Parrots on a tree branch

Urban Biodiversity

Learn about urban practices and strategies to protect naturally occurring species, genetic variety and ecological systems within and around cities.

Nature provides numerous ecological, physical, cultural and spiritual benefits to city-dwellers. Cities in turn can play a critical role in protecting natural ecosystems. Through careful land use planning, habitat restoration and animal-friendly infrastructure, cities can prosper while harboring local biodiversity and reducing negative impacts on regional and global biodiversity. Data-driven target-setting, operationalization and monitoring can help ensure that biodiversity initiatives are effective. Additionally, inclusive governance, respect for traditional practices and equity-centered implementation serve to prevent the "nature vs. people" conflicts that tend to derail urban biodiversity programs, ensuring that such initiatives benefit both people and the planet.