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We need to factor in biodiversity conflict resolution into climate change adaptation

In Montreal, we are taking concrete action [in supporting nature], for example by protecting riverbanks, by strengthening our urban forests through the planting of trees, and by creating new parks and green spaces.

Kunming has always been active in the undertakings of ecological civilization construction. We have the sincerity and resolution to make contributions to the construction of a beautiful home with the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature.

We are building a ‘Paris’ per week in new infrastructure to meet the needs of our growing urban population. Imagine if we could fully integrate nature in the design of such infrastructure to minimize the impact & make it nature positive…

We don’t have to start from scratch… We know what to do – We need to change the texture of cities & the way the infrastructure is built. We already know where we’re going – we need to create jobs for young people in cities

We must scale-up Nature-Based Solutions, protect & restore nature. Governments shall integrate the value of nature in all their decision-making process

When it comes to setting the rules of the game for local production and consumption, it’s our municipalities, our mayors playing that role

What we have seen over the past months in our cities and town where two-thirds of the population of the European Region lives, is that strong local government in a factor behind successful pandemic mitigation. Local governments in the European Region have been and still are – at the forefront of curtailing the pandemic  

Support for adaptation and resilience is a moral, economic and social imperative. Adaptation cannot be neglected from the climate equation

There is no doubt we have made progress on environmental issues in the last few decades. But climate change, nature loss & pollution & waste continue to outpace our efforts. We need to speed up. This is the key task for 2021 & in future

Cities are always going to be melting pots of people and nature

There is no climate solution without the full contribution from nature. As the UNEP-WCMC report and the work of UN-REDD show, if we are able to realise the full contribution of nature to climate change mitigation, we will have also achieved the goal of biodiversity conservation

There isn’t enough climate finance flow to local governments. We need to strongly push that! But money does not just come. It is attracted by solid policies, strategies, action plans, and bankable proposals.

The focus for this year’s LoCS4Africa is the finance for change, and we are looking for innovations that can unlock finance for projects that transform our cities into green, safe, liveable & thriving locations for all generations.

We shouldn’t discount the value of having Nature-Based Solutions pilot projects. They demonstrate success in the local community and establishing trust at the local level, enabling the upscaling of NbS interventions.

I’d like to focus on the role of local governments in driving SDGs. We need to make sure we address climate change at the local level and break the silos, we’re looking for projects that scale-up climate action

When we talk about nature-based solutions, better managing our ecosystems in order to get nature to come back…we also solve a part of the climate change issue…and also solve some of our health issues within the current pandemic 

By planning our cities with nature, we can improve the quality of life now and lay the ground for a sustainable future for the next generations

To successfully protect nature and ourselves, knowledge of both the problem and solutions needs to reach people at every level, from citizen to leaders, to inspire a determined resolve to act 

Humanity stands at a crossroads with regard to the legacy we wish to leave to future generations

Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity is no longer optional

Urgent action & real commitment are needed to reverse the trends of biodiversity loss & threat of extinction to as many as 1 million species of plants and animals

Climate change is a key driver pushing countless species to the brink of extinction. Conversely, protecting biodiversity is an essential element not only with respect to addressing climate change today but building a clean, green, safe, health, and more sustainable future.  

Our dependence on nature is more evident today than ever

We need global, swift, and transformative action to halt the decline of our planet’s biological diversity and the loss of wild species of fauna and flora across ecosystems.

As nature degrades, new opportunities emerge for the spread to humans and animals of devastating diseases like this year’s coronavirus. The window of time available is short, but the pandemic has also demonstrated that transformative changes are possible when they must be made

We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives from the COVID-19 outbreak and our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones or who are sick. In this hour of crisis, we need to unite now more than ever to safeguard our future and the future of our planet. It is a…

Humanity’s expansion on the terrestrial earth surface means that today, human activity has altered almost 75 percent of the earth’s surface, squeezing wildlife and nature into an ever-smaller corner of the planet. And yet, nature is critical to our own survival: nature provides us with our oxygen, regulates our weather patterns, pollinates our crops and…

I am delighted to see the growing interest of cities in urban biodiversity, an issue that plays a crucial role for resilient cities and the well-being of their citizens.  

Now is the time for urgent action. Nature underpins our very existence and livelihoods and is integral to the effective functioning and well-being of urban communities.  

If all spheres of government go hand-in-hand, we will be able to fulfil our role as guardians of the global development agendas!  

