While the Biodiversity COP 16 achieved some strong results, it did not reach a conclusion on all negotiation topics. Before being suspended on 2 November, Parties agreed on an expanded role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in saving biodiversity, and a groundbreaking agreement on the operationalisation of a new global mechanism to share benefits from digital genetic information. COP16 also reinforced the key role that local and subnational governments play in enhancing the implementation of biodiversity conservation action such as the Global Biodiversity Framework, a position long held by ICLEI Europe.

To protect biodiversity and ensure the provision of co-benefits that are essential for human health, ICLEI has been working closely with key partners such as the Secretariat to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the COP16 presidency. Especially in Europe, ICLEI has connected with relevant stakeholders including the European Commission and the Committee of the Regions on policies and initiatives designed to bend the curve on biodiversity loss.

Having worked tirelessly towards the improvement and ultimate approval of the Nature Restoration Regulation, ICLEI is proud to announce their upcoming participation in the EU Platform for Biodiversity (EUBP) expert sub-group on the Nature Restoration Regulation. In joining the group, ICLEI will utilise its considerable network and expertise for the preparation of solid, integrated and effective policies to urgently restore natural ecosystems.

Meetings will begin in early 2025, and one of the first topics will be the proposal by the Commission to draft a uniform format for National Restoration Plans. ICLEI’s Biodiversity and Nature-based Solutions Team co-leads the consultation process and guidance development for the EC’s Urban Nature Plan initiative, bringing first-hand expertise on restoration of urban ecosystems from governance, infrastructure, and stakeholder engagement perspectives. Furthermore, the Urban Nature Plan guidance will be tested in ICLEI Members Mannheim (Germany) and Paris (France).

ICLEI is also a key driver of the discourse around transforming the European economy to a nature-positive one, and can contribute invaluable insights to the group on the economic considerations of the Nature Restoration Regulation. As over 60% of EU policies are being implemented on the local level, ICLEI’s representation of local governments within the sub-group will ensure that the interest of those key enablers are at the table.

We look forward to representing our member cities at the EU level by participating in this instrumental sub-group. Learn more about Urban Nature Plans and the Nature-Positive Economy concept by reading up on UNPplus, NetworkNature, and GoNaturePositive!