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 […]
READ MOREWetlands – Nurturing communities and sustaining urban life
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 […]
READ MOREClimate and Nature in cities and regions: Water connects all
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.
READ MORESix Chinese “Charming Cities” announced at COP15
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.
READ MORECitiesWithNature and RegionsWithNature growing significantly
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.
READ MORECelebrating the importance of Wetland Cities on World Wetlands Day
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.
READ MORECitiesWithNature Action Platform webinars huge success in reaching and inspiring cities globally
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.
READ MORESignificant recognition for cities and subnational governments at COP 15: Announcing the 7th Summit for Subnational Governments and Cities and its associated Pavilion
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.
READ MORECitiesWithNature Action Platform: Demonstration webinars have kicked off
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.
READ MOREBlue Flag partners with CitiesWithNature initiative
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.
READ MORENairobi meetings acknowledge key role of subnational governments in tackling biodiversity loss
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.
READ MOREWUF: Urban-rural linkages crucial to implementing New Urban Agenda
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.
READ MOREAstroSamantha takes CitiesWithNature to the stars for biodiversity
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.
READ MOREUN Ocean Conference 2022 leads to political declaration
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 […]
READ MOREUSA city, county or community? Register now for Biodiversity Bootcamp!
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, […]
READ MORERegister now: RegionsWithNature webinar
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 […]
READ MOREKunming, China, signs Edinburgh Declaration ahead of United Nations CBD COP15
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 […]
READ MOREEuropean Committee of Regions joins RegionsWithNature
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 […]
READ MORE25 new cities accredited for exceptional efforts to safeguard urban wetlands
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 […]
READ MOREWorldBio2022: “A factory of projects” enhancing local governance for nature
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).
READ MOREEvent: Guidance and recommendations for overcoming the green infrastructure implementation gap
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 […]
READ MOREGoLS and Aichi Prefecture join RegionsWithNature global initiative
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 […]
READ MORERegister now for WorldBio2022: São Paulo
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 […]
READ MORERegister now for Edinburgh Declaration panel discussion
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 […]
READ MOREAfrican urban greening movement partners with CitiesWithNature
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 – […]
READ MOREWorld Migratory Bird Day: Light Pollution Threatens Birds across the World but Solutions are Readily Available
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 […]
READ MOREHow to let nature-based solutions flourish
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 […]
READ MOREMontréal is alive with green initiatives
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 […]
READ MOREHow you can use the CitiesWithNature platform
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 […]
READ MOREAustralian cities taking action – webinar on Wednesday
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 […]
READ MOREIntroducing the CitiesWithNature Action Platform
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 […]
READ MOREWe are proud to launch the CitiesWithNature Action Platform this Earth Hour
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 […]
READ MORESupport for new cities plan for biodiversity for the next decade
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 […]
READ MOREGeneva biodiversity meetings open with strong statement from local & subnational governments
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 […]
READ MOREOpportunities for cities and nature amid dire climate change impacts
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. […]
READ MORELive from EcoCity 2022: Benefits of Nature-based Solutions in Urban Environments
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 […]
READ MOREAttend the UNEA Cities and Regions Summit
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 […]
READ MOREWorld Wetlands Day 2022 – Wetlands action for nature & people
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 […]
READ MORECities and regions thriving with nature in 2022
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 […]
READ MORENEW YORK CITY BECOMES 200th CITY TO JOIN GLOBAL CITIESWITHNATURE INITIATIVE
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 […]
READ MOREDon’t miss the BUZZ November edition
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 […]
READ MORECitiesWithNature offers the latest NbS tools & resources
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 […]
READ MOREWetlands are key pieces in the climate puzzle
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 […]
READ MOREThe UpLink BiodiverCities Challenge is live!
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 […]
READ MORECatch CitiesWithNature and partners at COP26
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 […]
READ MORENature-based Solutions and Cities
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 […]
READ MOREDon’t miss this World Bank webinar on urban nature
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 […]
READ MOREAustralian cities partner with Traditional Owners
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 […]
READ MOREAnnouncing RegionsWithNature
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 […]
READ MORELocal Government Biodiversity Learning Network
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 […]
READ MOREComing up at CBD COP16 | 8th Summit for Subnational Governments & Cities: Taking Action for Biodiversity
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.
READ MOREWorld Migratory Bird Day | Submissions from cities
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 […]
READ MORENature for health in cities
Opinion piece by Gareth Presch, CEO, World Health Innovation Summit
READ MORE