Photograph by: Enric Sala, National Geographic
August 6, 2021
Over the past two decades, ICLEI, through its Cities Biodiversity Center (CBC), has worked closely with the United Nations Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and a range of partners to elevate the voice of local and subnational governments and ensure that strong action is taken to create vibrant cities and regions, where people and biodiversity can thrive.
August 12, 2020
Liveability, sustainability, resilience and equity; goals that frame countless discussions in city halls across the world. Yet how often are these goals considered in the context of protected areas for nature within and around the city?
We know protected areas generate flows of goods and services that benefit all of us: medicine, food, clean air and fresh water. They buffer the effects of climate change: heat stress, flash flooding and storm surges. They give meaning to proud cultures and create a sense of place and belonging for communities. They are learning places, exciting places, places for adventure where real beauty can be experienced away from screens and technology. Yet rapid urbanisation and sub-urbanisation in many parts of the world is placing them under mounting pressure.