We live in a time where multi-level governance is our only way, as we work our way through unchartered waters during this pandemic… The Talanoa Dialogues were all about bridging the divides between different levels of government  

As local government we are key points to provide support to people who are impacted by the pandemic: coordination between local and national is vital for a resolution to what we are experiencing  

Initial dialogue, collaboration between all government levels and the principle of multilevel governance should be evolved through this NDC process, and also cultivate as well as advancing the principle of co-creation  

As urban leaders, you’re looking beyond immediate response, planning for recovery.  As mayors, you are champions for green, healthy, prosperous urban societies of the future  

Without local government full involvement we will not be able to deliver the climate agenda, we should reinforce some points on the role of science and evidence  

We strongly believe that a multi-level governance approach is more important than ever to build back better after the pandemic, and jointly decide on our future with member states and the UN system  

Local and regional governments have a role to play in building the foundations of peace, actually far greater than has been acknowledged so far  

We live in a time where multilevel governance is our only way. As we are in uncharted waters w/ the pandemic, we see that collaboration between levels of government is crucial  

Global warming is hitting our territories already and we have no choice but to develop effective policies to adapt to climate change. National governments must empower local and regional governments as to green cities and develop nature-based solutions in order to minimise climate risks and related losses and damage  

Cities have the capacity to strengthen the credibility of the European project. The new Leipzig Charter must boost multi-level governance and empower local governments. Our cities need to be upgraded from urban labs to full action settings. We cannot wait any longer”    

Local and regional authorities have a major role to play in finding the right solution for their territories. The EU’s strategy must be based on their experience and respond to their needs because the success or failure of the European Green Deal will be decided in regions and cities  

EU climate ambitions can’t be reached without the full support of citizens. The Climate Pact must give a voice to people to share their ideas to reach climate action goals. Regions and cities are the strongest vehicles to foster such grassroots initiatives    

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the fragility of our food system. Cities and regions can lead the transition towards human and nature-friendly farming, and healthy sustainable diets  

Cities and regions united under the Cohesion Alliance will work to make sure the European Union’s cohesion policy will become an essential pillar for the recovery of our territories, in line with the European Pillar of Social Rights, the European Green Deal and SDG’s  

Taking care of biodiversity and ecosystem services is taking care of ourselves. Nature-based solutions are vital for our well-being, but Nature needs to to be healthy in order to provide its contributions to people  

It is important than ever to consider the biodiversity strategy a main pillar of the EU Green Deal and the recovery plan must mobilise the necessary resources to restore our ecosystems.  Thus, the EU has to lead at the global level, with local and regional authorities leading on the subnational level and showing the way…

I stand for nature because now, more than ever before, we are awakened to the urgency of protecting life on Earth  

In response to the current health pandemic, and always, people remain our greatest asset. Community leaders were instrumental in our response

We are part of this network to learn and show solidarity. We need to mitigate risks through sharing; this is the goal of these networks. Borders are pointless, clearly what matters is for local government everywhere to work hand in hand, based on their specificities  

Our UNA project cities are in a better position to build resilience because they’ve already integrated nature-based solutions, which is key to addressing societal issue  

The world over, cities are experiencing significantly reduced income from citizens, while having to maintain vital services, such as water supply. This is the part of the new normal our mayors are planning for, which will be with us for the years ahead  

By planning our cities with nature – through nature-based solutions, green infrastructure and green open spaces – we can dramatically improve the quality of life for all. We need to halt and reverse the trends of biodiversity loss and take the path of Living in Harmony with Nature. On this World Environment Day, I call…

By 2050, over two-thirds of the human population will be living in cities. Nature can help shelter urban dwellers from the worst impacts of climate change and enable them to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. The new IUCN Urban Nature Alliance will help carve out more space for nature in urban areas, and accelerate the move…

We are now an urban animal for the first time in human history but we are still failing to design our cities in a way which incorporates nature. “Cities need nature more than ever as we face up to a rapidly changing climate and nothing short of a green design revolution is likely to make…

To make our cities more resilient, we are using nature-inspired solutions  

The prosperity of cities relies on the ability of regional city and municipal governments to protect and restore nature’s benefit in order to make cities healthy and vibrant places to work, live and play  

Instead of living within our means, we’ve been using up more and more ‘natural capital’ well beyond what nature can replenish and it’s a debt that is now past due  

As Mayors and leaders of local and subnational governments, we gave a unique opportunity and an important responsibility to protect our biodiversity and ecosystems in ways that will restore humanity’s relationship with nature, especially as we develop our post-COVID-19 recovery plans. Together, let’s take strong action to create healthy, vibrant cities, where people and nature…

If we are protecting nature today, it means we are avoiding the pandemics of tomorrow  

Attacks on nature are contributing to the health crisis  

COVID-19 – which emanated from the wild – has shown how human health is connected with our relationship to natural world  

