News

As we celebrate the International Day for Biodiversity (22 May) and World Environment Day (5 June) this year, the COVID-19 pandemic provides a sobering opportunity to reflect on our relationship with nature. Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montréal and ICLEI Global Ambassador for Local Biodiversity, has penned a compelling letter, calling on mayors and leaders of local and […]

By Timothy Blatch, CitiesWithNature Program Coordinator Locations: Los Angeles, Montreal, Melbourne, London, and Durban

World Urban Parks (WUP) and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, through its Cities Biodiversity Center (CBC), are thrilled to announce an exciting partnership. The signing of a collaboration agreement formalizes the strong partnership between World Urban Parks and ICLEI for collaboration on the CitiesWithNature partnership initiative and the WUP campaign. Leveraging the individual and […]

Nature underpins our very existence and livelihoods, and is integral to the effective functioning and well-being of urban communities. One million species are threatened with extinction today and extinction rates are accelerating.* The biodiversity crisis exacerbates the parallel crisis of climate change. The destruction of nature both increases the speed that climate change is occurring […]

We continue to stand together, in solidarity, as we are increasingly faced with loss and hardship as a result of the pandemic. Furthermore, we applaud the dedication and hard work of healthcare workers who are on the front lines in treating the sick. We continue to acknowledge the role of local and subnational governments for […]

This webinar brought together speakers from cities and city networks around the world, sharing thoughts, ideas, and experiences on the role that nature (and specifically urban parks) is playing in urban life at this current moment, in light of COVID-19. We explored the increased appreciation of parks and nature at this time, indicating what the […]

There has never been a more important time to invest in nature. Green cities are healthy cities that are resilient to future shocks – some of which will be unexpected. We know with certainty that planting trees is a good investment. But it’s crucial to do it right, as ill-considered tree-planting could do more harm […]

  Covid-19 At this time, we would like to express our condolences to those who have suffered loss and hardship as a result of the pandemic. Furthermore, we applaud the dedication and hard work of healthcare workers who are on the front lines in treating the sick. We also acknowledge the role of local and […]

2020 has been heralded as the super year for biodiversity, culminating with the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), where the CBD Parties will adopt a new global biodiversity framework. CBD COP 15, scheduled to take place from 15 – 28 October in Kunming, China, has been likened […]

Earth Hour 2020 goes digital in solidarity with people and the planet Posted by Earth Hour In the midst of the global COVID-19 health crisis, Earth Hour marks a moment of solidarity for the planet as global communities unite and organize events digitally. Several countries prepare to organize Earth Hour virtually to ensure public safety […]