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Have you heard of "BiodiverCities by 2030"? Two recent publications speak to citizens and governments about why nature needs to be at the forefront of urban life

The BiodiverCities by 2030 is a joint initiative of the World Economic Forum and the Alexander von Humboldt Institute, championed by the Government of Colombia. This initiative has launched two issues that speak to the community at large about how to unlock the potential of biodiversity and ecosystems in urban development - keeping economic, societal and ecological needs in harmony.

Maria Mejia

Moderator

date June 29, 2022 | 14:00 - 15:00
place
Urban Expo: Urban Library room
organization
Alexander von Humboldt Institute of Colombia
country
Colombia
language
English
theme
Greener Urban Futures
Reference: 
UL 14

Summary

This event will host a panel presentation with question and answer sessions with some of the authors and editors behind two recent publications issued by the BiodiverCities by 2030 Initiative. The BiodiverCities by 2030 is a joint initiative of the World Economic Forum and the Alexander von Humboldt Institute, championed by the Government of Colombia. Newly launched two issues speak to the community at large, especially, to urban/environmental authorities, productive sectors committed to innovation, urban designers, urban groups, grassroots communities, academia, research centers and disseminators of scientific knowledge interested in including ecosystems in urban development - keeping economic, societal and ecological needs in harmony.

The first issue of this initiative is the Insight Report BiodiverCities by 2030: Transforming Cities’ Relationship with Nature. This report provides a vision for cities of the future and the needed systemic shifts to develop BiodiverCities that place nature at the heart of decision-making and infrastructure investments. 

The second issue of the BiodiverCities by 2030 Initiative is the book BiodiverCities by 2030: Transforming Cities with Biodiversity to be launched at this session at WUF11. This book builds on the knowledge and initiatives led by more than 80 authors from over 35 organizations that are promoting ways in which cities are restoring, preserving and sustainably using biodiversity to improve livability, health, climate resilience, and overall well-being. 

The panel will have guest speakers from the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). 

Objectives

  • Rising public awareness on the values of biodiversity in urban settings
  • Enhancing the role of biodiversity in achieving the targets and priorities of the Urban Agenda
  • Mainstreaming lessons learned and context specific solutions to preserve and restore biodiversity in cities
  • Sharing available opportunities to achieve the BiodiverCities vision

Session speakers

Speaker
Role
Organization
Country
Mr. Juan Nicolás Galarza
Vice-Minister
Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development
Ms. Alice Charles
Lead, Urban Transformation
World Economic Forum
Ms. María Mejía
Project Lead BiodiverCities by 2030 Initiative
Alexander von Humboldt Research Institute
Mr. Mateo Ledezma
Junior Policy Analyst
OECD - Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
Mr. Ramón Pendones de Pedro
District Delegate at the Municipal Council
Curridabat City