Why should cities commit and take action for nature on the CitiesWithNature Action Platform?
Why do we need nature to make our cities more sustainable and resilient?
- By 2050, two thirds of people will live in urban areas.
- People depend on healthy ecosystems for food, livelihoods, health and wellbeing.
- By integrating nature into our cities, we enhance community resilience to global challenges like climate change, and enable people and biodiversity to thrive.
- There is a growing urgency for collective and large-scale action to protect the biodiversity in and around cities to prevent irreversible loss and damage to the natural systems we depend on.
- Now more than ever, we must unite and embrace nature, reconnect communities with nature, and become CitiesWithNature!
Why are the world’s biodiversity goals important for cities?
- Through the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UN CBD), countries commit to a new and ambitious blueprint, the post-2020 global biodiversity framework (GBF), to guide actions for protecting nature and its vital contributions to people.
- The GBF has a whole-of-government approach and recognizes that cities and subnational governments are key to its successful implementation.
- In the 2030 Action Targets, the GBF sets out clear targets for urgent actions we must take in the next decade, so that people may live in harmony with nature and thrive.
How can CitiesWithNature help cities to thrive with nature?
- CitiesWithNature is a unique initiative that recognizes and enhances the value of nature in and around cities across the world.
- Its platform enables cities to connect, share their experiences and actions, and benefit from access to many partner organizations, best practices, resources and practical tools.
- CitiesWithNature and its Action Platform are recognized by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in the Plan of Action on Subnational Governments, Cities and Other Local Authorities for Biodiversity (2021-2030).
- The CitiesWithNature Action Platform complements the CBD’s Sharm-el Sheikh to Kunming Action Agenda for Nature and People.
- The Action Platform also links with the Commitments for Nature platform of the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre, which gathers area-based commitments.
What contribution can cities make?
- Cities are where most people live, where new ideas germinate, where most of the consumption that threatens nature takes place, and where many decisions are made, reaching far beyond the city limits.
- Local and subnational governments have direct contact with the people who live in their cities, allowing for more concrete and strategic action on the ground.
- Local and subnational governments have the power to integrate nature into the way cities work.
- They can do this through policy reform, advocacy, investment, and on-the-ground interventions.
- They can do this for land use and urban development planning; infrastructure development and maintenance; management of consumption including agriculture, water and industry; resource mobilization; and urban response to disasters and risks – ultimately improving health and wellbeing.
- 2030 Action Targets, the GBF sets out clear targets for urgent actions we must take in the next decade, so that people may live in harmony with nature and thrive.
What is the Action Platform?
- The CBD recognizes the CitiesWithNature Action Platform in its Plan of Action on Subnational Governments, Cities and Other Local Authorities for Biodiversity (2021-2030 as the place where cities will monitor and report on their voluntary commitments to national and global biodiversity targets.
- Through the Action Platform, cities can showcase their actions and plans, understand how they contribute to global nature goals and easily track their achievements.
- The Action Platform translates the post 2020 global biodiversity framework into commitments that cities and regions are willing to make, taking specific actions under the commitments and setting targets for a particular action most relevant to the city’s local context.
- It has 3 action areas that align with the categories of the CBD 2030 Action Targets: to protect and restore nature; use nature sustainably; and develop tools and solutions.
- , the GBF sets out clear targets for urgent actions we must take in the next decade, so that people may live in harmony with nature and thrive.
How cities can make their mark through the Action Platform
Level 1: Make a COMMITMENT
- A city can show its commitment to take action on specific topics such as nature areas, recycling and access to parks.
- All commitments are voluntary but will contribute towards achieving global and national targets for protecting and restoring nature.
- After making commitments, cities can move on to the next step: Taking specific actions and setting specific targets aligned with their local and regional context and priorities.
Level 2: Take specific ACTIONS to achieve a commitment
- After making a particular commitment, a city can identify what actions they will take to achieve it.
- For example, after committing to “Protect, connect and restore ecosystems”, a city can specify how it will achieve this by taking actions such as “Increase protected areas” or “Restore degraded areas.”
- These actions should align with the city’s biodiversity plans, policies and strategic direction, as well as subnational and national biodiversity strategies and action plans.
- They should be implemented at the city’s pace, considering capacity and resources.
Level 3: Set specific TARGETS to monitor progress
- After making a commitment, and identifying the actions to be taken, cities can then set targets to track their progress.
- For each action, a city can set a specific target for what it wants to achieve by 2030. For example, “By 2030, protected areas will cover 4% of the city’s jurisdiction.”
