Local knowledge, lasting impact: Cities and traditional practices coming together in wetland management

Nature provides diverse life-supporting and life-enhancing contributions to people. Nature’s contributions to people underpin human survival, well-being, and quality of life. As we join the world in observing World Wetlands Day 2026, around the theme of Wetlands and traditional knowledge – celebrating cultural heritage, we reflect on the important role that ecosystems like marshes, swamps, and estuaries play within the urban and peri-urban context.

The value of wetlands for our cities

The value of wetlands for cities is well documented and there are many practical guidance tools and examples of best practices from around the world. For example, wetlands provide:

  • Flood regulation: Wetlands absorb and store stormwater, reducing flood peaks and protecting urban infrastructure.
  • Water purification: Wetlands filter pollutants, nutrients, and sediments, improving water quality.
  • Climate regulation: Wetlands store carbon in soils and vegetation and cool surrounding areas through evapotranspiration.
  • Biodiversity support: Wetlands provide habitats for birds, fish, amphibians, and pollinators, including migratory species.
  • Groundwater recharge: Wetlands allow water to infiltrate and replenish aquifers.
  • Coastal and riverbank protection: Wetlands reduce erosion and buffer storm surges in coastal and riparian cities.
  • Human well-being: Wetlands offer recreational, educational, and cultural benefits, enhancing mental and physical health.
Tools and resources
Use the search bar to find wetland resources

Threats to wetlands

Notwithstanding their contributions to people, wetlands are considered one of the most endangered habitats globally. The Global Wetlands Outlook, produced by the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) of the Convention on Wetlands, indicates that since 1970, approximately 22% of the global total hectares covered by wetlands have been lost, and about 25% of the remaining wetlands are in poor ecological condition. This trend is driven by several interacting pressures, including land use change due to agricultural expansion and urbanization, pollution, infrastructure development, and the impacts of climate change. Combined, these factors make wetland restoration more complex and urgent. The top three drivers of wetland loss and degradation are linked to cities through urban and industrial pollution, urban development, and infrastructure. 

According to the United Nations, 55% of the world’s population currently lives in urban areas, with this number projected to grow to 68% by 2050. Within this context of rapid urbanization, cities and nature are often seen as incompatible: either biodiversity suffers as cities grow, or city growth is constrained in an effort to protect nature. 

Considering nature’s contributions to human survival, well-being, and quality of life and that – according to the World Economic Forum – half of the world’s GDP relies on nature, we must change the narrative, and stop thinking that cities and nature cannot coexist. We need to reframe, reimagine and create cities along a nature positive development trajectory where cities are key contributors towards safeguarding and restoring biodiversity and ensuring equitable and sustainable use of natural assets. It is crucial that cities recognize wetlands’ contributions to urban resilience, infrastructure and to the well-being and quality of life of urban communities. Cities should prioritize mainstreaming wetland protection, restoration and sustainable use in their policies and decisions, and be encouraged to apply for accreditation under the Convention on Wetlands’ City Wetland Accreditation scheme.

The importance of stakeholder participation and indigenous knowledge in wetland management

The 2026 theme for World Wetland’s Day focuses on linkages between wetlands, traditional knowledge and cultural heritage, acknowledging the important role that Indigenous Peoples, local communities and culture have played over centuries in protecting wetlands. Increasingly, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) are being recognized as the true guardians of nature. Drawing from deep cultural ties and ancestral ecological knowledge, Indigenous stewardship provides critical frameworks for environmental management. Scientific evidence increasingly validates how these local practices actively fortify and enrich biodiversity.

Over the past two decades, IPLCs have become more politically empowered and often play a substantial role in negotiating complex co-management agreements. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was the first multilateral environmental agreement to use the term “Indigenous Peoples” in official documents and encouraged Parties to promote, recognize and strengthen the active participation of IPLCs. More recently, at CBD COP16, held in Cali in 2024, Parties adopted the establishment of  a dedicated subsidiary body for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.

