News

In the movement to protect our planet’s biodiversity, the front lines aren’t just in remote rainforests or distant oceans — they are in our backyards, our city parks, and our urban waterways. As the world works toward the ambitious goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), we recognize that global targets cannot be met […]

The CitiesWithWater initiative has placed water firmly on the urban sustainability agenda. Through a webinar series and an international photography competition, CitiesWithWater is raising the voice of cities and learning how they can and should act now to safeguard water systems, human well-being and ecosystems. As climate change intensifies and urbanisation accelerates, cities around the […]

Shaoxing City in Zhejiang Province is embracing a model where biodiversity conservation powers sustainable development. The Shangyu Coastal Wetlands, a critical stopover on the East Asia–Australasia Flyway, welcome over 100 species of rare migratory birds each year, including spoonbills and bean geese. Recognized by BirdLife International, this “Millennium Bird Path” reflects Shaoxing’s commitment to ecological […]

About the author:Erik Hirschfeld is a well-known Swedish birder fortunate to live in Malmö. He is the author of several books, including The World’s Rarest Birds (2013) covering global bird conservation and Fåglarnas Malmö (2011), covering Malmö’s birds and their interaction with humans. He has served on bird record committees in Sweden, Jordan and the […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Valuing urban wetlands and human well-being 40% of all plant and animal species live or breed in wetlands. Wetlands play a significant role in supporting ecosystems and biodiversity, and they are deeply connected to human well-being. Although they cover only around 6 percent of the earth’s land surface, 40 percent of all plant and animal […]

The UN 2023 Water Conference – formally known as the 2023 Conference for the Midterm Comprehensive Review of Implementation of the UN Decade for Action on Water and Sanitation (2018-2028) – took place in New York, from 22-24 March 2023, and was co-hosted by Tajikistan and the Netherlands, with the UN Department for Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) as Secretariat.

During China Day on 13 December 2022, a new initiative titled “Biodiversity Charming City” – operated by ICLEI and China Environment News – announced six Chinese cities who achieved the Charming Cities title, namely: Chengdu, Kunming, Huzhou, Jiaxing, Nanyang, and Shenzhen.

The UN Convention on Biological Diversity’s 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) from 7 to 19 December 2022 in Montréal provided the ideal opportunity for the CitiesWithNature and RegionsWithNature global partnership initiatives to highlight their notable progress in recent months.

World Wetlands Day is celebrated annually on 2 February, in commemoration of the initial signing of the Convention on Wetlands in 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar.

In the build-up to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP15, ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center, in collaboration with ICLEI’s regional offices, provided capacity-building webinars to demonstrate uploading actions and commitments to the CitiesWithNature Action Platform.

ICLEI, together with its partners, invites subnational and local governments to Montréal, Québec, Canada for the 7th Summit for Subnational Governments and Cities and its associated Pavilion.

On the road to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP15, ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center, in collaboration with ICLEI’s regional offices, is providing capacity-building webinars to demonstrate uploading actions and commitments to the CitiesWithNature Action Platform.

Have you ever heard of a “Blue Flag beach”? Of course you have! The iconic Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognized voluntary awards for beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators.

Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) advanced a global plan at the fourth Open Ended Working Group (OEWG-4) meeting in Nairobi, Kenya from 21-26 June to bend the curve on biodiversity loss.

For cities to make peace with nature and to achieve the goals of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), we need to design and redesign our cities and urban infrastructure with nature in mind.

On 18 July, renowned Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti took CitiesWithNature – the global urban nature partnership initiative – to the stars, by posting a tweet from SPACE to highlight the importance of urban biodiversity and ecosystem restoration.

The UN Ocean Conference, co-hosted by the Governments of Kenya and Portugal, took place between 27 June and 1 July 2022 in Lisbon, Portugal, and culminated in delegates adopting a political declaration titled ‘Our Ocean, Our Future, Our Responsibility’.  The conference brought together national and local governments, UN agencies, and multiple stakeholders across different sectors […]

To prioritize nature-based solutions during the “Super Year for Nature” — a year when the global community is calling for nature to have its “Paris Agreement” moment —  ICLEI USA is hosting a six-part “Biodiversity Bootcamp” learning-and-leadership virtual training series open to all U.S. cities, counties, and communities (non-ICLEI members welcome). From July 18 until August 22, […]

RegionsWithNature welcomes subnational governments and partners to our webinar on 13 July. Regions, provinces, prefectures or departments that have already joined RegionsWithNature are invited, as well as other regional/subnational governments and partners that would be interested in joining. Wednesday, July 13, 15:00 – 16:30 CEST Other time zones: 08:00 Mexico / 09:00 Quebec / 10:00 São […]

