled with greenery. This initiative has reduced air pollution by 25% in some areas and increased physical activity among residents. See Barcelona’s CitiesWithNature profile here.

High line, New York City: This elevated linear park repurposed an old railway track into a lush green corridor, attracting over 8 million visitors annually while improving mental well-being and local biodiversity. See New York’s CitiesWithNature here.

Tokyo’s green walls and rooftops: The city incentivizes green roofs and vertical gardens, providing mental relief and lowering urban heat islands, which improves overall livability.

Singapore’s therapeutic gardens: Designed specifically for mental well-being, these gardens are used for stress relief and dementia care, showcasing how tailored green spaces can address public health needs.

Del Carmen’s Mangrove Management Program: Demonstrated how environmental restoration can enhance both ecosystems and human health. The city created a science-backed plan that not only conserved mangroves but also improved the lives of locals. Key strategies included policy changes, environmental education, and raising awareness about the link between nature and well-being.

Utrecht’s NbS for urban resilience and wellbeing: The city promotes healthy urban living through a green and blue framework that integrates climate regulation, noise reduction, recreation, and cleaner air. The city’s tree policy addresses environmental challenges while providing green spaces for recreation, contributing to the physical and mental well-being of residents.

Examples of urban nature in action

Human health and well-being are inextricably linked to the health of the natural world. International scientific assessments, including the IPCC and IPBES, emphasize that achieving sustainability requires halting and reversing biodiversity loss. The IPBES further claims that sustainable goals will not be achieved without a ‘transformative change’ including an increase in ‘awareness of connectivity in the environmental crisis and new norms regarding interactions between humans and nature’. 

It’s now widely acknowledged that we are facing a triple planetary crisis caused by humans’ use of Earth’s resources. Large-scale political, economical, social and cultural shifts are needed to meet the challenges we face in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution emergencies. The principle of nature connection can be applied at subnational and local levels to foster nature-positive change, enabling communities to lead meaningful, healthy, and happy lives.

Cities and regions with strong ties to nature can drive sustainable development by aligning the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) Targets and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Prioritizing long-term interventions and collective action to protect urban biodiversity is essential to prevent irreversible harm to the natural systems we rely on.

How can your city take action?

Create green infrastructure

Expand urban parks, plant trees, and invest in green roofs and walls.

Prioritize accessibility

Ensure green spaces are safe, inclusive, and accessible to all, particularly in underserved communities.

Promote nature-based activities

Encourage outdoor recreation, gardening programs, and eco-education to foster deeper connections with nature.

Engage the community

Collaborate with local groups, schools, and businesses to co-create spaces that reflect community needs.

By embedding nature into the fabric of cities, we can nurture happier, healthier communities while addressing global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. Cities can transform into thriving ecosystems that serve both the planet and people.

To learn more about what cities are doing for nature visit our Action Platform.

While wetland ecosystems are increasingly being recognized as highly valuable natural assets that provide a wide range of benefits to urban communities, the services they provide are under immense pressure due to rapid urban expansion and human activity. Cities are uniquely positioned to drive local action to protect our wetlands.

Below are five key action areas for cities to mobilize urban communities for wetlands:

1

Incorporate wetland conservation into urban planning and policy

Integrate wetland management goals into municipal development plans, zoning regulations, and climate resilience strategies.

Advocate for wetlands as critical infrastructure in disaster risk management, emphasizing their role in flood mitigation, erosion control, and urban cooling.

Allocate funding for wetland restoration and maintenance as part of city budgets.

2

Promote the role of wetlands in water resource management

Highlight wetlands’ function as natural water filters, improving water quality for drinking and sanitation.

Educate communities about the importance of wetlands in regulating stream flow, preventing floods, and mitigating droughts.

Encourage partnerships between cities and water utilities to protect wetlands as vital water supply sources.

Quote

In the weeks to come, and during our meeting in Rome this February, I will work alongside Parties to build the trust and consensus needed to achieve Peace with Nature, ensuring that the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) translate into tangible action. Securing adequate and predictable financing will be central to our efforts, enabling transformative change for biodiversity while ensuring benefits for communities and ecosystems alike.

– said H.E. Susana Muhamad, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia and President of COP16.

3

Foster public engagement and education

Organize events such as guided wetland tours, birdwatching activities, and clean-up drives to connect urban communities with local wetlands.

Collaborate with schools and universities to use wetlands as outdoor classrooms for environmental education.

Celebrate World Wetlands Day by showcasing wetlands’ cultural, recreational, and ecological value through art exhibitions, storytelling sessions, and public campaigns.

4

Leverage wetlands for climate action and biodiversity

Showcase wetlands’ role in carbon storage and their contributions to achieving climate targets at city and regional levels.

Promote the restoration of urban wetlands as natural climate buffers that reduce the impacts of extreme weather events.

Highlight their role in preserving biodiversity by creating habitat corridors that link urban green spaces and facilitate species migration.

5

Promote sustainable livelihoods and economic opportunities

Encourage eco-tourism and recreational activities like boating, fishing, and wetland safaris to generate local employment.

Support community-based initiatives in wetland restoration, creating jobs and fostering skills in conservation and sustainable resource use.

Showcase the agricultural and economic benefits of wetlands, such as fisheries, fertile soils, and natural resources, as integral to urban food security and poverty reduction.

