Urban areas cover just 3% of Earth’s surface but house over half the population. By 2050, 68% of people will live in cities. As cities expand, they take land from agriculture and other ecosystems, intensifying pressure on natural resources. While cities are the main contributors to the triple planetary crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution, they are also where the solutions lie to address them in an integrated manner. GEF/UrbanShift and GenerationRestoration cities are leading the way and demonstrating concrete approaches to implementing Target 12 of the Global Biodiversity Framework on “enhancing green spaces and urban planning for human well-being and biodiversity," but the road has not always been easy.

This event will focus on how cities are taking transformative action to address their challenges, and how they have navigated the roadblocks to progress that they've encountered. It will build on the experience of GEF and GenerationRestoration cities and trigger an honest, action-oriented discussion on challenges—anticipated or not—and what actions can help correct course and increase financing flows for urban nature.

Speakers

Welcoming and introduction

  • Sharon Gil, Programme Management Officer, and Cities Lead, UNEP

Setting the scene and reflections on GBF Target 12 implementation challenges from UrbanShift experience

  • Gregor Robertson, Special Envoy for Cities in CHAMP and Mayors4Climate Global Ambassador, Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM) 
  • Laura Bulbena Janer, Manager, Cities4Forests, WRI Colombia

Panel discussion 

  • Moderation: Kobie Brand, Deputy Secretary General, ICLEI, and Regional Director, ICLEI Africa Secretariat 
  • Adiam Emery, Deputy Mayor City of Seattle, USA
  • Sebastian Fermani, Secretary of Environment and Development, Mendoza, Argentina
  • Liezl de Villiers, Divisional Manager: Environmental Management and Conservation, Overstrand, South Africa
  • Red Avelino, Head, Parks Department, Quezon City, Philippines

Wrap-up

  • Aloke Barnwal, Thematic Lead- Urban and Infrastructure, Global Environment Facility 

Cover image by AFP/Joaquin Sarmiento