Despite the significant potential of nature-based solutions to tackle urban development challenges, their implementation in cities remains limited. Strong leadership, advocacy, and high-level partnerships are essential for facilitating the transition to a nature-positive economy.
We curated a report hosting a collection of articles that represent a year of research, discussions, and collaborations among members and special guests of the Global Commission on Nature-Positive Cities. It offers a comprehensive set of strategies and interventions aimed at promoting nature-positive urban development. Drawing from diverse global contexts, the report highlights both the challenges and successes of integrating nature into urban environments, providing practical, adaptable solutions.
Why nature-positive cities can help transform the planet
Carlos Correa, Colombia’s Former Minister of Environment delves into the concept of "nature-positive" urban development, which seeks to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030 and achieve full recovery by 2050. With 44% of global gross domestic product generated in cities, the economic risks associated with nature loss are substantial. However, only a limited number of the world's largest cities have adopted dedicated biodiversity strategies. Key frameworks like the G7 2030 Nature Compact and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework set targets for ecosystem protection and financing. In the article she emphasizes the importance of innovative policies, public-private collaboration, and citizen engagement in fostering nature-positive cities, showcasing successful interventions in Montería, Barranquilla, and Salvador.
Cultivating nature, cooling cities — an urban future grown to last
In this article, Johnny Ayoub, Oliver Wyman’s IMEA Head of Climate and Sustainability, and Mikolaj Sekutowicz, Impact ONE’s CEO examines rapid urbanization in arid regions, particularly the Middle East, where the population has nearly doubled since the 1960s, increasing vulnerability to climate change. It highlights the potential of green-blue infrastructure, such as the Green Riyadh project which aims to plant 7.5 million trees to improve air quality and public health. Urban afforestation not only cools cities but also provides vital ecosystem services. By adopting innovative practices like the Miyawaki method, cities can create healthier environments and achieve net-zero goals.
Urban sprawl and the nature opportunity of compact cities
Urban growth, particularly in developing countries, poses significant challenges, including social inequalities and habitat loss. In this article, Martín Anzellini, Director, Urban Projects, ProBogota, and Cha-ly Koh, CEO, Urbanmetry discusses the detrimental effects of urban sprawl and emphasizes the benefits of compact city strategies. Projections indicate that urban expansion could result in the loss of 11 million to 33 million hectares of natural habitat by 2100. By implementing urban growth boundaries and prioritizing sustainable housing, cities can mitigate the negative impacts of expansion. Martin also outlines holistic strategies to promote compact cities, ensuring environments where both people and nature thrive.
Nature-positive urban waterways — solutions for inequality and climate resilience
With over 40% of the global population living within 100 kilometers of a coastline, this article, by Edmilson Rodrigues, Mayor of Belém, Brazil, and Kotchakorn Voraakhom, CEO, Landprocess, discusses how cities like Bangkok and Belém leverage natural resources to enhance resilience and improve quality of life. Blue-green infrastructure projects integrate nature with existing systems to manage water and promote sustainability. Successful water-based urbanism relies on strong public-private-community partnerships to create cities that thrive in harmony with nature.
Greenways for nature-positive living — shaping nature-based urban mobility
Federico Cartín Arteaga, Founder and Director General, Rutas Naturbanas, and Heather Thompson, CEO, Institute for Transportation and Development Policy highlight the importance of integrating nature into urban planning to maximize ecological, social, and economic benefits. By creating green corridors that connect parks, waterways, and street trees, cities can enhance mobility and regenerate ecosystems. The article showcases initiatives like Rutas Naturbanas in Costa Rica and greenways in Guangzhou, emphasizing the need for robust planning frameworks and interdisciplinary approaches to attract private investment.
Beyond concrete — the building blocks of nature-positive cities
In this article, Arjun Dhawan, Executive Vice-Chairman, HCC, and Nollaig Forrest, Chief Sustainability Officer, Holcim, explores the integration of nature in urban development, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices in the construction sector. With the construction sector poised to add the equivalent of New York City's building stock every month for the next 40 years, adopting circular economy practices is essential for conserving resources and enhancing biodiversity. The article highlights successful initiatives that prioritize nature in urban planning, showcasing strategies for creating resilient communities that benefit both people and the environment.
Nature first — a city identity grown to last
Esther An, Chair, Corporate Advisory Board, World Green Building Council, and Jaime Pumarejo, Former Mayor of Barranquilla, Colombia underscore the importance of integrating nature into urban development to foster resilience. As urbanization accelerates, with projections indicating that the construction sector will add the equivalent of New York City's building stock every month for the next 40 years, it is imperative to adopt nature-positive solutions that enhance ecological balance.
Cultivating resilience — San Francisco’s pledge to nature and community
In this article London Breed, Mayor of San Francisco, and Mark Watts, Executive Director, C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group highlight San Francisco's commitment to integrating nature into urban landscapes to enhance resilience and biodiversity. Through initiatives like the C40 Urban Nature Accelerator, the city aims to empower communities and restore ecosystems. By ensuring equitable access to green spaces, San Francisco sets a transformative example for cities worldwide.
Innovative multistakeholder finance for nature-based urban resilience in Africa
Marie Lam-Frendo, Chief Strategy Officer, Meridiam, and H.E. Cyril Xaba, Mayor of Durban, South Africa discuss the need for cities to adapt infrastructure in response to urban growth and climate change. The Urban Resilience Fund (TURF) aims to finance sustainable urban projects in Africa and Europe. By embedding bankability into project designs, TURF seeks to attract private investment and foster nature-positive urban environments.
From Africa to Ecuador — lessons for financing resilient and sustainable urban development
Emphasizing the need for cities to lead sustainable transitions amid climate change, Mauricio Rodas, Former Mayor of Quito, and Sandra Villars, Financial and Risk Partner, Oliver Wyman discuss the successful implementation of Quito’s underground rapid transit system. They focus on how it serves as a case study for innovative financing solutions that empower cities to create sustainable environments.
Incheon’s green vision — building an ecological hub for a nature-positive future
Yoo Jeong-Bok, Mayor of Incheon, South Korea explores Incheon's commitment to biodiversity conservation amid urbanization, looking at how the city's Natural Environment Conservation Action Plan aims to expand protected areas and enhance wildlife protection, serving as a model for integrating nature into urban planning.
As urbanization accelerates, addressing climate change and biodiversity loss is critical. By 2050, the urban population is projected to grow by 2.5 billion people, highlighting the need for local governments to shape nature and climate agendas.
Discover the full articles in this report, showcasing the insights and collective efforts of the Global Commission on Nature-Positive Cities. This valuable guidance is aimed at urban policymakers and community leaders looking to implement nature-positive actions in their cities.
