Surrey, Canada
Surrey’s Green Infrastructure Network – Preserving Biodiversity for Future Generations: An interconnected system of natural areas that hub together to preserve wildlife habitats and ecosystem functions across the city.
In an era of rapid urbanization and escalating climate challenges, nature-based solutions have emerged as essential for sustainable and resilient cities. Integrating biodiversity into urban spaces not only safeguards ecosystems but also protects communities against extreme heat and flooding, ensuring a healthier and more livable future for all.
The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) recently announced the 21 finalists for the World Green City Awards 2026. This global competition celebrates city-led initiatives that harness the power of plants and nature to address environmental, social and economic challenges. Across seven categories — ranging from climate change capacity to social cohesion — the awards highlight the value of innovative greening projects that can be scaled and adapted by cities worldwide.
This year, ten of the 21 finalists, representing eight different cities, are active CitiesWithNature! These cities are being recognized for their ambitious commitment to restoring nature and pioneering ecological urbanism. A huge congratulations to our CitiesWithNature finalists and their recognized initiatives:
Retrofitting Paris into a Biodiversity Friendly City: A comprehensive urban transformation project focused on greening the city to create space for spontaneous biodiversity and cooling green corridors.
Paris, France
Montréal, Canada
The Willow Cure: Natural Decontamination for Urban Brownfield in the city of Montréal: An innovative phytoremediation project using willow trees to naturally decontaminate soil in former industrial areas.
Restoring Montréal’s Riverbanks in a Changing Climate: A Strategic, Ecological and Social Commitment: A strategic ecological undertaking to stabilize and naturalize shorelines to mitigate flood risks and enhance social access to water.
Bringing Resilient and Biodiversity-Rich Forests Back to Ensure Healthy Environments: Montréal Restores High Conservation Value Forests After a Perfect Storm of Invasive Species: A restoration effort aimed at bringing back resilient, biodiversity-rich forests to overcome the impact of invasive species.
Cidade da Criança: Nature-Based Early Childhood Infrastructure in Fortaleza: A project that integrates nature into urban play spaces, ensuring that early childhood development is supported by green, resilient environments.
Fortaleza, Brazil
Johannesburg, South Africa
The Greening of City of Joburg as Part of Bridging the Green Divide: A social equity initiative focused on planting trees and creating parks in underserved areas to address historical environmental imbalances.
Sariyer Büyükdere Atatürk Nursery and Gardening School Project: The restoration of a historic nursery into a public education center that promotes urban gardening and horticultural heritage.
Istanbul, Türkiye
Mexico City, Mexico
Programa Altépetl: A massive conservation program that supports communities with ecosystem restoration, forest conservation and protection of local biocultural heritage.
Green Infrastructure Plan Vitacura: A long-term urban planning strategy designed to increase the city’s biodiversity through a network of sustainable green spaces.