As cities continue to evolve, there is growing recognition of the importance of better integrating IPLCs’ perspectives into urban planning, especially as they now increasingly live in urban areas. Nearly 60% of Panama’s Indigenous people live in Panama City, with a similar concentration found in Maracaibo, Venezuela. This trend extends across the region, where major hubs like La Paz (Bolivia), Santiago (Chile), San José (Costa Rica), and Fernheim (Paraguay) house up to 40% of their respective nations’ total urban Indigenous residents. This trend highlights a global opportunity to bring traditional knowledge more systematically into urban environmental policy, advancing social equity and strengthening efforts to address climate change and biodiversity loss.

Wetlands, cities, IPLCs, and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK)

Today more and more cities and regions are aware of the benefits of protecting biodiversity, while also driving economic prosperity. This is achieved through sustainable livelihoods and urban development models focusing on reimagining and creating urban settlements that coexist with nature and include perspectives from IPLCs.

For example, in Kabin Buri, along the Bang Pakong River in Thailand, a group of stakeholders are developing a management plan for the site that promotes Ramsar’s “wise use of wetlands” concept, benefiting both local communities and biodiversity. Drawing from traditional practices, the management plan promotes the Na Kha Wang rice system, which combines rice paddies and natural aquaculture.

As the first recipient of the Wetland City Accreditation in Latin America, Valdivia, Chile, serves as a premier model for urban wetland management. Its institutional framework demonstrates that environmental protection can simultaneously drive employment and food security. This achievement is inseparable from the city’s history of local and Indigenous activism, where IPLCs have served as frontline defenders of the ecosystem for decades.

Research work undertaken at Jabiru, Australia (Kakadu National Park) focuses on understanding indigenous values and priorities for wetlands to help guide management actions, such as weed management, showcasing collaboration in highly biodiverse areas. 

The Rights of Wetlands Project being implemented in Lamu, Galole, and Garsen, Kenya (Tana River Basin), actively involves IPLCs to understand how their beliefs, knowledge and practices align with the management of wetlands. This has stimulated great discussions on how ecosystem conservation and community rights can holistically fit together to deliver long-term benefits. 

Bogotá, Colombia showcases a dual approach to Indigenous-led urban resilience. While the Mhuysqa Indigenous community of Bosa work to protect wetlands as sacred sites for their cultural memory and well-being, collaborative initiatives with Embera Indigenous communities are deploying ‘treatment wetlands’ (TWs) for wastewater management. By centering community participation, these projects ensure that urban infrastructure aligns with both ecological needs and Indigenous priorities

These examples highlight a growing movement toward collaborative wetland management, which is often more effective due to the deep ecological knowledge held by IPLCs. As we move forward in the implementation of community-based projects, it is important to stress that not all biodiversity initiatives engaging IPLCs are successful given the lack of clarity of the policies designed at the central level or the neglect of local interests. Research demonstrates that project success is directly linked to the active involvement of IPLCs in co-design, the formal recognition of customary institutions, and a balanced approach that secures both immediate community benefits and long-term support for ecosystem maintenance.

In honor of World Wetlands Day, let’s support the vision of IPLCs, learn from their stewardship experiences, and amplify their leadership. Sustainable wetland management is a shared victory, but it requires harmonious partnership between citizens, government officials, enterprises, NGOs, and many others, working together to combine indigenous knowledge with scientific evidence. When we empower local stewards, we protect global biodiversity and create stable economic opportunities.

As cities, regions and urban areas continue to grow, these lessons and new opportunities will hopefully allow for wetlands to be valued for their unique life-supporting functions and services; and more importantly, expand the network of actors, solutions, and connections that form our urban wetlands tapestry.

The CitiesWithNature and RegionsWithNature platforms — formally recognized under CBD Decision 15/12 as the official mechanisms for local and subnational biodiversity reporting — are now being integrated into the Convention on Biological Diversity’s (CBD) Clearing-House Mechanism.

