The German capital reps will head to COP16, in Cali (Colombia), with the aim of inviting other cities to join the cause
Berlin has become the first city to commit to the Berlin Urban Nature Pact – an international initiative that has preserving and enriching urban biodiversity as its goal. The overarching aim of the Pact is to foster a global movement composed of cities that are serious about enacting concrete measures in that field.
“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. In doing so, we are also ensuring the quality of life in Berlin,” declared Kai Wegner, the Governing Mayor of the German capital.
It’s only natural that Berlin doesn’t want to be alone in this noble endeavour so the official launch of the Berlin Urban Nature Pact will take place in October 2024 at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Cali, Colombia.
The event will serve as a platform and incentive for other cities to express their interest and join the Pact.
Specific measures, not just empty rhetoric
Cities committing to the Pact would align themselves with a global network of urban practitioners dedicated to placing nature front and centre when planning and developing their cities and tackling the social, economic and environmental challenges of climate change.
Apart from giving the opportunity to share good practices and inspiration, the Pact comes with a helpful package of concrete local measures and 28 goals that local governments can transpose to their realities.
Signatory cities need to implement at least 15 of said goals. Examples include measures to protect and increase biodiversity in urban areas, expand green infrastructure, renature land, and establish environmental education programmes.
ICLEI Europe will also support Berlin with the roll-out of the initiative in cooperation with its consortium partners International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and ICLEI Africa/CBC.
