We just launched the Tools and Resources Hub. This new functionality on the CitiesWithNature platform offers a wide range of reliable resources and cutting-edge tools on biodiversity, nature-based solutions, ecosystem restoration, and more. Local and subnational governments signed up to CitiesWithNature have access to all functions of this database, but anyone can browse, learn and be empowered to act for nature in and around their cities.

Over 200+ carefully curated tools and resources are already available on the hub, and the database will grow further as more tools and resources from ICLEI Regional Offices, partner organisations and cities are added. Local and subnational governments that are signed up to CitiesWithNature are able to upload and share their own tools and resources on the hub. As the hub aims to offer tools and resources that are globally, regionally and/or locally relevant, please upload and share your tools and resources, or if you have not yet joined CitiesWithNature let us know about tools and resources that you specifically would like to see on the hub. All tools and resources shared should be available in the public domain and have an associated weblink that can be used to upload it.  

Cities need to make many choices on a daily basis. The new CitiesWithNature Tools & Resources library is a place where they can find useful and up to date information, practical tools and guidance that will help them make those choices. 

– Amanda Stone, Yarra City Council, Australia

An international celebration took place today at Confluence Park in San Antonio to commemorate the opening of the North American Friendship Garden. The garden is a collaborative effort by the Consulate of Canada in Texas and the Consulate of Mexico in San Antonio together with the City of San Antonio, San Antonio River Authority (River Authority), and San Antonio River Foundation (River Foundation). The public is invited to visit the park to view the garden’s features and learn about the significance of this joint effort.

Located within Confluence Park, an award-winning environmental education park along the banks of the San Antonio River, the pollinator garden is designed to provide a sanctuary for Monarch Butterflies during their international migration, as well as crucial habitat for myriad other pollinators and migratory species. The garden area is approximately 2,500 square feet and includes native grasses, wildflowers, trees, and shrubs. The River Foundation also worked with San Antonio artist Gary Sweeny to create two art benches. Visitors can also view a bug hotel and enjoy locations for thoughtful contemplation and environmental education.

“The Mission Reach of the San Antonio River Walk is a shining example of urban ecosystem restoration that was made possible through the successful collaboration of multiple entities and the North American Friendship Garden is yet another example of the great things that can be accomplished when we all work together for a common goal,” said River Authority General Manager Derek Boese. “We are excited for the public to learn about the important role pollinators play in our environment which we hope will inspire them to become good stewards for our creeks and rivers.”

The idea for the North American Friendship Garden started taking place following the UNESCO designation of San Antonio as a Creative City of Gastronomy, making the city part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network. The City of San Antonio World Heritage Office supports this initiative as pollinators play an important role in the food that we consume, and the San Antonio River serves as a corridor for pollinators like the Monarch Butterfly. The garden is in the heart of the important Central Flyway, supporting the iconic Monarch Butterfly as well as other pollinator and migratory species as they travel between Canada and Mexico using San Antonio as a rest stop. In May of 2020, San Antonio was designated a U.S. Pioneer in the recently initiated CitiesWithNature international platform. CitiesWithNature convenes local governments around the world who prioritize nature-based solutions to climate change, recognize ecosystem services, and provide equitable access to nature and the outdoors.

“Working collaboratively, San Antonio partners can be proud of a legacy of conservation and natural resource protection. From the Edwards Aquifer, to the Bracken Cave Preserve, to the Hardberger Park Land Bridge, and now the North American Friendship Garden, we are investing in natural solutions that support our native wildlife,” said Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “I am grateful to our neighbors who are joining us in this effort to ensure a sustainable future for all.”

“The Consulate General of Canada in Texas is proud to have played a role in conceiving and supporting the North American Friendship Garden, a great symbol of the commitment of the people of Canada, Mexico, the United States, and San Antonio to preserve and protect the flyways of the Monarch Butterfly and other pollinators and birds that link all of us throughout North America,” Dr. Rachel McCormick, Consul General of Canada, said.

“For the Government of Mexico, it is crucial to strengthen trilateral cooperation between Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Our three countries are more than just neighbors; we are partners, allies, and, above all, friends,” said Consul General Rubén Minutti Zanatta. “If we continue working together, boosting cooperation, both at the federal, and especially, at the local level, engaging cities, towns, counties, and communities of all kinds, we will ensure the protection of our shared environments, our biodiversity, and wildlife.”

