Nature Positive: Guidelines for the Transition in Cities
Executive Summary
This comprehensive guide advocates for transformative actions to promote a "nature-positive" approach within urban settings, aligning with the Global Biodiversity Framework's goal to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. The framework underscores the critical role of cities, which contribute approximately 80% of the world's GDP, in advancing this global agenda.
Key Insights:
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Urban Impact on Biodiversity: Rapid urban growth has disproportionately affected natural ecosystems, with an estimated 44% of global GDP ($31 trillion) in cities being susceptible to disruption due to biodiversity loss. Currently, only about 37% of the world's largest cities have implemented strategies focusing on nature preservation.
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The Nature Positive Agenda: The concept of moving from merely mitigating harm to actively promoting biodiversity recovery has gained traction among various organizations. To achieve this effectively, cities must define clear levels of ambition and establish measurable baselines aligned with the GBF's mandate.
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Lack of Standardized Guidance: Despite growing awareness of the urgency to reconcile urban development with biodiversity conservation, there remains a dearth of standardized guidance for cities to track their progress toward restoration. Efforts to set biodiversity targets have lagged behind advancements in climate target methodologies.
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Guidance for City Leaders: The report provides guidance for cities aiming to address biodiversity loss and initiate their nature-positive transition:
- Commitment: Leaders must commit to enhancing nature within and beyond city boundaries, ensuring alignment across city departments.
- Strategy Development: Cities should formulate nature strategies that complement existing climate strategies, leveraging synergies and reinforcing actions.
- Implementation: Cities should execute actions aimed at achieving set targets, with monitoring and reporting mechanisms in place to assess impact.
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Role of Cities in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework: Cities are encouraged to take the lead in implementing this historic agreement, committed to halting and reversing nature loss by 2030.
This guide serves as a catalyst for cities worldwide to embrace proactive measures in urban planning, regulation, incentives, economic valuation, and public-private partnerships, fostering a nature-positive future.
