The New Urban Conservation – meeting growing ambitions for green cities

Urban nature is gaining attention in policy and research, with growing evidence that cities impact conservation, public health, and nature relationships. Urban ecosystems provide services and nature interactions for people living in cities (the majority of the world), shaping conservation support. Cities can also be biodiversity hotspots, offering refugia for species disfavored by intensive agriculture and forestry. 

Recognizing this, urban ecosystems are now highlighted for biodiversity conservation by the UN (2022) and EU (2024). However, these big ambitions and short timeframes for creating green, sustainable cities pose challenges for stakeholders, practitioners, and researchers. What changes will the new conservation policies require from practitioners? What scientific evidence is needed for effective implementation? Most importantly, how do we translate knowledge into action? 

This transdisciplinary session explores how implementing new urban nature goals affects practice, research, and their cooperation. It covers urban conservation ecology, policy, and real-world implementation, from both research and practice. 

Further information about the session

Open for Abstract submission: Yes, oral and poster

Keywords: biodiversity conservation; nature-based solutions; nature restoration; urban ecology; urban planning 

Language: English

Time and venue: 11:00-12:30, Europa.

Organisers:

• Marcus Hedblom, Department of Urban & Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
• Anna S. Persson, Centre for Environmental and Climate Science, Lund University
• Johan Kjellberg Jensen, Centre for Environmental and Climate Science, Lund University