CitiesWithNature Action Platform Recognises the Critical Role Cities Play in Protecting and Restoring Nature
This post was first published on CitiesWithNature. It is posted here with the permission of the authors.
By joining CitiesWithNature and using the Action Platform, cities become part of a global community of like-minded frontrunner cities, increasing collective action and cumulative positive impacts for people and the planet. They inspire and prompt other cities to take action, learn from each other, receive international recognition for their contributions and successes, and build the case for scaling up projects and attracting funding for nature.
These commitments also contribute to a global Action Agenda under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), in support of the forthcoming post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. The connection to the Sharm El Sheikh to Kunming Action Agenda for Nature and People elevates commitments from cities and non-state actors to reduce the drivers of biodiversity loss and advance positive socio-economic and ecological outcomes.
While the nations of the world gather in Geneva to advance the text for an ambitious and transformative post-2020 global biodiversity framework to safeguard nature, large and small cities around the world are encouraged to share their actions on the CitiesWithNature Action Platform. It is envisaged that this will be just as influential as the climate actions of cities, which has been shared via global climate reporting platforms for many years.
The Action Platform is housed by CitiesWithNature, a global partnership initiative of leading organizations, including ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, IUCN, TNC, WWF and UNEP, and over 200 cities, including New York, São Paulo, London, Cape Town, Istanbul, Montreal and Melbourne.
The CitiesWithNature Action Platform is aligned with the 2030 Action Targets in the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, and makes it easy for cities to share their commitments, set their own targets, track their progress, and see how their actions compare with other cities in their country, and globally. It also helps cities gather information on how they contribute to their countries’ National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans, and can support national reporting to the UN CBD.
With more than 80% of global Gross Domestic Profit (GDP) generated in cities and more than half of global GDP estimated to be dependent on nature, it is clear that cities have a critical role to play in ensuring nature is restored and protected. Local and subnational governments have the power to integrate nature into the way cities work, through policy reform, advocacy and on-the-ground interventions. Topics covered by the Action Platform include everything from nature-based solutions, ecosystem restoration and conservation, to biodiversity mainstreaming, financing and circular economy.
Join CitiesWithNature today to start sharing your city’s actions!
Find the article on the CitiesWithNature website here.