IUCN Drives Urban Biodiversity Transformation: From Symposium to Action
In a momentous collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Biodiversity Committee and other esteemed partners, IUCN successfully hosted the first International Symposium on Urban Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (Asia Region) from 20 - 21 February 2025 at the Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China. This landmark event drew 140 representatives from 31 universities, 14 research institutions, and 21 other organisations worldwide, serving as a crucial platform for in-depth discussions on the intricate relationship between urban development and biodiversity conservation.
A Call to Action
IUCN's Director General, Dr Grethel Aguilar, delivered high-level opening remarks via video and issued a call for action to encourage global cooperation. “Urban growth is now one of the top three threats to species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, affecting over 21,870 species. Without urgent action, cities can alter temperatures, increase pollution, and fragment habitats, leading to severe biodiversity declines. Yet, cities are not just part of the challenges we confront as a society—they can also have positive impacts and be a powerful part of the solution. Urban biodiversity is essential for resilient, healthy, and sustainable cities. To truly embrace urban biodiversity, we must integrate Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) into urban planning and adopt strategies such as establishing OECMs (Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures) in urban landscapes, protecting Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), and expanding urban green and blue spaces.”
Other distinguished opening speakers included Prof Ma Keping, Deputy Director and Secretary-General of the CAS Biodiversity Committee; Dr Zhang Linxiu, Director of the UNEP-International Ecosystem Management Partnership; Dr Liu Yupeng, Executive Director of the Urban Health and Well-being Programme under the International Science Council; and Researcher Prof Zheng Yuming, Deputy Director of the Institute of Urban Environment. They unanimously emphasised the critical importance and urgency of urban biodiversity conservation.
Insights from Global Experts: Advancing Urban Biodiversity Research and Practice
IUCN experts and global thought leaders converged to offer innovative insights on safeguarding urban ecosystems by integrating scientific knowledge with practical action. Their perspectives covered a wide range of crucial aspects, from NbS to community-led conservation and biodiversity-related urban planning.
Nature-based Solutions and Green Infrastructure
Dr Charles Karangwa, Head of Nature-based Solutions at IUCN, emphasised that effective NbS can bring about significant improvements in urban biodiversity, climate change resilience, and public health. He pointed out that the IUCN Global Standard for NbS serves as a valuable tool for the design, implementation, and monitoring of such initiatives. Prof Naoya Furuta, Taisho University, IUCN Japan Liaison Office, presented a brief history and overview of urban nature policies and practices in Japan, with a particular focus on green infrastructure models led by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, as well as Tokyo Green Biz, led by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and various projects led by the private sector. These models, which prioritise biodiversity, can be replicated in Asian cities. Prof. Yu Kongjian, Peking University, showcased China's achievements in wetland restoration and sponge city projects through NbS. He stressed that these projects play a vital role in maintaining a balance between urban development and ecological integrity.
Urban Forestry and Soil Biodiversity
Prof Wang Cheng, Chinese Academy of Forestry, advocated for urban forestry as a fundamental element of sustainable urban planning. Expanding the tree canopy, he explained, can help mitigate the urban heat island effect and create corridors for wildlife. Prof Alexei V. Tiunov, Russian Academy of Sciences, highlighted the critical role of urban soil biodiversity in ecosystem functions. He emphasised that it is essential for nutrient cycling and the resilience of urban greenery.
Biodiversity Monitoring and Adaptive Management
Dr Zhou Weiqi, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, CAS, presented long-term urban biodiversity monitoring data from Beijing. The data revealed trends in species dynamics and habitat connectivity, which can be used to develop adaptive management strategies.
Urban Wildlife Management and Community Engagement
Dr Wang Fang, Fudan University, shared strategies for managing urban raccoon dog populations through inclusive governance. His work demonstrated how local communities can coexist with wildlife. Dr Li Binbin, Duke Kunshan University, discussed citizen science initiatives aimed at reducing urban bird collisions. She urged architects to adopt bird-friendly designs and called for greater community engagement in conservation efforts.
Urban Biodiversity and Public Health
Dr Zheng Hua, Institute of Urban Environment, CAS established a link between access to urban green spaces and improved mental health outcomes. He called for an equitable distribution of nature in cities to enhance public well-being.
Policy-related Insights and Global Goals
Prof Lü Zhi, Peking University, emphasised the potential of OECMs to fill the gaps in urban biodiversity protection. She advocated for policies that recognise community-led conservation initiatives. Prof Yang Jun, Tsinghua University, analysed China's progress towards the targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. He identified opportunities to strengthen urban biodiversity research to better align with global goals. Prof Ouyang Zhiyun, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, CAS, highlighted Shenzhen's achievements in integrating biodiversity into the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). His presentation provided a model for cities on how to measure and report improvements in ecosystem services.
Thematic Sessions: A Holistic Approach to Urban Ecology
The symposium also featured four thematic sessions with 32 presentations, delving deep into the core issues of urban ecology.
The "Nature-based Solutions and Sponge City Construction" session, chaired by Prof Zhou Weiqi, explored how sponge city construction, residential green space integration, and NbS can enhance urban biodiversity and ecological resilience. Discussions covered topics such as microclimate regulation, urban soundscape research, and the development of NbS guidelines. Dr Wang Pengbin delivered a speech titled "Nature-based Solutions for Coastal City Resilience and Sustainability" in this session.
The session on "Urban Biodiversity Monitoring and Conservation," chaired by Dr Zheng Haifeng, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, CAS, focused on innovative urban sustainability assessment tools, the impact of urbanisation on ecosystems, and the application of ecological restoration and multi-source data monitoring systems. Ms Loredana Scuto from the IUCN Cities, Culture, and Youth Team introduced the study and application of IUCN Urban Nature Indexes, emphasising their role in urban biodiversity measurement and monitoring.
Looking Ahead: A Collective Vision for the Future
This conference provided new ideas for urban biodiversity research, while offering valuable theoretical and practical guidance for urban biodiversity protection. Experts unanimously agreed that by integrating science, policy, and practice, the sustainable development of urban ecosystems can be better promoted. Future efforts should focus on strengthening interdisciplinary cooperation and global collaboration while promoting the deep integration of urban biodiversity research and policy practices to contribute to achieving global sustainable development goals.
“The symposium covered various aspects of urban ecology, including urban biodiversity, NbS, and urban sustainability and conservation. I extend gratitude to the local host, the dedicated organising committee, the insightful speakers, and all participants. I hope this event will be a catalyst for future collaborations,” said Prof Ma Keping, Deputy Director and Secretary-General of the CAS Biodiversity Committee and IUCN Councillor.
IUCN is committed to building on the momentum of this symposium and will continue to support research, capacity-building, and policy-making efforts related to urban biodiversity in Asia and beyond.