Learn more about the value of wetlands for cities

Every year, the world’s focus turns to nature as we celebrate special days during the months of May and June. 2024 is no exception. Below, you’ll find a snapshot of the special days celebrated and the rallying call for us to do more to restore our natural world and protect biodiversity so both people and nature can thrive.

World Migratory Bird Day

On World Migratory Bird Day, we recognized the importance of urban nature in cities as critical ecological corridors for migratory birds.

As these creatures journey across continents, urban areas serve as crucial refueling stations, offering a range of insects essential for their sustenance. The realities laid out in the 1st State of the World’s Migratory Species report paint a picture of migratory species in crisis. Rapid urbanization and habitat loss threaten vital stopover sites, endangering the birds that rely on them.

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World Biodiversity Day

On International Day for Biological Diversity, we spotlighted the crucial role of cities in protecting our planet’s biodiversity.

Urban areas, hosting more than half of the world’s population, are significant contributors to the degradation and destruction of nature, exacerbating the decline of biodiversity. In spite of these challenges, cities emerge with innovative and shining examples of actions to protect the environment and shape our collective future.

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Living from, with, in, as nature - IPBES Assessment

Special focus on: Methodological assessment regarding the diverse conceptualization of multiple values of nature and its benefits, including biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services

This assessment reminds us that we are all living from, with, in and as nature.

From nature: emphasizing nature’s capacity to provide resources for sustaining livelihoods, needs and wants of people, such as food and material

With nature: has a focus on life (other than human) such as the intrinsic right of a fish in a river to thrive independently of human needs

In nature: refers to the importance of nature as the setting for people’s sense of place and identity

As nature: sees the natural world as a physical, mental and spiritual part of oneself. 

World Environment Day

This World Environment Day, the focus was on ecosystem restoration.

Ten reasons why cities play a key role in land restoration, combating desertification, and building drought resilience:

  1. The burden of cities: Urban areas, occupying 3% of Earth’s land, are responsible for 75% of resource and energy use, over half of waste, and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions, significantly contributing to land degradation.
  2. Urban restoration for climate change: Restoring urban ecosystems helps cities counter climate change and disasters by enhancing carbon sequestration, reducing emissions, and providing natural disaster protection.
  3. Economic benefits of restoration: Investing in restoration yields up to $30 in ecosystem services per dollar spent. Cities can capitalize on these benefits by incorporating green infrastructure and restoration projects.
  4. Urban biodiversity: Protecting urban biodiversity creates sustainable environments. This includes conserving wildlife habitats through biodiversity considerations in urban planning, governance, and resource allocation.
  5. Sustainable urban planning: Cities can address land degradation by incorporating sustainable land use practices that mitigate climate change impacts, such as increased droughts and heatwaves.
  6. Food security and urban agriculture: Land degradation reduces global food productivity. Urban agriculture can help cities improve food security and reduce the urban heat island effect.
  7. Water management: Land degradation affects water supplies. Cities need sustainable water practices, like rainwater harvesting and restoring natural water bodies, to ensure clean water availability.
  8. Indigenous knowledge: Indigenous communities are vital for conservation. Cities can incorporate traditional ecological knowledge into urban green space management.
  9. Youth engagement: Engaging youth in restoration projects is crucial. Cities should invest in youth-led initiatives to foster new environmental stewards.
  10. Women’s involvement: Women are integral to restoration efforts. Urban policies should promote gender equality and involve women in land use and conservation decision-making.

These points underscore the importance of integrating environmental sustainability into urban planning and policy-making for the well-being of urban communities and the planet.

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World Day to Overcome Desertification and Drought

On World Day to Overcome Desertification and Drought we highlighted how healthy land is crucial across both rural and urban areas.

Urban migration often distances populations from the impacts and management of their natural resources, leading to potential conflict and instability. That’s why cities must UNited4Land to protect our future.

 

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Mexico City, Mexico

In Mexico City, it is possible to observe 356 species of native birds, of which 47 species are in some local or international risk category. Of the total diversity, 120 species are resident. However, a large number of birds migrate or transit from North America to spend the winter, as the city is part of the central flyway, one of the four main routes. Due to this, it is possible to observe 235 species of birds that are in a migration category and that maintain resident populations in the city and also, 121 species that are exclusively migratory.

Migratory birds can find in Mexico City a variety of ecosystems such as forests, scrublands, wetlands and natural grasslands, as well as urban green areas where they can take refuge for several months and then return to their breeding areas. These natural ecosystems are protected in a System of Natural Protected Areas and of Environmental Value Areas, a Ramsar Site, two Important Bird Conservation Areas (IBA) and a complex network of urban green areas.

The Ministry of the Environment develops different activities to provide quality habitat where they can find places of refuge and resupply of food and water, so that they can survive and continue their trips. Hard work has been done restoring natural ecosystems and green infrastructure, establishing 44 million trees and other plants, as well as restoring more than 30 kilometers of rivers. In addition, community brigades are in charge of fire prevention and response, and the removal of waste and invasive plants. These activities are very important for the conservation of natural ecosystems and specifically for wetlands, since the water lily (Eichhornia crassipes) invades until it completely covers them, preventing the arrival of birds by perceiving it from the sky as a green area and not like a body of water.

