The city of Berlin has announced its commitment to the Berlin Urban Nature Pact, part of an international initiative that seeks to mobilise cities to protect and restore nature in urban areas.
The Berlin Urban Nature Pact will see the city focus on tackling climate change and improving biodiversity through measures focused on food, agriculture, soil health, water management, habitat preservation and other related initiatives.
‘Promoting biodiversity’
“Berlin is one of the most species-rich cities in Europe. With the Berlin Urban Nature Pact, we are promoting biodiversity and preserving it for future generations,” said Kai Wegner, governing mayor of Berlin. “In doing so, we are also ensuring the quality of life in Berlin. The Pact relies on concrete measures to make Berlin a model of sustainable urban development, and to inspire other cities around the world.”
The German capital joins a growing number of cities committing to the Pact, which translates international biodiversity commitments into specific local actions and sets 28 goals, of which signatory cities must implement at least 15.
These goals include protecting and increasing urban biodiversity, expanding green infrastructure, renaturing land, and establishing environmental education programmes.
Official launch
The official launch of the Pact is scheduled for October 2024 during the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Cali, Colombia, where Berlin will invite interested cities from around the world to join the initiative.
ICLEI Europe will assist Berlin in rolling out the initiative, in collaboration with its consortium partners, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and ICLEI Africa/CBC.
“It is our honour to support our member Berlin in this globally important initiative,” commented Holger Robrecht, deputy regional director of ICLEI Europe. “The Berlin Urban Nature Pact offers an actionable pathway that demonstrates the potential of regions, cities, and their communities to implement the Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework.
“Through the Berlin Pact, cities will lead the way in addressing the global biodiversity emergency by protecting and restoring nature, ensuring community resilience, and generating numerous additional benefits.”
Global network
Cities that commit to the Pact will become part of a global network of urban practitioners focused on incorporating nature into urban planning and development. This network aims to tackle the social, economic, and environmental challenges posed by climate change. Signatories will join an international community of practice, fostering mutual inspiration, strengthening partnerships, and sharing knowledge to address common challenges.
CitiesWithNature is an initiative developed by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with support from the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), UNEP, and other international partners.
