Message from Kobie Brand, Deputy Secretary General of ICLEI and Global Director of ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center

On this International Day for Biological Diversity, we celebrate the theme of “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development” by recognizing the vital role of cities and subnational governments in protecting and restoring biodiversity. Healthy urban ecosystems are the foundation of resilient, livable, and sustainable communities, providing clean air, water, food security and cultural richness.

However, we will not achieve peace, prosperity and planetary health without bold action to safeguard our biodiversity and reconnect our communities with nature. Thankfully, the solutions exist and the momentum is growing at all levels of government. Together, through shared knowledge, multilevel governance mechanisms and decisive action, we are building cities that thrive in balance with the natural world.

Today, to showcase this, we proudly launch the event report from the 8th Summit for Subnational Governments & Cities, an official parallel event to CBD COP 16 that took place in Cali, Colombia late last year. This report captures the bold commitments and inspiring actions of local and regional leaders who are driving transformative change for biodiversity and their communities.

The Summit underscored the power of collaboration under the themes of Partnering, Progress, and Peace. It demonstrated how cities and regions, via their self-organised networks, are leading the way in financing, implementing and reporting on biodiversity initiatives, through platforms such as CitiesWithNature and RegionsWithNature. The report we launch today showcases how subnational governments are working with their national governments and partners to turn global agreements into local action, and ensure that harmony with nature is not an abstract ideal, but a daily practice.

As we mark this important day, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a nature-positive future.