UN Habitat joins the CAF biodivercities network
December 04, 2023
CAF -development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean- and UN Habitat signed a letter of intent at COP 28 in Dubai to support a new urban agenda in the region and expand the network of biodivercities, an initiative that promotes the conservation of biodiversity as a central part of the planning, territorial ordering and socioeconomic development of cities.
The initiative, led by CAF, has been signed by 180 mayors of the region, with the aim of turning cities into spaces that coexist harmoniously with nature, for example, through parks, gardens, resilient and friendly infrastructures. with the environment, urban forests, clean transportation systems. These types of initiatives substantially improve the quality of life of citizens.
“Together we will transform the urban landscape in Latin America and the Caribbean to create cities that are models of inclusion, sustainability and resilience. This is our shared goal with CAF,” said Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Executive Director of UN Habitat.
Mohd Sharif also assured that it is necessary to integrate nature-based solutions into the urban agenda to generate an environment in cities that contributes to the well-being of citizens.
According to Ángel Cárdenas, manager of Urban Development, Water and Creative Industries at CAF, “this alliance with UN Habitat will allow us to take the Biodivercities network to the next level and, thereby, expand an essential concept to achieve more livable, resilient, competitive and respectful of the environment and biodiversity.”
According to the World Economic Forum and the Humboldt Institute, Biodivercities can restore the balance between urban management and nature, through more green infrastructure, better governance schemes that promote nature-based solutions; new positive links between rural and urban; the prioritization of circular economy models; and the promotion of values of well-being and health in citizens.