About
Subnational advocacy
ICLEI’s work over the years in the biodiversity and urban nature space has contributed significantly to growing awareness of the role of regions and cities in driving the sustainability transition. In 2007, 32 mayors of major cities met in Curitiba, Brazil with the CBD Secretariat and drafted the Curitiba Declaration on Cities and Biodiversity, actively committing themselves to contributing to CBD objectives and the 2010 biodiversity targets. The first Cities Biodiversity Summit was held in Germany at the CBD COP 9 resulting in the Bonn Declaration. Further commitments were made at a 2008 LAB meeting hosted by the City of Durban, South Africa through the Durban Commitment: Local Governments for Biodiversity.
ICLEI CBC has co-hosted Biodiversity Summits for Cities and Subnational Governments as official parallel events to the CBD COP since 2014. At each consecutive Summit, further progress was made in strengthening the voice and appreciation of the critical role that local and subnational governments play in the global biodiversity agenda, both at policy and implementation levels.
Working with the UN Conventions
For more than 15 years, ICLEI’s Cities Biodiversity Center (ICLEI CBC) has championed the voices of local and subnational governments in global biodiversity policy and practice. We work across local, national, and international levels to ensure that cities and regions are recognized as key actors in tackling the biodiversity crisis.
Convention on Biological Diversity
As the recognized focal point for local and subnational governments, we collaborate with the CBD Secretariat and Parties to integrate local action into National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). We drive policy change, build partnerships, and empower cities to implement the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). Moreover, we organize the Summit for Subnational Governments & Cities at every CBD COP, providing a global stage for mayors, governors, and regional leaders to showcase solutions and shape collective advocacy.
Convention on Migratory Species
We partner with the CMS Secretariat to highlight the role of cities in ecological connectivity. From co-developing tools such as “Curb Light Pollution in Your City” to contributing to World Migratory Bird Day, we support urban actions that safeguard migratory species and their habitats.
Ramsar Convention
As part of the Ramsar Secretariat’s Independent Advisory Committee, we advocate for local governments’ role in urban wetland protection and restoration. We also support the Wetland City Accreditation Scheme, encouraging cities to conserve and wisely use urban and peri-urban wetlands.