Urbanization threatens biodiversity, but communities worldwide are proving that local action and sustainable strategies can make a difference. From planting native species, creating wildlife corridors, and restoring wetlands, our guide explores solutions to regenerate nature in urban areas.

Biodiversity is critical to healthy ecosystems. In this era of the anthropocene, urbanization poses detrimental impacts to our ecosystems, destroying natural habitats and exacerbating our climate crisis through unsustainable practices. However, evidence has shown that practical strategies exist, which can be implemented across our cities and in our communities to protect, restore, and regenerate biodiversity!

From local conservation efforts to large-scale sustainable planning initiatives, our Local Biodiversity Solutions Guide exemplifies various ways that biodiversity-friendly practices can be integrated into municipal policies and can be supported by local action to help nature in our urban environments to thrive. This document highlights the importance of planning and designing with ecology in urban development; emphasizing the need to map biodiversity hot spots to identify and protect species that are at risk; create wildlife corridors to connect fragmented habitats; plant native species along boulevards and in public spaces; and implement green infrastructure solutions such as rain gardens and green roofs, and more.

The guide also looks to Canadian cities such as Toronto, Edmonton, and Calgary, in addition to some key other locations which can exemplify how these practices can take place and be successful! From restoring degraded wetlands, addressing plastic pollution and creating gardens for the food and shelter of pollinators as well as other urban wildlife populations, there are solutions that have demonstrated how even the smallest of actions can drive forward a large positive impact. In times when it feels as though nothing you can do will help our environment, remember – one person can make a difference and that every day good things are happening!

Citizen engagement plays an important role in bringing these practices into fruition which will help to mitigate the impacts of climate change and reverse the downward trend of biodiversity loss. This begins with educational programs and initiatives that increase biodiversity and climate change awareness. At times Read the full guide to learn more about how we can create more resilient communities to support future generations of people, plants and wildlife, fostering healthy and resilient communities.

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