We look to nature for help and aspirations in shaping a better world  

Nature-Based Solutions are rooted in the benefits that nature provides; real tangible benefits

We should create a joint statement to be useful for all levels. We should arrange multi-level governance if not rethink this altogether. Regions are at the forefront of this crisis and changes will be needed in the future  

The year 2020 presents a singular opportunity to reverse the alarming decline of nature we are witnessing  

The potential to accelerate the post-2020 action goals and halt biodiversity loss is tremendous. We need to continue working towards a stronger representation at a global level without forgetting that the goals are achieved and materialized within subnational territories         

Our main objective is to shape the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework by consistently providing information that influences the current narrative and that not only subnational and local governments but also make them an active part of the solution for securing life earth. Subnational governments and their knowledge of the local realities allows them to create…

Subnational governments are the best link between the national and local levels and we need to strengthen their capacities and their resources for a truly resilient world  

I call upon cities all over the world to choose that path of living in harmony with Nature, to take strong action and to showcase their good practices, as Montreal is doing, to create a dynamic community of practice for vibrant cities and healthy planet, where people and biodiversity can thrive  

The overall aim of this partnership is to reconnect communities with nature in and around urban areas and use the Cities with Nature platform to facilities the aim, for this benefit of all partners of the Partners initiative. This partnership brings together two strong global organizations committed to advancing the protection and advancement of nature…

We believe that many parks and trails, open spaces and nature can continue to be used in a safe manner that allows people to enjoy the mental and physical health benefits these spaces provide. In all instances, we strongly recommend people follow Government directives and guidelines regarding the use of these spaces and recognize that…

Urban parks & green open spaces give urban communities the opportunity to connect with nature, improving health & wellbeing.  

It is estimated that over 65% of the SDG’s related to the delivery of basic service provisions in the hands of and regional government. Yet, one of the main challenges for localising SDG’s remains addressing local and regional government access to adequate resources. The acceleration of the 2030 Agenda highly depends on global leaders listening…

It is time to reimagine humanity’s relationship with nature.”  

The CBD Secretariat is very aware of the importance of subnational governments and welcomes their contributions to the #post2020 Global Biodiversity Framework”  

Our solutions are in nature. Nature provides diverse benefits & solutions for urban communities… Cities & regions are invited to join Cities with Nature to build a future in harmony with nature.”  

I encourage everyone to place greater priority on biodiversity in every aspect of our lives”  

I stand for nature because now, more than ever before, we are awakened to the urgency of protecting life on Earth

A more diverse range of actors is needed on global climate action without adding additional complexity. States, regions and cities are fundamental delivery partners on climate policy

The potential to accelerate the post-2020 action goals to halt biodiversity loss is tremendous. We need to continue working towards a stronger representation at a global level without forgetting that the goals are achieved and materialized within subnational government territories

There is no success without the engagement of subnational government as they hold key responsibility for protecting our natural resources

Biodiversity & Climate Change are a shared challenge among subnational governments, and we want to recall our firm intention of being a bigger part of the solution.

The potential to accelerate the post-2020 action goals to halt biodiversity loss is tremendous. We need to continue working towards a stronger representation at a global level without forgetting that the goals are achieved and materialized within subnational government territories

Cities can help us solve some of the biggest challenges facing the world. Natural solutions in urban areas can protect biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and help us adapt to hotter summers and more frequent storms, and make life better for millions of people.

Now, more than ever, we need to reconnect with nature, to plan, build and manage our cities with nature! ICLEI and its partners are proud to present this shared global ambition, which aims to enable a growing number of cities and partners to come on board and collaborate. More info on CitiesWithNature.

Whilst the case for nature-based solutions has been thoroughly made, we remain a long way short of mainstreaming green design at all scales in urban ecosystems. The IUCN Urban Nature Alliance looks forward to working with ICLEI and CitiesWithNature in ensuring nature-based solutions become the new normal for cities across the world in the next…

Biodiversity is essential for human survival. Since more than 50% of the human population live in cities now, we must ensure that biodiversity thrives in cities – for our own good!

CitiesWithNature was developed out of a fundamental need by cities and provides a powerful global platform to connect them and other subnational governments with each other, their communities and experts to inspire and learn from one another on their shared journey to integrate nature into cities in a way that benefits both people and nature.

What many of our speakers are mentioning is nature. We need to look at climate solutions through a nature lens. Our solutions are found in addressing the climate and nature crises in a cumulative way.

Nature is a totally efficient, self-regenerating system. IF we discover the laws that govern this system and live synergistically within them, sustainability will follow and humankind will be a success.