Urban Biodiversity

Urban biodiversity is biological diversity of urban areas. It is heavily influenced by the built environment and the economic, social and cultural dynamics of these densely populated places.

The following sources and links offer an excellent gateway to global efforts and projects currently underway, as well as several information sources about biodiversity in the urban context, such as the ICLEI-UNEP City Briefcase series and Factsheets on Biodiversity.

A global project is "Local Action for Biodiversity", which is based in Cape Town, South Africa. The pilot project of the world's most dedicated cities to biodiversity is looking forward to expanding after its pilot phase lasting until 2009.

Local governments can declare their commitment by signing up to the Countdown 2010. The successful campaign brings together dedication around the world to halt the loss of biodiversity.

A conference on “Urban Biodiversity” was organised to bring researchers together with practitioners. The conference took place in Erfurt, Germany in parallel to the COP9 in Bonn, Germany this year.

Read the Erfurt Declaration

City briefcase series

This exceptional collection of current, real-life efforts for various biodiversity issues by cities from around is inspirational and educational. Coordinated by ICLEI's African Secretariat and supported by UNEP, the original 14 cases is in the process of adding even more.

Download a series of local case on biodiversity [.zip 4.5Mb)

Visit the

Local Action for Biodiversity (LAB) website for more information

Factsheets on biodiversity

These Fact Sheets on biodiversity-relevant information for cities, regions and local authorities form a key primer for anyone seeking information on this key topic. Resulting from a joint project of ICLEI and IUCN/ Countdown 2010, the factsheets are available for free download:

Partnerships and networks for urban biodiversity	Halting Biodiversity loss – a global mandate to act	Local Authorities for biodiversity management


Regions as drivers of biodiversity management	Involving citizens in biodiversity management	Biodiversity and Climate Change

Council of Local and Regional Authorities in Europe (CLRAE)

CLRAE, an endorser of the Mayors Conference, has passed comprehensive recommendations to cities, towns and regions in regards to biodiversity. They can be found in several languages on their website http://www.urbio2008.com