- For each target, a city must also set a baseline. For example, “Currently protected areas cover 2% of the city’s jurisdiction.”
Linking the three levels of the Action Platform
- Commitments, actions and targets are the three levels of the Action Platform geared to help you in your journey towards achieving sustainability goals. For example:
- Commitment: Our city commits to protect, connect and restore ecosystems.
- Action: We will achieve this commitment by taking the action of increasing protected areas in our city.
- Target: By 2030, protected areas will cover 4% of the city.
Calling all cities to take action!
- By using the Action Platform, cities can inspire each other and show the world what actions they are taking for nature and people. They can monitor and track their progress, and see how their actions compare with other cities in their country, region or continent.
- The Action Platform also helps cities to gather information to feed into their countries’ National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans. This helps their countries to achieve national priorities and simplify their reporting to the UN CBD.
- Join CitiesWithNature and use the Action Platform to unite with other cities around the world – to ensure healthier, happier and safer cities for a nature-positive future.
CitiesWithNature Action Platform launch on Earth Hour 2022: Support from partners
NEW #CitiesWithNature Action Platform aims to accelerate action by cities #ForNature, launching this #EarthHour💚@ICLEI @IUCN & @nature_org are inviting all #cities to join and share their achievements🏙️🌳https://t.co/WRMpqAtnXg pic.twitter.com/ENy9Fp08CR
— ipbes (@IPBES) March 25, 2022
The new #CitiesWithNature Action Platform aims to accelerate action by cities #ForNature 🌏🏙️
— Global Environment Facility (GEF) (@theGEF) March 28, 2022
The platform has 3 action areas: 1️⃣ protect & restore nature, 2️⃣ use nature sustainably, 3️⃣ develop tools and solutions.
📗https://t.co/CotRJIT6KE
via: @ICLEI @IUCN @nature_org pic.twitter.com/aoMVtw5v9l
The #CitiesWithNature Action Platform accelerates bold ACTION by cities #ForNature, launching #TODAY @ #EarthHour🌍💡
— Cities Alliance (@CitiesAlliance) March 26, 2022
Calling all #cities to join, commit & share their achievements! ⏬https://t.co/ImevaPnqIV@earthhour @ICLEI @IUCN @nature_org @UNBiodiversity @CitiesWNature🌱 pic.twitter.com/7vnFBAi8lf
Why should cities commit & take action for nature on the #CitiesWithNature Action Platform this #EarthHour?
— ICLEI (@ICLEI) March 26, 2022
By using the Platform, your city can inspire others and show the world what actions you're taking #ForNature and the peoplehttps://t.co/ZzKv29OI3A #GenerationRestoration pic.twitter.com/vvUavuYZPr
Why should cities commit & take action for nature on the #CitiesWithNature Action Platform this #EarthHour? 💚
— ICLEI USA (@ICLEI_USA) March 27, 2022
By using the Platform, your city can inspire others & show the world what actions you're taking #ForNature & people 🏙️🌲https://t.co/PLNL39TJrT #GenerationRestoration pic.twitter.com/myWtP1SWwG
Launching this #EarthHour, the @CitiesWNature Action Platform has 3 action areas that align with the categories of the @UNBiodiversity 2030 Action Targets:
— #NatureForAll (@natureforall) March 26, 2022
🌱 Protect & restore nature
♻️ Use nature sustainably
💡 Develop tools & solutionshttps://t.co/M8oiwS2PVq#CitiesWithNature pic.twitter.com/3ICaiIOTR4
É amanhã! Apague as luzes das 20h30 às 21h30 horário local! #HoraDoPlaneta #EarthHour #CitiesWithNature #ForNature https://t.co/q07HKp7aTn
— ICLEI América do Sul (@ICLEI_SAMS) March 25, 2022
@MiamiMayor Suarez highlights the importance of the @CityofMiami's actions #ForNature, including climate adaptation & #NatureBasedSolutions.