Kunming, China, has become the 244th signatory to the Edinburgh Declaration, a statement of intent that has been agreed between subnational and local governments across the world and calls on Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to take bold action to halt biodiversity loss. The Scottish Government, with support from a wide range […]

CitiesWithNature/RegionsWithNature warmly welcomes its newest member to the family, the European Committee of the Regions! ICLEI, one of the founding members of the CitiesWithNature/RegionsWithNature platform, has been working in close collaboration with the EU CoR for a long time. ICLEI Europe particularly, has played the strong role of supporting the EU CoR in delivering opinions […]

Urbanization is one of the key defining mega-trends of our time. Four billion people, about half of the world’s population, currently live in urban areas. This number is expected to dramatically increase with the predicted rise in urbanization rates. According to The Nature in the Urban Century report, authored by The Nature Conservancy, Future Earth […]

The WorldBio 2022 event was convened on 7-9 June 2022, co-hosted by São Paulo State and the Secretariat of the Convention of Biological Diversity, in collaboration with ICLEI and Regions4, supported by the Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework EU Support and GIZ and organized by ACIA (The Cunhambebe Association of the Friends of Ilha Anchieta).

Register now for Connective Cities’ session on planning for sustainable infrastructure titled ‘Green infrastructure: Guidance & recommendations for overcoming the implementation gap in cities’. The event will take place online on 8 June 2022 14:00 – 16:00 (CEST). What exactly is meant with ‘Green Infrastructure’? The European Commission defines Green Infrastructure as “a strategically planned […]

The prestigious, well-established and respected Group of Leading Subnational Governments toward Aichi Biodiversity Targets (GoLS) and the Aichi Prefecture have joined the global RegionsWithNature partnership initiative. GoLS and its members, that include the Aichi Prefecture, ANAAE, Campeche, Catalonia, Gangwon, Jiangsu, Ontario, Quebec and São Paulo, have stood firmly on matters related to subnational and regional […]

WorldBio2022: accelerate international cooperation in the UN Convention on Biological Diversity The WorldBio2022 (hybrid) event will take place on 7-9 June, 2022, in São Paulo-SP-Brazil. WorldBio2022 is led by the State Government of São Paulo, the CBD Secretariat, ICLEI and Regions4, supported by the EU post-2020 project and GIZ and organized by ACIA as an […]

On 1 June 2022, Scotland House Brussels will host a panel discussion event on the Edinburgh Declaration titled ‘The role of regional governments within the UN Convention on Biological Diversity – COP15’. Organized in collaboration with the European Committee of the Regions and ICLEI, this event is a celebration of regional and local action in […]

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 – […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Here on the CitiesWithNature platform, over 200 cities from around the world are connecting, sharing their experiences and actions, and benefiting from access to a range of partner organisations and practical tools. CitiesWithNature enables local governments and their partners to: – Showcase their city’s actions and plans, understand how they contribute to global nature goals […]

Learn how participating cities can publish their nature and biodiversity commitments and progress on the CitiesWithNature Action Platform, share their journey with other cities, and use the Action Platform to generate reports and inform decision making in their own council and community. Join leading Australian cities at this webinar hosted by ICLEI Oceania to learn […]

Why should cities commit and take action for nature on the CitiesWithNature Action Platform? CitiesWithNature Action Platform recognises the critical role cities play in protecting and restoring nature Visit the Action Platform here Why do we need nature to make our cities more sustainable and resilient? By 2050, two thirds of people will live in […]

CitiesWithNature Action Platform recognizes the critical role cities play in protecting and restoring nature The new CitiesWithNature Action Platform will accelerate bold action for nature by enabling cities to make voluntary commitments that contribute towards achieving global and national biodiversity targets. By joining CitiesWithNature and using the Action Platform, cities become part of a global community […]

Momentum is growing for a strong new decision on the role of cities and subnational governments in the world’s biodiversity plans and actions until 2030. As the Geneva resumed meeting on the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is ongoing, ICLEI, a major city network involved closely in the negotiations, and the Geneva Cities Hub, a platform fostering local and […]

At the Geneva meetings in March ahead of the UN Biodiversity Summit (COP15) later this year, the local and subnational governments major group delivered a strong statement at the Joint Opening Plenary Session of OEWG-3, SBSTTA 24 & SBI-3. The resumed sessions of the twenty-fourth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological […]

Human-induced climate change is causing dangerous and widespread disruption in nature and affecting the lives of billions of people around the world, despite efforts to reduce the risks. People and ecosystems least able to cope are being hardest hit, said scientists in the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, released on 28 February. […]