Due to the lake origin of the city, 34 new wetlands (31.09 hectares) have been created and 722 hectares of these ecosystems have been restored, mainly in Xochimilco and Tláhuac, where the arrival of up to 220 species of birds has been recorded. Additionally, the Bird Beach has been created in the San Juan de Aragón Forest, which is visited by 192 species of birds.

30 million plants have been incorporated into conservation land and 14 million into urban land of 80 species, many pollinated by insects. More than 1,000 pollinator gardens and insect hotels have also been created, in collaboration with 979 trained women and community brigades, which represent a valuable source of resources for nectarivorous and insectivorous birds. This has been complemented by the promotion of agroecological practices in more than 12 thousand hectares and the recovery of 1 million square meters of chinampas, with the participation of more than 40 thousand people from ejidos and communities that inhabit these territories.

The biodiversity monitoring program developed by community brigades allows us to learn about the species that make use of green spaces, integrating citizens in bird watching and nature photography tours and other conservation activities. Thanks to the participation and interest of citizens in the care of urban wildlife, new species and large flocks have been registered.

Definitely, the birds that have surprised citizens the most are the American White Pelican, Wilson’s Phalarope and the Belted Kingfisher observed in wetlands and the flocks of Cedar Waxwing on urban land. Among the most charismatic insectivorous species are the Canada Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Hammond’s Flycatcher, Black-and-White Warbler and others.

Further reading

Socio-environmental rehabilitation favors the arrival of more migratory birds to the Xochimilco Ecological Park
Natural Protected Areas favor the arrival of migratory birds
Mexico City welcomes 229 species of migratory winter birds
Pelicans arrive at the San Juan de Aragón Forest
Gives Xochimilco Ecological Park shelter and food for American white pelicans
Sedema creates insect hotels in Wildlife Conservation Centers

City Government of Puerto Princesa, Philippines

The City Government of Puerto Princesa initiatives thru the office of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (City ENRO):

 

Protected Biodiversity Areas

As the only Highly Urbanized City in the entire region of MIMAROPA, The City Government of Puerto Princesa find it critical to establish protected areas and other biodiversity reserves such as the Palawan Flora, Fauna, and Watershed Reserve (PFFWR), Magarwak Nature Research and Ecological Park (MNREP), Cleopatra’s Needle Critical Habitat (CNCH) and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) that help maintain natural ecosystems and support its community thru its ecosystem benefits. These areas harbor a rich diversity of flora and fauna, rivers, crees and streams, including endangered and threatened species, and serve as an important refuge for wildlife, including migratory birds. Protected areas serve as critical stopover sites where migratory birds can rest, refuel and replenish their energy reserves during long-distance migrations. These areas provide abundant food resources, safe roosting places, breeding grounds, and suitable habitat conditions for birds to recover from the ordeals of their flight during migration. By protecting these areas, Puerto Princesa ensures that migratory birds have suitable stop-over (resting) and nesting sites where they can “feed and rest” during their journeys.

 

Coastal Area Maintenance

Activities like mangrove planting through the “Love Affair with Nature” and CGPP’s Bays Conservation through coastal clean-up initiatives under “Save the Bays”, now on its 9th episode, contribute to the health of coastal ecosystems. Mangroves and bays are critical habitats for insects, numerous marine living things and other small organisms that form the base of the food chain. Puerto Princesa boasts a sprawling coastline spanning 416 kilometers, showcasing a rich diversity of landscapes. Additionally, the mangrove areas within the city cover a total expanse of 6,281 hectares. By maintaining these coastal ecosystems, Puerto Princesa City supports the availability of insects, which in turn supports migratory birds that feed on them.

Love Affair with Nature under City Ordinance No. 287, passed on December 26, 2005, is one of the City Government of Puerto Princesa’s local policy that is focused on rehabilitating and enhancing coastal area management. The said ordinance declared every 14th of February a yearly activity were the large City community participate in mangrove planting. Dubbed and institutionalized as “Love Affair with Nature”, it expanded Valentine’s Day’s expression of love from the customary person-to-person and added a concern to protect mother nature and as a continuing call to ensure the protection and sustainable use of the natural resources. The event heightens awareness of the people on the ecological role of mangroves and other coastal ecosystems in the vital web of life, (Hon. Feliberto S. Oliveros III, December 26, 2005, City Ordinance No. 287 of the 11th Session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Puerto Princesa).

 

Establishment of Nurseries for (Endemic/Local) Forest Tree Species

Establishing nurseries for (endemic) forest tree species and fruit tress not only supports reforestation but also enhances the biodiversity of the locality. Trees provide a natural habitat for a variety of insects, creating a conducive environment for their reproduction and survival. As these forests grow and mature, they become attractive destinations for migratory birds, providing food and shelter. The maintenance of these nurseries provides support to our continuing efforts to reforest denuded areas, bolster private reforestation endeavors and help in providing accomplishment of the exacted Corporate Social Responsibility of our business community. The game plan is to provide these seedlings for free.

Reforestation efforts in Puerto Princesa City is already institutionalized as early as the year 1991 and celebrated annually thru an event called “Pista Y ang Cagueban” (Feast of the Forest) This yearly activity helped restore degraded areas, providing habitats for countless species of plants, animals, insects, fungi, and microorganisms. The efforts help restore and expand habitat for various species of endemic flora and fauna, promoting biodiversity conservation and supporting ecosystem resilience. This activity culminates the consciousness of the City’s inhabitants and a reminder of their responsiblity to help the Government restore its natural forest. City Ordinance No.216 formalized this activity and its annual observance.    