— ICLEI USA (@ICLEI_USA) March 26, 2022
He also calls on cities to join #CitiesWithNature & share their action on the Action Platform this #EarthHour 💚https://t.co/R3ZsSfYH4D
New #CitiesWithNature platform launching today @EarthHour @IPBES @iucn @nature_org https://t.co/gZL3t4oDf3
— LearnFromNature_ (@HenricusNature) March 26, 2022
É amanhã! Apague as luzes das 20h30 às 21h30 horário local! Escute o recado da Vice-Prefeita do Recife, @isabelladroldao!!!@prefrecife#HoraDoPlaneta #EarthHour #CitiesWithNature #ForNature https://t.co/NI3MQxA4RQ
— ICLEI América do Sul (@ICLEI_SAMS) March 25, 2022
📢 TODAY with #EarthHour
— Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) (@BonnConvention) March 26, 2022
↗️ Launch of #CitiesWithNature Action Platform
A place for #cities to highlight the critical role they play in implementing protection and restoration measures #ForNature
👉Learn more https://t.co/ZFQE6F1UBr pic.twitter.com/mzFxnApGRI
Why do we need nature to make our cities more sustainable and resilient? 🌱
— UN Biodiversity (@UNBiodiversity) March 27, 2022
People depend on healthy ecosystems for food, livelihoods, health, wellbeing and more.
Learn more about the newly-launched #CitiesWithNature Action Platform #ForNature. 💚
➡️ https://t.co/oxvl5l6d1V pic.twitter.com/6yxHE1Oh8a
How do #cities meet the challenge of #ClimateChange and #BiodiversityLoss?
— WWF Cities (@WWFCities) March 24, 2022
Join @ICLEI's #CitiesWithNature platform to be part of the effort to increase collective action and to contribute towards a more #NaturePositive world. https://t.co/ijpVcHxmiI pic.twitter.com/qDA0OmCawy
"Cities are on the frontline of the challenges we face as far as #biodiversity is concerned."
— UN Biodiversity (@UNBiodiversity) March 24, 2022
At the Geneva Meetings, @UNBiodiversity's David Ainsworth spoke to @ICLEICBC's Ingrid Coetzee about the #CitiesWithNature Action Platform and more!
➡️https://t.co/rhqE9Rc0Vk#Post2020 pic.twitter.com/tPSxoTvENG
Cities are key to addressing the biodiversity crisis. The #CitiesWithNature Action Platform launched today gives them the support they need to accelerate their efforts on this #EarthHour2022 https://t.co/WcYyYGpkp8
— Amanda Stone (@AmandaStoneGRN) March 25, 2022
Why should cities commit & take action for nature on the #CitiesWithNature Action Platform this #EarthHour? 💚
— ProGIreg (@proGIreg) March 28, 2022
By using the Platform, cities can inspire others & show the world what actions you're taking #ForNature & people 🏙️🌲https://t.co/TxpgKi8Ll4 #GenerationRestoration pic.twitter.com/GvQFdkGf9d
Why should cities commit & take action for nature on the #CitiesWithNature Action Platform this #EarthHour? 💚
— NetworkNature (@NetworkNatureEU) March 26, 2022
By using the Platform, cities can inspire others & show the world what actions you're taking #ForNature & people 🏙️🌲https://t.co/QEupNK9e4E #GenerationRestoration pic.twitter.com/POXAz3Y9YY
Why do we need nature to make our cities more sustainable and resilient?
— Caribbean disaster (@BagalueSunab) March 28, 2022
People depend on healthy ecosystems for food, livelihoods, health, wellbeing and more.
Learn more about the newly-launched #CitiesWithNature Action Platform #ForNature.
➡️ https://t.co/wR0VmoTvyF pic.twitter.com/c7aLrAELnc
Launching this #EarthHour, the #CitiesWithNature Action Platform has 3 action areas that align with the proposed Action Targets of the #post2020 framework:
— UN Biodiversity (@UNBiodiversity) March 26, 2022
🌱 Protect and restore nature
🌱 Use nature sustainably
🌱 Develop tools and solutions
Learn more:https://t.co/Lj0v3AUiUm pic.twitter.com/DcACgSbr3u
Mayor @geordinhl, @CityofCT speaks about the importance of #EarthHour, happening tonight at 8:30pm 🌍
— ICLEI Africa (@ICLEIAfrica) March 26, 2022
DYK #CapeTown is considered to be the most biodiverse city in the world? #ForNature
And the #CitiesWithNature Action Platform is launching today! 💚 https://t.co/LrVSmMLFnW pic.twitter.com/E7q6Nekjdt
Featured at #Geneva Meetings: #CitiesWithNature Action Platform launch this #EarthHour 💚@UNBiodiversity's David Ainsworth spoke to @IngridICLEI_AS about why global biodiversity goals are important for cities.#Post2020 #ForNature #UnitedforBiodiversityhttps://t.co/xL7BiLYulW
— CitiesWithNature (@CitiesWNature) March 24, 2022
"Cities are key to the successful implementation of the #post2020 global biodiversity framework." 🌳🏢
— UN Biodiversity (@UNBiodiversity) March 26, 2022
This #EarthHour, @UNBiodiversity Executive Secretary @mremae welcomes the launch of the #CitiesWithNature Action Platform.
