Building on the momentum of COP15 and with the support of the Foreign Environmental Cooperation Center (FECO) of MEE China, Kunming City, INTERACTBio, MCR2030, and various partners, the Urban Biodiversity International Forum was successfully held in Kunming City, China, from November 8 to 10, 2023. The event took place back to back with the Resilient City China Symposium. It aligned with COP15’s emphasis on the role of local and subnational governments, and explored the implications of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) for cities and subnational governments.
Given COP15’s acknowledgement of the vital role played by local and subnational governments in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and its dedicated Plan of Action on Subnational Governments, Cities and other Local Authorities for Biodiversity (2023–2030), the event focused on understanding how the GBF and its decisions impact cities and subnational governments. Local and subnational governments are recognized as key partners in shaping and executing national biodiversity strategies, action plans, and achieving the 2030 targets. The event strategically aligned with other crucial agendas, including climate change adaptation and urban resilience.
With more than 200 guests, including over 20 local governments from both domestic and overseas locations participating on-site and over 100 joining online, the forum focused on key thematic areas including:
- Integrated Actions for Biodiversity
- Biodiversity Finance
- Urban Biodiversity Assessment, Planning, and Practices
- Wetland Cities and Biodiversity Conservation
The event served as a platform for sharing actions, initiatives, projects, and announcements, fostering collaboration and encouraging ambitious commitments for implementing the GBF and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NABSAPS) at the local level.
Key tools and resources launched at the event include
Biodiversity Financing Toolkit
Developed under the IKI-funded INTERACT-Bio project, the toolkit includes a Guide To Biodiversity Financing For Cities And Regions, Catalogue Of Financing And Technical Assistance Opportunities, and Biodiversity Finance Decision-Making Tree, offering solutions for local governments and regions on biodiversity finance.
City Biodiversity Index (Chinese Version)
This self-assessment tool is considered the ‘gold standard’ for local governments to assess and evaluate biodiversity protection and management practices in the local context. It is endorsed by the Secretariat of the Convention for Biological Diversity and aligns with GBF goals and targets.
CLEVER Regional Solutions Catalogue (English version with Chinese trail)
Showcasing nature-based solution (NbS) interventions and enablers from China, Europe, and Latin America, the catalogue illustrates the benefits of urban NbS for the environment, society, and economy, providing valuable models for planning, implementing, and maintaining NbS.
A useful resource covering international and ICLEI experience of building resilient cities, analysis of practices conducted in Chinese cities, and exploration on how to build resilient cities in China with a focus on ‘climate resilience’.
Guidelines of LBSAPs in Chinese Context
Providing a comprehensive guide for local governments, institutions, and organizations on developing Local Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (LBSAPs) that synergize with NBSAPs and the GBF.