Following close collaboration between the CBD technical team and platform developers, data from CitiesWithNature and RegionsWithNature will begin automatically feeding into the CBD clearing house system from 30 November 2025, under Decision 16/32 (Annex 2).

How this works

Once cities and regions submit or update their commitments and actions on either platform, this information will flow directly into their respective national dashboards within the CBD system. National governments will then have four weeks to review and either accept or decline the information as part of their country’s official progress toward implementing the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). If no response is received within this period, the submission will be automatically accepted. For U.S. cities and regions, data will be accepted automatically, as no national review process applies.

Why this matters

This represents a significant advancement for subnational and local biodiversity reporting. CitiesWithNature and RegionsWithNature remain the only non-state actor platforms with a formalized process for transmitting local and regional data directly into the CBD system. According to the CBD Secretariat, this is the only recognized pathway for subnational and local governments to contribute information towards the Global Biodiversity Stocktake.

Get involved

Cities and regions are encouraged to continue using the CitiesWithNature and RegionsWithNature platforms to record and update their commitments and progress, ensuring that their contributions are captured and reflected in global biodiversity assessments.

As preparations advance for CBD COP17 in Yerevan, Armenia in 2026, this milestone underscores the growing recognition of cities and regions as essential actors in achieving the global biodiversity goals set out under the KMGBF.

Report on CitiesWithNature
Report on RegionsWithNature

At the 2025 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress (WCC), experts discuss how integrating nature into urban planning is essential for building resilient, sustainable, and equitable cities. Considering a substantial portion of the global GDP is generated in cities, the way urban areas work with nature has a profound impact on both people and the planet.

Ingrid Coetzee (Director, Biodiversity, Nature & Health, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability), Rogier van den Berg (Global Director, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities), Alec Crawford (Director, Nature for Resilience, International Institute for Sustainable Development), and Edwin Andrews (Deputy Mayor, Cape Town, South Africa) explore how cities can align urban growth with ecological sustainability—through nature-based solutions, collaborative governance, and rights-based approaches that improve quality of life for all.

Credit: International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)

Video Producer: Rosalie Boyle

Videographer: Andres Felipe Carvajal Gomez

For more information about the IUCN World Conservation Congress, please visit: https://enb.iisd.org/2025-iucn-world-conservation-congress

Korean local governments engage at CitiesWithNature capacity-building workshop

On Wednesday, 16 April, the ICLEI Korea Office took center stage at the “2025 World Local Government Climate Summit” with a special side event: the CitiesWithNature Capacity-Building Workshop for Korean Local Governments. This interactive session was designed to elevate understanding of the CitiesWithNature initiative and empower ICLEI member cities in Korea to fully engage with this pioneering platform. With around 13 local governments and institutions participating, the workshop spotlighted how local action can lead global change in biodiversity and nature-based solutions.

 

In her welcome address, Kobie Brand, ICLEI Deputy Secretary General, laid out ICLEI’s global vision for embedding biodiversity and ecosystem thinking into urban development. She traced the journey that led to the creation of CitiesWithNature, ICLEI’s flagship initiative, which envisions cities where nature and people thrive together. Emphasizing the importance of collective effort, Ms. Brand stated that no city can act in isolation. Building strong city partnerships, she said, is vital to secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Recognized under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), CitiesWithNature is not just another network, it’s a dynamic platform grounded in policy action and real-world implementation. Ms. Brand also considered the upcoming UNFCCC COP30 in Belém, Brazil, calling it the “Nature COP.” She underscored the urgent need to bridge the climate-biodiversity divide and placed local governments at the heart of this integration through CitiesWithNature.

“To act globally, it is important to build partnerships with local governments. CitiesWithNature will serve as a hub for collaboration and joint action between cities.”