Learn more:https://t.co/Lj0v3ACHvM#ForNature 💚 pic.twitter.com/Hz1xgfhK8r
The successful implementation of the #post2020 global #biodiversity framework requires a whole-of-government approach, and cities and subnational governments have a vital role to play.
— Elizabeth M. Mrema (@mremae) March 26, 2022
This #EarthHour, I welcome the #CitiesWithNature Action Platform.
➡️ https://t.co/Dy8Wi8Uq6v pic.twitter.com/8757NEocuA
Why are the world’s biodiversity goals important for cities?
— CLEVER Cities (@CLEVER_Cities) March 28, 2022
The #post2020 global biodiversity framework has a whole-of-government approach & recognizes that cities are key!
Launched on #EarthHour, the #CitiesWithNature Action Platform #ForNature 💚 https://t.co/W02MWerfNt pic.twitter.com/lNjY6nQAax
Why do we need nature to make our #cities more #sustainable and #resilient?
— Cities Alliance (@CitiesAlliance) March 24, 2022
The #CitiesWithNature Action Platform accelerates bold ACTION by cities #ForNature🌱
Launching this #EarthHour - 26 March. Stay tuned!https://t.co/R3B4oqW4Zn@ICLEI @IUCN @nature_org @UNBiodiversity pic.twitter.com/T2WVO0DqoR
Why should cities commit & take action for nature on the #CitiesWithNature Action Platform this #EarthHour? 💚
— #NatureForAll (@natureforall) March 26, 2022
By using the Platform, your city can inspire others & show the world what actions you're taking #ForNature & people 🏙️🌲
➡️https://t.co/M8oiwS2PVq#GenerationRestoration pic.twitter.com/fle8wa4ScT
Why should cities commit & take action for nature on the #CitiesWithNature Action Platform this #EarthHour? 💚
— NICE NbS (@NICE_NbS) March 26, 2022
By using the Platform, cities can inspire others & show the world what actions you're taking #ForNature & people 🏙️🌲https://t.co/Mvb194Akbf #GenerationRestoration pic.twitter.com/jpAdV2PQZ1
The #CitiesWithNature Action Platform accelerates bold action by cities #ForNature, launching this #EarthHour! Recognized by @UNBiodiversity 🌱
— ICLEI USA (@ICLEI_USA) March 26, 2022
Calling all #cities to join, commit & share their achievements!https://t.co/PLNL39TJrT
Founding partners: @ICLEI @IUCN @nature_org pic.twitter.com/uc2A4TGhWx
ACTION #ForNature 💚
— ICLEI (@ICLEI) March 26, 2022
Launching this #EarthHour, the #CitiesWithNature Action Platform has 3 action areas that align with the categories of the @UNBiodiversity 2030 Action Targets:
Protect & restore nature
Use nature sustainably
Develop tools & solutionshttps://t.co/ZzKv29OI3A pic.twitter.com/Or3DkI2ia7
É amanhã! Apague as luzes das 20h30 às 21h30 horário local! #HoraDoPlaneta #EarthHour #CitiesWithNature #ForNature https://t.co/q07HKp7aTn
— ICLEI América do Sul (@ICLEI_SAMS) March 25, 2022
Today, our partner @CitiesWNature launches its Action Platform, which has 3 action areas that align with the categories of the @UNBiodiversity 2030 Action Targets:
— AIPH (@AiphGlobal) March 26, 2022
🌱Protect & restore nature
🌱Use nature sustainably
🌱Develop tools & solutionshttps://t.co/kSG9oDzV7X #EarthHour
CitiesWithNature Action Platform launch on Earth Hour 2022: Support from leaders
Mayor @Val_Plante, @MTL_Ville, calls on cities to take action against climate change & biodiversity loss, & invites us to turn off the lights for #EarthHour tonight!
— CitiesWithNature (@CitiesWNature) March 26, 2022
DYK our #CitiesWithNature Action Platform #ForNature is launching today? 💚https://t.co/UbO2TcQCBA@WWFCities pic.twitter.com/bGaC43mB88
Mayor @FrancisSuarez, @CityofMiami, highlights #Miami's actions #ForNature, including climate adaptation & #NatureBasedSolutions.