 

Avian Fauna Assessment in Protected Areas and Wetlands.

Given that birds are good barometer of a healthy environment, henceforth, the City Government of Puerto Princesa thru the Office of the City ENRO, essentially focuses on the conduct of periodic annual bird assessment to provide us key information, and data of these avian species to help us understand their role in our ecosystem. The information provided by this activity inculcate in our consciousness the importance of conserving avian fauna biodiversity, maintaining a balanced and healthy ecosystem, and sustaining the benefits that birds provide to society. Bird assessment involves evaluating the status, abundance, distribution, and trends of the bird population. Assessing bird populations such as migratory birds help prioritize conservation efforts by identifying bird species at risk of decline, also, monitoring bird populations provides insight into the overall condition of an ecosystem.

We made an extra step forward by embracing avian eco-tourism in the City to support our local bird assessment effort. We initiated in partnership with the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) the PPUR International Bird Photography Race in November 2015 and is still proceeding up to this year. This annual assessment event under the auspices of an eco-tourism activity, provided us records of both endemic and migratory birds. Data of migratory birds during this activity include rare and first country records. Additionally, the PPUR-IBPR contributes to the local circular economy of the City.

We participate in the annual Asian Waterbird Census with the National Government thru the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). City ENRO’s participation in these monitoring efforts contributes to the broader conservation goals and supports the establishment of key areas for migratory birds such as the Snake Island found in Honda Bay of Puerto Princesa City. Regular monitoring of migratory bird populations helps assess the health of habitats and identify the need for conservation efforts to preserve biodiversity. This data is crucial for understanding their migratory patterns, identifying threats, and implementing effective conservation strategies.

 

Environmental enforcement

The City Government of Puerto Princesa have invested in the field of enforcement. placed under the Office of the City ENRO are the Bantay Gubat (Forest Guardians), Bantay Dagat (Sea Guardians) and Bantay Bakawan (Mangrove Guardians). They are the government arm to impliment and impose obedience to the various environmental laws of the Republic and local policies. Their activities include the deterrent of wildlife trafficking, IEC and cooperation with local partners and the community.

Collaboration with Key Agencies: Working with organizations like DENR and PCSD/S promotes collaboration and the sharing of resources. It promotes a unified approach to bird conservation by combining expertise and data from various stakeholders. Through this collaboration, the following benefits are achieved:

  • Comprehensive Data Collection: Agencies often have more extensive resources and a broader reach, allowing for more thorough data collection and analysis. Our participation helps strengthen this collaborative network.
  • Policy and Regulation Support: Information gathered from monitoring activities informs government policies and regulations related to migratory birds. This collaboration can lead to better enforcement of conservation laws and regulations.
  • Public Awareness and Education: Joint monitoring efforts often include outreach to local communities, and raising awareness about the importance of migratory birds and their conservation. Our involvement helps educate others and promote a culture of conservation.

Contributing to Conservation Outcomes: It is our objective to directly contribute to the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. We are exerting efforts to work with other key partners and support local as well as global community to broaden our environmental objectives, enhance our capability and approach in biodiversity preservation, and widen our understanding of ecosystem health, and the sustainability of natural resources. The current effort of the City ENRO is the establishment of a new RAMSAR site within urban district. We are excited to pursue this project in collaboration with our local and international partners.

Cascais Municipality, Portugal

Cascais Municipality is located on Portuguese coastline, bordered by the Sintra mountains at the north side, and the Atlantic Ocean in the west and south sides. A large portion of municipality, over 28% of territory (2641ha), is inserted in Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and is part of Natura 2000 Network (Sintra/Cascais SCI PTCON0008), a protected area that extends from the coast to the mountains and interior plateau, with several different habitats present, including heathlands, mixed oak and pine forests, mediterranean matorral, dry grasslands rich in orchids, riparian forests and humid tall grasses, sand dunes and costal cliffs and reefs. Ecological network also includes small rivers inside urban areas, urban parks and peri-urban rural areas, as well as a local coastal protected marine area (AMPA). In addition, Cabo Raso Marine Site (PTZPE0061) is located along Cascais coastline and is an important feeding area for pelagic and coastal birds. All these natural areas provide stopover sites for several species during their spring and post breeding migrations. Over 130 migratory bird species have been recorded in Cascais, and around 40 migratory species recorded in Cascais municipality are insectivorous.

Cascais Ambiente is the municipal company for waste management, urban cleaning and ecological infrastructure management, and has been carrying out major efforts for keeping and improving city health, environment, natural resources and quality of life. Among many projects, several actions have been helping to preserve and improve birds and insects habitats and food sources, directly and indirectly.