~ Kobie Brand, Deputy Secretary General of ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability

Korean and Chinese cities take bold action in global biodiversity efforts

Highlighting regional momentum, Ms. Miyeon Yoo, ecological expert from Yeoncheon County, Korea, shared how her county’s UNESCO-designated areas are aligning with the CitiesWithNature movement. Guided by a vision of “conservation tourism,” Yeoncheon has crafted a unique governance model for managing the Imjin River, now both a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Global Geopark. The county runs a variety of conservation, ecotourism, education and culture programs, with a strong focus on biodiversity monitoring and youth engagement.

Since joining ICLEI in 2023, Yeoncheon has rapidly grown its international profile, co-hosting events like the “Yeoncheon UNESCO International Symposium for Future Generations” and featuring in the CitiesWithNature Guide Nature Values and Valuation for Cities. In 2024, the Imjingang River area was also designated as a Flyway Network Site under the East Asian–Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP). Yeoncheon is now preparing to launch the Yeoncheon UNESCO Center, which will serve as a key base for expanding its nature-based development strategies and a model for other Korean cities.

From China, Ms. Ge Liu, Strategic Manager at the ICLEI East Asia Secretariat, highlighted the country’s leadership in biodiversity policy. As the co-host of CBD COP15, China elevated its “Ecological Civilization” strategy and rallied local governments across the country to join CitiesWithNature. Thanks to these efforts, 26 Chinese cities joined the platform following COP15 and COP16, with several recognized as “Biodiversity Charming Cities” for their leadership and innovation.

China’s strong presence at the 7th Summit for Subnational Governments & Cities, along with city-led events like “China Day,” demonstrates a powerful commitment to international biodiversity partnerships. Moving forward, Chinese cities are actively applying tools like the City Biodiversity Index (CBI) and Local Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (LBSAPs), with ICLEI support, to turn national ambitions into local action.

Unveiling the CitiesWithNature Action Platform Handbook: Empowering Korean local governments

Minwoo Chun of ICLEI Korea took the stage to introduce the practical tools and strategies available through CitiesWithNature. Chief among them is the Action Platform, a powerful mechanism that helps local governments align their goals with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) adopted at CBD COP15. Through this tool, cities can declare nature-based commitments, set measurable goals, and transparently track progress, demonstrating the subnational push behind the global biodiversity agenda.

 

With the official launch of the CitiesWithNature program in Korea this year, ICLEI Korea is preparing a series of practical resources including issue briefs, dialogue reports, guides, and case studies designed to inspire and equip local policymakers. Best practices from Korean cities will also be amplified on the global stage through ICLEI networks, creating a cycle of learning and inspiration.

 

To support this evolution, ICLEI Korea is transforming its Strategic Planning Team into the “Climate and Nature Team” starting in 2025, signaling a deeper commitment to integrated action on climate and biodiversity. As implementation of both the Paris Agreement and the GBF accelerates, such convergence is no longer a choice – it’s a necessity. ICLEI Korea stands ready to champion biodiversity-forward cities through CitiesWithNature in the years ahead.

Ingrid Coetzee, Director, Nature Biodiversity & Health, ICLEI CBC

The 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16) recently took place in Cali, Colombia, bringing together governments and organizations from across the globe to address escalating biodiversity loss.  While COP16 may not have concluded as hoped, many achievements were made.

Cities and regions were applauded as key actors that are stepping up to play a pivotal role in protecting natural ecosystems. At the forefront of these efforts are the CitiesWithNature and RegionsWithNature initiatives, which empower local and subnational governments to take concrete actions towards biodiversity conservation.

The 8th Summit for Subnational Governments and Cities, which took place on 26 October 2024 in the main plenary negotiation hall, brought together Governors, Mayors, and other subnational leaders from across the globe to collaborate with national officials and key stakeholders to discuss local and regional biodiversity initiatives, aimed at supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the Plan of Action outlined in Decision 15/12. 