— CitiesWithNature (@CitiesWNature) March 26, 2022
He also calls on cities to join #CitiesWithNature & share their action on the Action Platform this #EarthHour 💚https://t.co/UbO2TcQCBA @MiamiMayor pic.twitter.com/j1BuUmhrlR
Sayda Rodríguez Gómez, Secretary of Sustainable Development, @gobiernoyucatan, calling on cities to take action for our biodiversity & climate crises this #EarthHour 🌎#CitiesWithNature Action Platform to take ACTION #ForNature 💚https://t.co/UbO2Tcz1d0@ICLEImx @ICLEI @Edomex pic.twitter.com/HvBj2QBBDw
— CitiesWithNature (@CitiesWNature) March 24, 2022
Launching this #EarthHour, the #CitiesWithNature Action Platform to take ACTION #ForNature 💚
— CitiesWithNature (@CitiesWNature) March 23, 2022
Councilor @AmandaStoneGRN from @YarraCouncil calls on cities to JOIN, make commitments & take action this #EarthHour!
More info here: https://t.co/UbO2Tcz1d0@iclei_oceania @ICLEI pic.twitter.com/fXgAaA2I0y
#Citieswithnature brings cities and regions together to share their biodiversity successes. The new Action Platform will accelerate those efforts, launched soon!https://t.co/7BSkUXuUAD
— Amanda Stone (@AmandaStoneGRN) March 23, 2022
Cities are key to the successful implementation of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. We welcome the opening of the #CitiesWithNature Action Platform, which is recognized by @UNBiodiversity. - @mremae
— CitiesWithNature (@CitiesWNature) March 21, 2022
Launching this #EarthHour #ForNature 💚 https://t.co/UbO2TcQCBA pic.twitter.com/kULf3K2C8z
Mayor @CityofCT, @geordinhl, speaks about the the importance of #EarthHour!#CapeTown is one of our #CitiesWithNature Pioneers & considered to be the most biodiverse city in the world! #ForNature
— CitiesWithNature (@CitiesWNature) March 25, 2022
DYK our Action platform is launching this #EarthHour? 💚 https://t.co/UbO2TcQCBA pic.twitter.com/Oi21iqOQAg
Deputy mayor of Recife, @isabelladroldao, calls on everyone to join #EarthHour!
— CitiesWithNature (@CitiesWNature) March 25, 2022
Join the movement, turn off your lights & reconnect with our planet at 8:30pm 🌎 #ForNature
Explore the #CitiesWithNature Action platform, launching tomorrow 💚 https://t.co/t1F4y86YS6 @ICLEI_SAMS pic.twitter.com/ecA7I4J7yg
Let's join #EarthHour together for a more sustainable planet.
— Isabella de Roldão (@isabelladroldao) March 25, 2022
Vamos juntas e juntos aderir à #HoradoPlaneta, por uma vida mais sustentável na Terra 🌍 https://t.co/n4yqducpR0
Launching this #EarthHour, the #CitiesWithNature Action Platform to take ACTION #ForNature 💚
— CitiesWithNature (@CitiesWNature) March 22, 2022
It is fitting that the Action Platform is opening to cities on Earth Hour, as a catalyst for urgent change to shape our future! - @KobieBrand, DSG @ICLEI
More: https://t.co/UbO2Tcz1d0 pic.twitter.com/Jo5WmzNJ6K
#EarthHour is our responsibility & opportunity to commit to preserving biodiversity & ensure our ecological system is intact.
— CitiesWithNature (@CitiesWNature) March 25, 2022
~ Mayor @AmarjeetSohiYEG, @CityofEdmonton
Explore the #CitiesWithNature for Action Platform #ForNature, launching tomorrow 🌱https://t.co/t1F4y8oAgG pic.twitter.com/6IPIXVHfFz
An amazing initiative for cities to take part in our fight to halt biodiversity loss.@SwethaSB says @GYBN_CBD supports the #CitiesWithNature Action Platform, launching tomorrow for #EarthHour 💚 #ForNaturehttps://t.co/t1F4y86YS6 #GenerationRestoration #UnitedforBiodiversity pic.twitter.com/gOXz1wwBPl
— CitiesWithNature (@CitiesWNature) March 25, 2022
Mayor @AdvMAnilkumar1, Kochi Municipal Corporation, India, congratulates & supports @WWF for their continued efforts to shine a spotlight #ForNature & people through #EarthHour!
— CitiesWithNature (@CitiesWNature) March 26, 2022
And the #CitiesWithNature Action Platform launched today! 💚https://t.co/UbO2Tcz1d0 #Connect2Earth pic.twitter.com/9njhKyMTZM