“Confluence Park was created to help educate visitors on our native habitats and the importance of protecting our natural resources for future generations,” said River Foundation Executive Director Frates Seeligson. “We are extremely grateful to our partners and donors for making this garden a reality as it’s a wonderful compliment to the park’s mission and purpose.”

In addition to the international flair surrounding the grand opening of the North American Friendship Garden, Governor Abbott’s Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office provided a ceremonial document to help commemorate this special occasion in San Antonio.

The living-in.eu platform was launched during the CITYxCITY Festival and
creates the conditions to upscale digital solutions based on iconic projects. Living-in.eu​ ​is
a bottom-up movement which has the ambition to have a positive impact on the quality
of life of at least 300 million European citizens by 2025. The initiative is a cooperation of
Eurocities, Open & Agile Smart Cities (OASC), European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL)
and is supported by the European Commission and the European Committee of the
Regions. The platform will enable Cities & Regions to work together on ​​​​societal
challenges with the help of digital solutions. Through iconic projects, such as Urban
Digital Twins, the Citizen Card and Urban Data Platforms, cities & regions are able to
develop and implement the solution on a local level.

The Ecosystems Management Program in Montreal’s major parks, preserves an essential balance between the protection of environmental integrity and general public access to sites, so that citizens can continue to enjoy the physical and psychological health benefits of nature. Inventories of the flora and fauna are maintained in order to paint a portrait of the major parks’ ecosystems. Through data collection and database management, the City monitors changes within habitats in order to intervene appropriately. When planning the development of a recreational space, such as a trail, the ecosystems portrait allows informed decision-making. Various management actions are carried out in response to the inventories, such as the removal of invasive alien plants and the subsequent planting of native vegetation.

The holes, decomposing wood, and bare branches of Montreal’s trees, both dead and alive, serve as roosts and shelters, as well as feeding and reproduction sites, for a wide range of biodiversity. Woodpeckers, owls and other birds of prey are wildlife trees’ main occupants, but squirrels, raccoons and voles are also found there. In its nature parks, the City preserves wildlife trees and keeps parts of their main branches safely in place. This ensures that the trees can provide this supporting service for wildlife for 20-30 years before decomposing and returning to the earth. The City aims to densify the number of wildlife trees per hectare to support nesting birds and vary the species, sizes, diameters and stages of decay of these trees to promote biodiversity.

Coyotes are very discreet and seek to avoid human confrontation. However, the expansion of coyote territory has resulted in an increased presence of the native species in North American urban areas. In 2017, coyotes were observed in Montreal’s neighbourhoods, causing some concern among residents. To ensure that humans live in harmony with nature in Montreal, a joint action committee was quickly established and a coyote management plan was created. Based on best practices and leading-edge scientific knowledge, its goal is to promote safe coexistence with the coyote. Communication is central to the plan, as well as scientific data collection to better understand the coyote’s behaviours and movements.

The City of Montreal hosts environmental action days in their major parks. These days are designed to engage citizens through concrete action and collective effort. Citizens who take part in these days have an opportunity to contribute directly to the protection of ecosystems in their major parks, while acquiring new knowledge. Mentored by City of Montreal experts, the participants – volunteers of all ages – contribute to picking up garbage left behind, controlling invasive plant species and planting native vegetation, based on the day’s objective.

Montreal has been redeveloping wildlife observatories in its nature parks in the past few years. Promoting collaboration among experts to design facilities that embody principles of sustainable design and construction, while respecting wildlife and environmental imperatives, these facilities allow citizens to observe the surrounding wildlife without disturbing it, thanks to a wall equipped with viewing slots arranged at varying heights to accommodate visitors of all ages and physical conditions. The redevelopment of these observatories also provides opportunities to plant native vegetation and improve the biodiversity of the surrounding area.

Montreal has created a wildlife passage under a Boulevard that is currently being extended through a green corridor to restore habitat quality and enhance connectivity. The Boulevard has, over the past few years been under construction and now runs through a portion of the city’s eastern green belt. This corridor houses significant natural environments including a wooded border and wetlands. The wildlife passage is a 26-metre-long, culvert-type, two-level wildlife passage that was created under the boulevard as part of the construction process. A raised walkway allows species the choice of staying out of the water. Furthermore, approximately 600 native shrubs have been planted to block the incursion of reeds and enhance the area’s biodiversity. Through infrared camera technologies, Montreal has demonstrated the use of the culvert and its surrounding vegetation by a range of species, including the long-tailed weasel and the eastern milk snake.