New policy brief calls on countries to empower cities to meet global biodiversity goals.
A new policy brief posits recommendations for national governments to accelerate urban efforts to help them achieve the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) 2030 Action Targets.
In the spirit of the Plan of Action on Subnational Governments, Cities and Local Authorities for Biodiversity, the policy brief calls for a whole-of-government approach to conserving, protecting and restoring biodiversity.
The benefits of coordinated local actions would be felt around the world in a phenomenon we call the Urban Butterfly Effect. However, local governments will need support from wider spheres of government if they are to fulfil their potential for nature. This brief aids in implementing such universal action by providing direction as to the specific support national governments can provide and the potential impact of such support.
It comprise the following:
- An explanation of the science-based potential of local governments to contribute to the GBF;
- A list of six accelerators that national governments can implement to harness the Urban Butterfly Effect to halt biodiversity loss; and
- Detailed information on how to harness local government’s potential contributions to five of the 2030 Action Targets.
The brief was developed by the NATURA Global to Local Thematic Working Group, convened by Urban Biodiversity Hub, and composed of researchers and practitioners from various global organizations engaged in urban nature.
