The World Economic Forum and Alexander von Humboldt Institute, have launched a major new report, entitled, BiodiverCities by 2030: Transforming Cities’ Relationship with Nature. The report sets out why and how urban leaders can lead the way in transforming their cities into living systems, simultaneously achieving economic, social and ecological goals.
“We hereby provide the case for urban leaders from the public and private sectors, as well as citizen movements, to conserve, connect, restore and enhance natural urban ecosystems by outlining actions for nature-spatial integration, urban governance, and investment mobilization. The time to act is now. Every individual must be involved to make a world of BiodiverCities by 2030.”
– Lena Chan, Co-Chair of the Global Commission on BiodiverCities by 2030
An estimated 44% of the GDP in cities is at risk of disruption from nature loss. At the same time, rapid urban expansion is placing biodiversity hotspots in peril. Nature-positive investments are required to reduce the impact of cities on biodiversity, increase climate resilience, and secure socio-economic well-being. Heeding this urgency, the World Economic Forum (WEF) introduces their vision of BiodiverCities – cities that place nature at the heart of decision-making and infrastructure investment.
The business case for BiodiverCities
The BiodiverCities report reveals that reintegrating nature into urban environments creates significant social and economic benefits. It is estimated that an investment of $583 billion in nature-based solutions (NbS) could generate more than 59 million sustainable jobs by 2030, including 21 million livelihood-enhancing jobs dedicated to restoring and conserving ecosystems. In addition, NbS for infrastructure are reportedly 50% cheaper than their grey alternatives and deliver 28% greater added value in terms of productivity and co-benefits. Embracing nature-positive development can thus accelerate the creation of more resilient, sustainable, and liveable cities.
Three shifts towards nature-positive urban development
To realize the BiodiverCities by 2030 vision, three shifts in urban development are essential.
- Cities must shift to a ‘systems approach’ in governance that embodies the needs of all stakeholders and accounts for the value of ecosystems.
- Natural ecosystems must be reintegrated into urban planning decisions, as the ‘backbone’ of future development.
- Action is needed to prioritise investment in natural capital, including the adoption of standardized biodiversity data and monitoring systems in decision-making.
Conclusion: a call for multistakeholder action
Altogether, there is a pressing need to incorporate the value of nature into economic and political decision-making processes. By shifting to a systems approach, integrating nature, and mobilising sustainable finance, it is possible to catalyse the use of nature-based infrastructure and unlock benefits to society. The imperative for systemic change in future development requires in-depth coordination between all city stakeholders, including governments, private sector investors, civil society, and academics.
View the full report here: https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_BiodiverCities_by_2030_2022.pdf