Habitats management, ecological restoration and adaptation to climate change
Cascais Ambiente is responsible for managing and restoring several areas within Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Quinta do Pisão, a visitation area rich in biodiversity has been actively managed and restored, acting as a pilot area with successful practices expected to be replicated into more areas. It is already possible to see the effects of these practices, as Quinta do Pisão supports highly diverse insect and bird populations, with over 90 bird species recorded during annual monitoring. Recently, Cascais Ambiente started a new project, LIFE ResLand, aiming to adapt natural park and rural peri-urban landscape to climate change, with actions focused on building resilience to wildfires and to improve and restore ecosystems. Major actions being implemented that are expected to promote biodiversity include:

  • Implementation of natural grazing and rewilding practices using roe deer, and native semi-feral breeds of sheep, donkey and horses to manage shrub vegetation, for
    decreasing fuel load and wildfire risk, while increasing vegetation
    diversity and complexity, increasing resources and attracting more insects and birds.
  • Sustainable management and restoration of native forests, riparian forests, and ponds, enhancing their ecological services and increasing the availability of natural habitats and food resources for other animals.
  • Monitoring of birds, pollinators and other biodiversity groups, as ecological indicators for assessing progress of the actions.
  • Work with local community and property owners for future replication of actions in private land.

Other habitat management actions include:

  • Implementation of nature-based solutions for forest pest management (ex.: Spongy moth) such as installation of bird nest boxes and bat shelters to attract natural predators, with high occupation rates over the years.
  • Implementation of cover crops in habitat and pasture edges for increasing food resources and for providing shelter for animals.

Raising awareness and involving the community for nature conservation
Cascais Ambiente has also been caring out extensive work with schools and local communities. Some examples of actions helping to preserve bird and insect habitats and increase awareness for their importance include:

  • Community and youth involvement in several environmental volunteering programs for conservation of forests, sea and coastal habitats (Oxigénio, Natura Observa, + Mar), and main activities are plantation of native trees and shrubs, manual removal of invasive plants, collecting garbage from small rivers and coastline, and construction of insect hotels and nest boxes for birds.
  • Educational projects at local schools and urban green spaces, such as Cascais BioUrbe project, that aim to raise awareness about biodiversity and ecosystem services, to improve local biodiversity and increase knowledge, with installation of nest boxes, bat shelters and insect hotels, among other actions.
  • Implementation of organic community gardens.

Opinion piece by Gareth Presch, CEO, World Health Innovation Summit

Climate change is the single biggest health threat facing humanity. The impacts are already harming health through air pollution, disease, extreme weather events, forced displacement, food insecurity and pressures on mental health. Every year, environmental factors take the lives of around 13 million people. Over 90% of people breathe unhealthy levels of air pollution, largely resulting from burning fossil fuels driving climate change. This is a major problem, especially in urban areas. In 2018, air pollution from fossil fuels caused $2.9 trillion in health and economic costs, about $8 billion a day.

Nature and Health Opportunities

The potential of urban green and blue spaces to generate better health and well-being is clear. Countries around the world are adopting Green Social Prescribing. Green social prescribing is the practice of supporting people to engage in nature-based interventions and activities to improve their mental and physical health. Green social prescribing includes both what is known as green and blue activities. These could include local walking schemes, community gardening projects, conservation volunteering, green gyms, open water swimming or arts and cultural activities which take place outdoors. These activities may be ‘prescribed’ by link workers (and other trusted professionals) alongside other forms of support, for example, referrals to support housing or finances – based on the needs and circumstances of each individual (Global Social Prescribing Alliance).

Image: Nature and Health at COP28

There are numerous known benefits associated with increased exposure to urban nature. This includes health and well-being benefits, such as:

Physical health

e.g. directly, through reduced air pollution and cooling effects, or indirectly, through increased opportunities for physical activity

Mental health and well-being

e.g. stress relief or reducing harms such as noise

Social, cultural and spiritual benefits

e.g. support of urban nature for social contact and cohesion

Education, heritage and creativity

Finland is leading the way with clean cities and towns based on the recent  2023 World Air Quality Report by IQAir. Indeed, the towns of Sodankylä, Utsjoki and Kuusamo in Finland came out as being the least polluted in the world compared with more than 7,800 different places world wide. The concentrations of small particles in the air were measured in 134 different countries and regions in 2023. According to the report, only seven countries fell below the air quality recommendations set by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the concentration of fine particles. According to the organization, the annual average value of small particles in the air should be less than 5 micrograms per cubic meter. In addition to Finland, Estonia, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Mauritius and Grenada fell below the limit. In a comparison of over a hundred capital cities, Helsinki ranked in the top ten in terms of air quality, but even fewer fine particles were measured in the air of the capital cities of Estonia, Iceland, Australia and New Zealand, for example. The most polluted air was in Bangladesh, Pakistan and India. The most polluted capital cities were Delhi in India and Dhaka in Bangladesh.

Ninety-nine percent of the world’s population breathes air that does not meet the limit values ​​set by the WHO and can be harmful to health and air pollution causes seven million premature deaths every year.

Ref: WHO

With 55% of the world’s population living in urban areas and an additional 52.5 billion urban residents expected in the next 30 years, and with 65% of SDG targets being relevant to cities, it’s no surprise the battle for sustainable development will be won or lost in cities

Ref: UN Habitat

A healthy, thriving natural environment is vital for creating resilient urban places. Cities were on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic. The UN’s Report on COVID-19 in an Urban World (2020) noted that 90% of reported cases at that time were in urban areas. While urban density was found not in itself to be a decisive factor in the transmission of the virus,  inequality, inadequate housing, strained health systems, inadequate water and sanitation services and pollution made certain urban areas vulnerable. The pandemic calls for a renewed emphasis on a just and green urban transition, and a renewed focus on addressing inequalities in cities and by promoting nature in cities we can see benefits for citizens.