The 8th Summit was widely lauded as a true demonstration of a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, and saw many key announcements relating to CitiesWithNature and RegionsWithNature. Additionally, Plaza Quebec at COP16, funded by the Government of Quebec, provided a vibrant space for all of the Major Groups, including subnational and local authorities, to hold dynamic sessions and discussions for the full two weeks of the COP.

Strong results for CitiesWithNature and RegionsWithNature

CitiesWithNature and RegionsWithNature have become pivotal tools for implementing biodiversity strategies at multiple government levels. By creating a framework through which cities and regions can showcase and report on their progress, these platforms enable them to support National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and contribute towards global biodiversity objectives. Today, over 350 cities and regions from 77 countries are part of these initiatives, with Beijing being the 350th member city, symbolizing China’s growing role in the global biodiversity movement. Several Chinese cities, all part of CitiesWithNature, that have significantly promoted local biodiversity initiatives were also recognized at the Summit for Biodiversity Charming Cities Best Practices. The most recent cities awarded this accolade are Anji City, Beijing City, Beilun District of Ningbo City, Lishui City, Ninghe District of Tianjin City, Ordos City, Shaoxing City, Shiyan City and Xiamen City.

In a landmark moment for global conservation efforts, over 100 new cities and regions have joined the CitiesWithNature and RegionsWithNature partnerships since COP15, demonstrating a growing commitment from local governments worldwide to address biodiversity challenges and contribute to the GBF. These initiatives, endorsed by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD), provide a collaborative platform where local and subnational governments can report on and track their contributions towards national and global biodiversity goals.

Cali, Colombia, host city of COP16 and co-host of the 8th Summit, also joined the CitiesWithNature initiative. “As Mayor of Cali, it’s an honor to be host of this historic moment, at a crucial point in time, in which nature is asking us to take important measures,” said Mayor Alejandro Eder. “It’s not a choice, but an imperative need, and not one that falls to a single country or government. Our planet is demanding we do more – and cities are at the center of this discussion. Cities are, and will be, the epicenter of change: We have the creativity, talent and will to protect our planet, starting right here in cities.”

Alejandro Eder, Mayor of Cali, Colombia

Bold steps for subnational action in Brazil

One of the most significant announcements made at the recent Summit came from Brazil, where the Brazilian Association of State Environmental Entities (ABEMA) declared that every state in the country would be joining the RegionsWithNature initiative. This historic step makes Brazil the first nation to have all its states sign up for RegionsWithNature. This collective commitment highlights Brazil’s recognition of the critical role of regional governance in biodiversity protection, and aligns with the country’s dedication to preserving its rich ecosystems and natural heritage.

Expanding regional action

Recognizing the need to provide a platform that addresses the specific needs of regions, Regions4 and ICLEI launched the RegionsWithNature Action Platform, as part of the RegionsWithNature initiative, at the Summit. This sister initiative to CitiesWithNature is designed to empower regional governments to develop localized biodiversity actions. It serves as a valuable resource for regions to share knowledge, report achievements, and access support tailored to regional governance. The Government of Quebec, one of the founding members of RegionsWithNature, has played a crucial role in financing the platform, underscoring the significance of regional commitment and partnership in expanding the initiative’s reach and impact.

Welcoming new partners onboard

Started in 2016 as a competition between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the City Nature Challenge (CNC) has grown into an international event, motivating people around the world to find and document wildlife in their own cities. Run by the Community Science teams at the California Academy of Sciences and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM), the CNC is an annual four-day global bioblitz at the end of April, where cities are in a collaboration-meets-friendly-competition to see what can be accomplished when we all work toward a common goal. In 9 years, 7.13 million observations have been collected! The CitiesWithNature initiative was thrilled to welcome the City Nature Challenge onboard as a new partner at the 8th Summit.

