Upcoming publication: the LAB Guidebook
The LAB Guidebook: a pioneering global publication
ICLEI’s LAB Guidebook, produced in close association with IUCN and the CBD Secretariat, is a highly anticipated upcoming publication which, for the first time ever, will provide practitioners with comprehensive guidelines on the multiple aspects of biodiversity management in the challenging local government context. This groundbreaking and comprehensive publication collates biodiversity good practice from around the world in a series of easily accessible modules. Each module contains practical advice, examples, and references for further information. It draws on a variety of sources with a focus on the rich experience of leading cities and regions from around the world – the LAB Program’s pioneer cities and regions. Their innovation in dealing with biodiversity at local level over the past three years has shaped this Guidebook, resulting in a truly unique and unparalleled body of practical knowledge in the field of urban biodiversity management. The LAB Guidebook will
be an inspiration to local governments everywhere as a demonstration of what can be done.
Enhancing biodiversity: the aim of the Guidebook
The development and sustainability of human society depends on an underpinning healthy environment, and the ongoing healthy supply of goods and services provided by intact ecosystems. The pressures on biodiversity worldwide are, however, substantial. As people alter and reshape the natural landscape through resource extraction, industry, agriculture and urbanization, these threats continue to grow. Biodiversity is the variety of life that makes ecosystems both resilient and special, and allows them to provide these goods and services that we so heavily rely upon for our very existence. These include the supply of water, pollination of agricultural crops, flood attenuation and air purification, to name but a few. Whether in the wilderness or in the city, biodiversity is therefore a priceless asset that warrants our protection.
The critical role of local governments in biodiversity conservation
The fundamental principle of the LAB Guidebook is that, while many of the challenges facing biodiversity are global, action to conserve and enhance biodiversity must be local. It is at the level of local government that policies and strategies are transformed into practical plans and actions. Furthermore much biodiversity in and around cities is under particularly high levels of threat due to urbanisation, while urban biodiversity also represents the best opportunity to raise biodiversity awareness among the large, dense populations in cities. The momentous decision taken at the 9th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations’ Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2008 on Promoting Engagement of Cities and Local Authorities (Decision IX/28) recognises local governments’ crucial role in implementing the objectives of this Convention. Importantly, the decision further invites national governments to engage with their local counterparts to help achieve this through “the application of relevant tools and guidelines”. The LAB Guidebook is such a tool.
Details about how to get your own copy of the LAB Guidebook
Details will be made available on the LAB website at www.iclei.org/lab .Should you wish to pre-order a copy, please contact LAB:
Email: lab@iclei.org
Website: www.iclei.org/lab