Image reference: Lancet Planetary

The climate crisis urgently calls to accelerate the shift towards renewable sources of energy. The way cities are planned and managed has a profound impact on energy demand which impacts our health and nature. Compact, well-planned and managed cities, with non-motorised mobility options, green public spaces and natural cooling/temperature regulation measures tend to have below national levels of energy consumption. These transitions will support our health and well-being.

Compact, well-planned and managed cities, with non-motorised mobility options, green public spaces and natural cooling/temperature regulation measures tend to have below national levels of energy consumption.

Financing Nature and Health

As health becomes far more important in determining investment we understand that when health is compromised so is our economic growth. At the Annual Investment  Global Conference 2023 (ref: AIM Report) in Abu Dhabi last year I ran a workshop for the World Association of Investment and Promotional Agencies highlighting the opportunities to invest wisely in health and wellbeing which would deliver long-term economic returns. This was followed up by the COP28 declaration “Healthy Planet, Healthy People” which calls on the health/public sector to support the SDGs with a 1% commitment from the sector’s pension funds (WHS – not for profit fund).  We’re now seeing these new models of healthcare that are focused on the environment and nature ultimately preventing disease while supporting economic growth (New WHIS ESG – Health, Climate Place Based Impact Model). As a result, new opportunities are emerging through partnership working – the establishment of Ecogreen Green Capital (African Focused – Great Green Wall of Africa Foundation) at COP28 and a new fund with the Commonwealth Pacific Climate Fund that will support the Commonwealth’s Small Island Development States for example. 

We must plan and manage our cities in a way that simultaneously accelerates the achievement of SDGs and responds to global megatrends.

Cities must be healthy, sustainable and future-ready with nature at the heart of our plans.

Image: COP28 Declaration & Ecogreen Capital Launched

Kijani Pamoja – based in Tanzania – has joined CitiesWithNature as an official partner! Kijani Pamoja is a youth-led Pan-African re-greening movement to activate, inspire, and educate communities to regreen cities and urban spaces and care for the environment. CitiesWithNature and Kijani Pamoja will collaborate on developing and sharing practical guidance around tree planting – specifically creating Miyawaki forests – as well as awareness raising and advocacy around nature, biodiversity and Green Recovery.

Read more about Africa's green recovery

Kijani Pamoja means “Green Together” and works to unite communities to become restoration leaders and key drivers of the movement. Their mission is to activate financial and human resources to engage communities to take action and plant trees and uber-dense indigenous “mini” forests (Miyawaki Forests) in cities across Africa.

In March 2022, in partnership with the Embassy of Ireland to Tanzania, Kijani Pomoja launched a 10-year urban re-greening movement that aims to plant millions of trees to create thousands of mini-forests across Dar es Salaam. This forms part of their efforts to reduce the country’s largest commercial city’s vulnerability to climate change.

Image gallery

Story and photo credit: John Namkwahe, Communication Lead at Kijani Pamoja

 

Dar es Salaam is estimated to lose about 10% of its trees annually according to IINTERACT-Bio’s 2019 study titled “A Thematic Atlas of Nature’s Benefits to Dar es Salaam”. The study further indicates that by 2040, Dar es Salaam will frequently experience temperatures above 36°C and therefore recommends that tree planting efforts are intensified.

A similar urban re-greening campaign was also launched in Zanzibar on 22 March, implemented by Kijani Pamoja partners to further promote the climate action agenda in the isles. The launch event brought together a number of environmental stakeholders from public entities, private institutions and development partners including embassies to Tanzania.

As a partner organization to CitiesWithNature, Kijani Pamoja aims to address some of the environmental challenges faced by other towns and cities across Tanzania and East African Community (EAC) Member States such as Kenya and Uganda in the near future.

“Protecting and enhancing urban green spaces provides huge benefits to one of Africa’s fastest growing cities. Growing and caring for trees encourages active community participation and improves the mental and physical health of people living in our cities” said Ms. Sarah Scott, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder of the Kijani Pamoja Movement during the organization’s launch in March. Moreover, she appealed to the Tanzanian government, global donor community, private sector, and local communities to join hands and work together to eliminate the existing environmental challenges in the country.

The Tanzanian Government and environmental stakeholders operating in Tanzania including the Embassies and private sector institutions have pledged to support the Movement. In support of the movement, Ms. Jokate Mwegelo – a District Commissioner for Temeke, who officiated the movement launch on behalf of Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Mr. Amos Makala – said, “I am encouraged by the Kijani Pamoja mission and movement to engage various stakeholders plus communities in our country to plant trees and make our cities more livable and sustainable for the future”. She added: “We are all responsible for conserving nature for the betterment of our planet. The Government of Tanzania plays its part to conserve the environment by preserving forests and supporting environmental conservation initiatives in the country”.

The Irish Deputy Head of Mission, Ms. Mags Gaynor, emphasized the crucial role of forests in addressing climate change and protecting our planet. She added that, “Climate action is a diplomatic and development priority for Ireland. Therefore, Ireland is happy to support Kijani Pamoja in this initiative that will contribute to increasing urban forest conservation, mobilizing stakeholders, and inspiring youth to be at a forefront of the movement”.

