AIPH’s mission at COP16 underscores its mission in promoting nature-positive urban development.
The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) joined in the conversations at COP16 in Cali, Colombia, with AIPH’s Technical Initiatives Manager, Dr Audrey Timm, connecting discussions on biodiversity, urban ecosystems, and the transformative potential of nature-positive economies.
Biopolis Symposium: Learning from Cities
On Tuesday, 22 October, Dr Audrey Timm delivered a keynote presentation titled “Learning from Cities: People and Nature in the Urban” at the Biopolis Symposium, organised by the International Living Infrastructure Commission (LINC). The symposium held in the Blue Zone during COP16 brought together global experts in green infrastructure, landscape architecture, and urban ecology to discuss the growing recognition of the “human right to nature” and the “rights of nature” in cities.
In her presentation, Dr Timm highlighted case studies from the AIPH World Green City Awards 2024 under the category ‘Living Green for Biodiversity & Urban Ecosystem Restoration.’ These inspiring examples showcase green city initiatives aimed at addressing biodiversity loss in urban areas. The featured projects included:
- Urban Green Heart Programme – Chengdu, China (WGCA24 Winner)
- Community Reforestation Programme – eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa (WGCA24 Finalist)
- Pretoria East Urban Biosphere Reserve – City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa (WGCA24 Finalist)
Each of these initiatives exemplifies innovative approaches to urban biodiversity restoration, fostering healthier ecosystems and more sustainable cities. Dr Timm’s presentation underscored the importance of city-driven solutions in halting biodiversity loss and promoting green spaces that benefit both people and the environment.
Panel Discussion: Transformations Leading to the Ideal Green City State
On Wednesday, 23 October, Dr Timms led a panel discussion titled “Transformations Leading to the Ideal City State for a Green Future,” hosted by AIPH. This panel included leading voices such as Harriet Bulkeley (Durham University), Dr Bruno Marques (IFLA), Siobhan McQuaid (GoNaturePositive!), and Alan White (CNLA)
This session explored the concept of an “ideal green city-state,” offering a framework for cities to demonstrate their current achievements while setting ambitious goals for the future. Panellists discussed how city-wide approaches, informed by landscape design and cultural context, can help cities achieve national and global biodiversity goals, such as those outlined in the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)
Knowledge & Networks for Biodiversity
Dr Timm’s contributions to COP16 continued on Thursday, 24 October, where she participated in the IUCN Academy Session “Harnessing IUCN Tools, Knowledge & Networks for Biodiversity Knowledge Management, Capacity Building and Technical & Scientific”.
Dr Timm shared her experience with the IUCN Global Standard for nature-based solutions, stating that the structure and guidance delivered by the IUCN Academy professional course were important in providing clear recognition of the features and processes that define nature-based solutions that meet the global standard.
AIPH’s Broader Role at COP16
COP16, the 16th Conference of Parties to the UN Biodiversity Convention, opened this week in Cali, Colombia, and is recognised as the world’s most important event for conserving biodiversity. The summit, attended by over 15,000 delegates, including heads of state, government ministers, and environmental leaders, is focused on implementing the ‘30×30 Biodiversity Goal (KMGBF) to protect 30 per cent of the planet’s lands and waters by 2030.
AIPH’s presence at COP16 underscores its mission in promoting a biodiverse urban development. As cities worldwide face increasing pressure to invest in nature and biodiversity, AIPH’s contributions, through key initiatives such as the World Green City Awards and its role in global discussions, are helping shape the future of urban sustainability.
More information on AIPH’s Green City initiatives