8th Summit for Subnational Governments & Cities
8th Summit for Subnational Governments & Cities
Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity
Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity
CitiesWithNature celebrates new cities
CitiesWithNature celebrates new cities
Biodiversity Charming Cities Best Practices awards
Biodiversity Charming Cities Best Practices awards
City Nature Challenge joins CitiesWithNature as partner
City Nature Challenge joins CitiesWithNature as partner
Amy Fraenkel Executive Secretary, Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
Amy Fraenkel Executive Secretary, Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
Dilian Francisca Toro Torres, Governor of Valle del Cauca
Dilian Francisca Toro Torres, Governor of Valle del Cauca
8th Summit for Subnational Governments & Cities attendees
8th Summit for Subnational Governments & Cities attendees
Dr Debra Roberts, Co-Chair, Working Group II, IPCC & Head of the Sustainable and Resilient City Initiatives Unit, eThekwini, South Africa
Dr Debra Roberts, Co-Chair, Working Group II, IPCC & Head of the Sustainable and Resilient City Initiatives Unit, eThekwini, South Africa
Adiam Emery Deputy Mayor of Seattle, United States
Adiam Emery Deputy Mayor of Seattle, United States
Brazil becomes first country to have all states sign up to RegionsWithNature
Brazil becomes first country to have all states sign up to RegionsWithNature

Looking ahead for greater biodiversity preservation

The CitiesWithNature and RegionsWithNature initiatives offer cities and regions globally a way to be accountable and transparent about their biodiversity commitments. With hundreds of cities and regions now part of these initiatives, the platform is well-positioned to help local and regional governments achieve their biodiversity goals, supporting a broader movement toward a sustainable and biodiverse future.

As these partnerships continue to grow, they underscore a critical insight: local and regional governments are key players in driving biodiversity preservation. By creating spaces for cooperation, knowledge exchange and accountability, CitiesWithNature and RegionsWithNature serve as essential tools in the global effort to protect natural ecosystems and ensure sustainable urban development. The steady growth in membership is a testament to the increasing recognition of these platforms and the shared global commitment to conserving our planet for future generations.

8th Summit for Subnational Governments & Cities: Taking Action for Biodiversity | CBD COP16

CBD COP16 kicks off next week in Cali, Colombia!

Date: Saturday 26 October 2024
Venue: Plenary Room / Working Group Room 1 in the Blue Zone

OFFICIAL PARALLEL EVENT TO THE CBD COP 16

The 8th Summit for Subnational Governments & Cities: Taking Action for Biodiversity will gather Governors, Mayors and other subnational government leaders from around the world to engage directly with national leaders and their key stakeholders during the 16th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16). Engagements will focus on subnational biodiversity actions at the local and territorial scale, in contributing to the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the Plan of Action under Decision 15/12.

What to expect

PARTNERING: Session 1 | Bridging the biodiversity finance gap: Partnering for nature

Explore innovative solutions, mechanisms and partnerships between subnational governments, cities, the private sector and Multilateral Development Banks to address the biodiversity finance gap.

PROGRES: Session 2| Whole-of-government solutions: Showcasing implementation progress made in urban and territorial action for biodiversity

Reflect on the progress made towards the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and Decision 15/12 Plan of Action, and other biodiversity-related Conventions and agendas.

PEACE: Session 3 | Living in harmony & making peace with nature: Sharing innovative practices

Learn from best practices and innovative solutions from local and subnational governments and other stakeholders that promote peaceful coexistence with nature, fostering sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.

Special announcements

Hear firsthand about new initiatives and exciting announcements from a wide range of leading subnational governments, cities, their networks and partners, including the launch of the Community of Practice Against Criminal Economies Affecting Biodiversity by the Mayor of Cali. CitiesWithNature will also be announcing our new cities and partners.

Watch the livestream

UN Web TV

For more information visit the official Summit page

CBD COP 16: 8th Summit for Subnational Governments and 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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Cities need
  • trees.
  • parks.
  • birds.
  • wildlife.

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