This report calls on cities, as one of the crucial players in reversing nature loss and climate change, to become BiodiverCities by 2030. It articulates the opportunity for urban leaders and citizens to transform their cities’ relationship with nature through nine key messages.

1. An “urban era” is taking place. Cities account for 80% of global GDP and will host 75% of the world’s population by 2050. Urban leaders and decision-makers have a leading role to play in shaping a sustainable, resilient and prosperous future for all.

2. Exponential growth of the global built environment undermines nature’s critical contributions to our societies and economies. Rapid urban expansion has come at the expense of climate, nature and the economy. Business as usual is no longer an option – 44% of global GDP in cities is estimated to be at risk of disruption from nature loss. With the majority of future urban expansion forecast in the world’s most biodiverse regions, cities must act now to rebalance their relationship with nature.

3. BiodiverCities by 2030 sets a vision of cities as living systems, where their economic, social and ecological functions come together in harmony. BiodiverCities have five characteristics, guiding nature-positive actions on infrastructure, governance, economy, health and wellbeing.