The Programme
UrbanByNature is a facilitated capacity-building programme connecting cities, researchers, SMEs, and NGOs across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and other regions. Our network of hubs provides a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the implementation of nature-based solutions (NbS). Powered by ICLEI-Europe's deep expertise and wide networks, UrbanByNature aims to help your community understand and implement the latest policy guidelines, such as the Green Deal, Urban Greening Plans, the Berlin Urban Nature Pact, the Nature Restoration Law, the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), and the Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030.
Active Hubs, Ongoing Opportunities
While some of our initial hubs concluded their formal training series in 2021, they remain vibrant communities of practice. Participants continue to engage in follow-up events, learn from each other, and share their experiences.
New Hubs and Expanding Horizons
We're excited to announce the launch of new hubs in Latin America, South Eastern Europe, Spain, Flanders, and Scotland. These hubs offer fresh opportunities for learning, collaboration, and driving NbS initiatives.
Join Our Network
Whether you're an experienced practitioner or just starting your journey with NbS, we invite you to become part of our global network. Participation is open and free of charge. Discover the latest opportunities and connect with like-minded individuals.
Key Benefits:
- Access to expert knowledge and resources
- Opportunities for collaboration and networking
- Support for implementing NbS projects
- A platform for sharing best practices
Let's work together to build a more sustainable future.
Image from Dreamstime by Chitsanupong Pengsalae
Vision
A future where biodiversity thrives, ecosystems flourish and nature-based solutions are a cornerstone of healthy, equitable and resilient landscapes, cities and economies.
Mission
ICLEI Europe's Biodiversity and Nature-based Solutions (NbS) Team collaborates across diverse sectors and policy levels, tackling environmental, economic, and societal challenges on a policy level. In partnership with cities and regions, we champion transformative change by mainstreaming nature in urban development. Our commitment involves advocating for community-driven, place-based innovations and policies that are environmentally, culturally, socially, economically, geographically fitting and just.
Our mission is to integrate biodiversity and nature-based solutions into responses to climate change, biodiversity and ecosystem loss, and pollution. Serving as a bridge between science, policy, and traditional knowledge, we foster nature-positive practices, steering away from business-as-usual. Employing co-creative processes and capacity building with multi-stakeholder groups, we focus on resilient urban/rural landscapes, abundant wildlife habitats, and thriving natural corridors to enhance the health of people, ecosystems and the planet.
Our approach
We have built the programme on a solid foundation taking into consideration relevant methodologies such as the Green Climate City programme and the Green City Action plan methodology for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), both developed by ICLEI, as well as the CitiesWithNature Initiative, designed by ICLEI, IUCN, and the Nature Conservancy. Furthermore, the International standard ISO 37101 “Sustainable development in communities” was also consulted to determine a holistic approach for the UrbanByNature programme. The integrated management cyclical approach has been set up in consultation with the mentioned relevant approaches to avoid duplication or reinvention of the wheel.
Furthermore, UrbanByNature’s concept also builds on the building blocks of the “Connecting Nature Framework” (Technical design, Indicators, Financing and Business Models, Entrepreneurship, Governance, Co-production and Reflexive Monitoring). The programme's integrated planning process, which has been used by local governments that are part of the ICLEI network and beyond, accounts for the complex combination of departments, sectors and organisations involved in sustainable urban planning. The programme is designed to be flexible and adaptable to the questions and expertise participants and contributors bring to the table from their diverse backgrounds and regions.
Our partners
The UrbanByNature programme is funded by the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme of the European Union under Grant Agreements No. 730222 and No. 776604. The sole responsibility for the content of this website lies within UrbanByNature and in no way reflects the views of the European Union.