The Urban Nature theme works with urban planning with ecosystem services. This theme also works to increase understanding and use of relevant nature-based solutions – or integrated nature and culture-based solutions – in urban areas. Building capacity among local governments and other key actors for improved local implementation of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, in cities across rapidly urbanizing Africa and Asia, is essential in this work.

SwedBio, in collaboration with partners, international experts and Stockholm Resilience Centre researchers, will continue to inform and support the development of the new biodiversity frameworks, specifically ones that focus on nature-based solutions for urban resilience. SwedBio will continue to contribute to the enabling and strengthening of multi-level governance, connecting local government and global actors.

In the 2021-2024 programme phase, this theme is working to integrate disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation in urban nature work, as well as continue experimenting with nature-based solutions (NBS). This is all done while developing implementation approaches and methodologies with our partners.

Two policy arenas that SwedBio and Urban Nature theme partners work with are the Local and Subnational Government roadmap for the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework consultation and negotiation process, and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).