Delivered by Kobie Brand, – Kobie Brand, Deputy Secretary General: ICLEI  The famed author, Fyodor Dostoevsky, once wrote that “every blade of grass, every insect, ant, and golden bee, all so amazingly know their path.” It seems that, unfortunately, human beings may be the only element of nature deflecting from this natural path, with consequences […]

The second UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) Cities and Regions Summit challenges us to see cities as champions of nature and accelerators of a sustainable future. Experts and city leaders will speak about the value of nature-positive strategies in rethinking the way cities are planned, and how to scale up action for nature. Various CitiesWithNature partner […]

How cities can contribute Wetlands are our most powerful ecosystems to combat climate risk, yet they are among the most threatened ecosystems and more than a quarter of wetland species globally, are threatened with extinction. The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation […]

City and regional governments can look forward to exciting new offerings on the CitiesWithNature and RegionsWithNature platforms, including global insights, tools to develop local solutions, and new ways to connect with each other and partner organisations. This year, forward-thinking governments from cities and regions will continue looking for opportunities to work with nature to build […]

New York City has become the 200th city to join CitiesWithNature, a global partnership initiative that strengthens collective action and impact to protect biodiversity and reconnect urban communities with nature. New York is taking up this leading position alongside London, Los Angeles, São Paulo, Cape Town, Barcelona, Montreal and Melbourne. This comes in the wake […]

Urban food gardens, measuring ecological performance in cities, and San Antonio in Texas. What do all these things have in common? They feature in the newest edition of the CitiesWithNature Buzz, of course! Don’t miss the latest roundup of urban nature news, opportunities and events from around the world in the November edition. Click here to […]

Nature-based solutions (NbS) are all the rage, and rightly so. Working with nature makes sense. But urban systems and ecosystems are complex, so using NbS requires smart governance and technical know-how. Find what you need on the CitiesWithNature Tools & Resources Hub! By Pieter Botha, CitiesWithNature Global Coordinator: Technical Development and Knowledge Management Nature-based solutions […]

Wetlands are an important component of our global climate system, and crucial for water security and resilience. As the world meets on climate change in Glasgow, the Convention on Wetlands (also known as the Ramsar Convention) is hosting several events highlighting the multiple benefits of wetland conservation and restoration. The Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands […]

 The UpLink BiodiverCities Challenge is live!The BiodiverCities Challenge is a global call for innovative solutions that are enabling cities to become nature-positive and fulfil their potential as engines of equitable and sustainable development, resilience, and well-being.This challenge aims to identify, select, and showcase innovative solutions that have been successfully implemented and contribute to advancing the […]

CitiesWithNature and its partner organisations are at COP26 in Glasgow making the case for climate and nature goals to be pursued together in the urban context. They are hosting various in person, hybrid and virtual events in and around COP26, starting 31 October and running until 12 November. Read on for a summary of important […]

Nature-based Solutions and Cities | Geneva NbS Dialogues We are facing a triple planetary crisis – climate change, nature loss and pollution. In this context, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are a powerful ally to address a societal and environmental challenges. As per IUCN definition, NbS are actions to protect, sustainably manage and restore natural or modified ecosystems […]

  On 20 October, an expert panel convened by ICLEI and the Humboldt National Research Institute of Biodiversity in Colombia is discussing “Cities Working With Nature to Improve Resilience and Urban Life”. This exciting event forms part of the World Bank’s webinar series “Bringing Nature to Cities: Integrated Urban Solutions to Biodiversity Loss and Climate Change”. The 20 October session […]

Enhancing urban nature via indigenous land management in Australian cities Urban nature areas can benefit from indigenous land management practices such as cultural burns. The Australian city councils of Adelaide, Cairns and Yarra shared how they are partnering with Traditional Owners to achieve this at a recent webinar hosted by ICLEI Oceania. The speakers explored […]

An exciting new initiative dedicated to regional governments and their nature work is being launched today at Daring Cities 2021, the global virtual forum for urban leaders taking on the climate emergency. RegionsWithNature will be a dynamic online space where regional governments and their partners can connect, demonstrate their commitment to biodiversity goals, and access resources to […]

Biodiversity management practitioners from local and national government in South Africa will be sharing their experiences at a virtual forum on 22 September 2021. This learning event is hosted by the Local Government Biodiversity Learning Network, an initiative of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the South African […]

This year, International Day for Biodiversity shines a direct spotlight on the role of local and subnational government leaders in the global effort to protect nature. With more than half of the world’s population living in cities, the intersection of urban expansion and natural ecosystems is where the future of global biodiversity is being decided. […]

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) […]

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 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.

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.

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.