CitiesWithNature and RegionsWithNature are partnership initiatives that provide practical tools and inspiring spaces for local and subnational governments to amplify their commitments towards nature and ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, nature-based solutions, ecosystem-based adaptation, green and blue infrastructure and nature-positive development.

CitiesWithNature and RegionsWithNature are recognized as platforms where subnational governments and cities can report on, and track progress against, their commitments to contributing to the implementation of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework and national biodiversity strategies and action plans in the Plan of Action on Subnational Governments, Cities and Other Local Authorities for Biodiversity (2021-2030) to be adopted at CBD COP 15.

The side event will showcase CitiesWithNature and RegionsWithNature as the global platforms for mobilizing, inspiring and enhancing implementation and action by local and subnational governments, and key platforms for mobilizing funding, commitment to take action, reporting and project incubation vehicles, to support their national governments in contributing towards the implementation of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework and its 2030 Action Targets, and specifically through the implementation of the Plan of Action on Subnational Governments, Cities and Other Local Authorities for Biodiversity (2021-2030).

A key instrument to turn local and subnational ambitions into actions is the Action Platform. The Action Platform is aligned with the 2030 Action Targets of the GBF and connected to the Sharm El-Sheikh to Kunming Action Agenda for Nature and People and the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) Nature Commitments platform for area-based commitments.

The side event will be co-hosted by ICLEI, Regions4, the IUCN, and UN WCMC and supported by UNEP and the SCBD. It will feature short interventions by several Mayors and Governors from around the world to showcase how their cities and regions are engaging on CitiesWithNature and RegionsWIthNature and committing to taking action towards the successful implementation of the Plan of Action and GBF, mobilizing resources for new projects etc. The side event will also include statements of support and ambition from high level representatives of the CitiesWithNature and RegionsWIthNature key partners, ICLEI, Regions4, the IUCN, UN WCMC, UNEP and SCBD.