Light pollution and its impact on migratory birds is the focus of World Migratory Bird Day 2022, a global campaign that aims to raise awareness of migratory birds and the need for international cooperation to conserve them. Activities to mark the day will be held globally under the theme “Dim the Lights for Birds at Night”.

Light pollution is increasing around the globe. More than 80 per cent of the world’s population is currently estimated to live under a “lit sky”, a figure closer to 99 per cent in Europe and North America. The amount of artificial light on the Earth’s surface is increasing by at least 2 per cent each year and could be much greater.

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Natural darkness has a conservation value in the same way as clean water, air, and soil.

A key goal of World Migratory Bird Day 2022 is to raise awareness of the issue of light pollution and its negative impacts on migratory birds.

Solutions are readily available, and we hope to encourage key decision-makers to adopt measures to address light pollution.

~ Amy Fraenkel, Executive Secretary of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) Tweet

Light pollution is a significant and growing threat to wildlife including many species of migratory birds. Every year, light pollution contributes to the death of millions of birds. It alters the natural patterns of light and dark in ecosystems. It can change birds’ migration patterns, foraging behaviours, and vocal communication. Attracted by artificial light at night, particularly when there is low cloud, fog, rain or when flying at lower altitudes, migrating birds become disorientated and may end up circling in illuminated areas. Depleted energy reserves put them at risk of exhaustion, predation, and fatal collision with buildings.

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An enormous diversity of birds, active at night, experience the impacts of light pollution.

Many nocturnally migrating birds such as ducks, geese, plovers, sandpipers and songbirds are affected by light pollution causing disorientation and collisions with fatal consequences.

Seabirds such as petrels and shearwaters are attracted by artificial lights on land and become prey for rats and cats.

~ Jacques Trouvilliez, Executive Secretary of the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA)0 Tweet

Solutions and recommendations to mitigate light pollution

Guidelines on light pollution covering marine turtles, seabirds, and migratory shorebirds were endorsed by the CMS Parties in 2020. Among their recommendations, the guidelines set forth six principles of best lighting practices and call for Environmental Impact Assessments for relevant projects that could result in light pollution. These should consider the main sources of light pollution at a certain site, the likely wild species that could be impacted, and facts about proximity to important habitats and migratory pathways.

New guidelines focusing on migratory landbirds and bats are currently being developed under CMS. They will be presented to CMS Parties for adoption at the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CMS in 2023.

Numerous governments, cities, companies, and communities around the world are already taking steps to address light pollution.

In some cities, particularly in North America, initiatives such as “Lights Out” programmes and bird-friendly building guidelines aim to protect migrating birds from light pollution by encouraging building owners and managers to turn off any unnecessary lighting during migration periods.

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World Migratory Bird Day is a call to action for international migratory bird conservation.

As migratory birds’ journey across borders, inspiring and connecting people along the way, it is our aim to use the two days in 2022 to raise awareness of the threat of light pollution and the importance of dark skies to bird migrations.

~ Susan Bonfield, Director, Environment for the Americas Tweet

More information

About World Migratory Bird Day

World Migratory Bird Day, celebrated in both May and October each year, is organized by a collaborative partnership among two UN wildlife treaties – the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds

(AEWA) – and the non-profit organization, Environment for the Americas (EFTA). The 2022 campaign is also being actively supported by the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) Secretariat, BirdLife International and a growing number of other dedicated organizations. World Migratory Bird Day highlights the importance of international cooperation for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. For the peak day in May, more than 200 registered events in over 30 countries to mark World Migratory Bird Day 2022 will include bird festivals, education programmes, media events, bird watching trips, presentations, film screenings and a benefit concert to raise funds for international nature conservation.

These events are hosted by governments, parks, schools, libraries, and numerous other groups and range from bird walks to educational workshops and festivals. Some events are offered virtually.

In the Americas, upcoming virtual events include an expert-led webinar on bird migration hosted by the National Audubon Society and a conversation with bird-glass collision researcher and author Daniel Klem Jr. hosted by Environment for the Americas on May 12th. There will be a virtual art activity and reading of the children’s book What if Night? with author Paul Bogard and illustrator Sarah Holden on May 13th.

The East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) established a special WMBD Small Grant Fund to provide financial support to EAAFP Partners and collaborators to raise awareness on the need of conserving migratory waterbirds and the value of their habitats in the East Asian – Australasian Flyway. The EAAFP also published a special newsletter to mark World Migratory Bird Day 2022.

Why celebrate World Migratory Bird Day on two days?

Traditionally observed on the second Saturday of May and October, the two celebrations of World Migratory Bird Day are a way to reflect the cyclical nature of bird migration as well as the fact that there are varying peak migration periods in the northern and southern hemispheres. The two-day observance of World Migratory Bird Day also gives more people the chance to celebrate and contemplate migratory birds during peak migration times in different parts of the world.
www.worldmigratorybirdday.org

About the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)

An environmental treaty of the United Nations, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) provides a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats. This unique treaty brings governments and wildlife experts together to address the conservation needs of terrestrial, aquatic, and avian migratory species and their habitats around the world. Since the Convention’s entry into force in 1979, its membership has grown steadily to include 133 Parties from Africa, Central and South America, Asia, Europe and Oceania.
www.cms.int @bonnconvention

About the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA)

The Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) is an intergovernmental treaty dedicated to the conservation of migratory waterbirds that migrate along the African-Eurasian Flyway. The Agreement covers 255 species of bird ecologically dependent on wetlands for at least part of their annual cycle. The treaty covers 119 range States from Europe, parts of Asia and Canada, the Middle East and Africa. As of today, AEWA currently has 82 Parties, 44 from Eurasia (including the European Union) and 38 from Africa.
www.unep-aewa.org @UNEP_AEWA

Environment for the Americas (EFTA)

EFTA is a Colorado-based non-profit organization that provides bilingual educational materials and information about birds and bird conservation to raise awareness of migratory birds and to promote actions that protect migratory birds throughout the Americas.
https://www.environmentamericas.org/

Related links:

World Migratory Bird Day – @WMBD
Resources Page Social Media Trello Board
Global Event Map | World Migratory Bird Day

CMS COP13 Resolutions and Decisions on Addressing Light Pollution:

CMS Resolution 13.5 “Light Pollution Guidelines for Wildlife”
Annex of Resolution 13.5 – National Light Pollution Guidelines for Wildlife including Marine Turtles, Seabirds and Migratory Shorebirds
Decisions 13.138 to 13.139 – Light Pollution Guidelines for Wildlife

To implement nature-based solutions successfully in urban areas we need smart policies and effective ways of working together with many different stakeholders. The Urban Nature Atlas is a great place to learn from various nature-based solutions that cities have already implemented. Take a look at this database developed by CitiesWithNature partner organisation Naturvation below. 

Visit Naturvation's website

But what policy instruments can we use in cities to encourage nature-based solutions such as ecosystem restoration or sustainable urban drainage systems? A new database, the Urban Governance Atlas, will provide proven policy instruments. They are inviting people to nominate policy instruments that could be included in the database until 30 June:

The Urban Governance Atlas (UGA) will be an interactive online database of around 250 good practice policy instruments that support the use of nature-based solutions (NBS) for urban ecosystem restoration and more inclusive green space planning. The first database of its kind, the UGA will allow users to explore a different kinds of policy instruments being applied across the world, especially those coming from countries in the EU and Latin America. By focusing on instruments that have been proven to work well, the UGA will support cities to become greener and more inclusive and serve as a resource for civil society, the scientific community, and wider audiences.

In addition to serving as a resource, the UGA provides an opportunity for you to share your knowledge and be part of a global community working on NBS. By helping us to fill in the UGA, your organization or project logo can also be featured on the website! Sound interesting?

  1. Nominate policy instruments for us to include in the database (email these to mckenna.davis@ecologic.eu); and
  2. Fill out a short questionnaire per instrument (for more information, visit our informational page and watch our short introductory video)

For any questions, please contact mckenna.davis@ecologic.eu. Thank you for your support and we look forward to hearing from you!

Nominations and inputs are welcome until  30 June 2022.

Source: https://oppla.eu/urban-governance-atlas-call-contributions

What's in a name?

Speaking of nature-based solutions, what exactly are they? Definitions matter and there has been a fair amount of debate about how nature-based solutions should be defined. At the UN Environment Assembly earlier this year, the following definition was adopted:

Nature-based solutions are ‘actions to protect, conserve, restore, sustainably use and manage natural or modified terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems, which address social, economic and environmental challenges effectively and adaptively, while simultaneously providing human well-being, ecosystem services and resilience and biodiversity benefits.’

Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park in Tokyo, Japan. Photo by DLKR on Unsplash

CitiesWithNature offers the latest NbS tools & resources

The Tools & Resources Hub on the CitiesWithNature platform provides easy access to a wide range of reliable resources and cutting-edge tools on nature-based solutions. All in one place, and for free.

Visit our tools & resources hub
Get access here

Montréal in Canada is leading the way by weaving nature into its urban fabric. The city, which hosts the Secretariat of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), works on various initiatives to protect ecosystems, promote nature in the city and encourage residents to take part in local initiatives, as part of the city’s ecological transition. 

Not only was Montréal among the pioneer cities to join CitiesWithNature, the CitiesWithNature initiative was launched in Montréal in 2018 at the ICLEI World Congress by the founding partners ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

Montréal’s city profile on CitiesWithNature, introduces the city’s considerable nature initiatives and key policies, plans and projects that they have shared on their Nature Pathway.

Visit Montréal’s city profile

One of these initiatives is Montréal’s shiny new insectarium that aims to connect people with nature through an innovative approach. The insectarium is the first museum in North America that provides people the opportunity to get up close to living insects as they move around freely in immersive habitats. Montréal’s Mayor, Valerie Plante, recently opened the redesigned space.

Read more about the Insectarium

One of the iconic insects featured at the insectarium is the monarch butterfly. This eye-catching species is renowned for its long-distance migration from Canada through the USA to Mexico. Given this migration pattern, the local actions of cities and citizens matter on a global level: protecting the monarch’s habitat and its food plants throughout North America is essential for the survival of this species.

Similarly, another leading CitiesWithNature city, San Antonio in Texas, planted the North American Friendship Garden in collaboration with counterparts from Mexico and Canada. This garden includes a pollinator garden to provide a sanctuary for monarch butterflies during their international migration. Read more about this inspiring initiative.

Photos by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash

Further reading

Montreal demonstrates tangible action in building CitiesWithNature - includes good practice sheets
Montréal Mayor Valérie Plante appointed ICLEI Global Ambassador for Local Biodiversity