Cities have a leading role in reaching EU and global biodiversity goals and in raising awareness of the vital role biodiversity and nature plays in our daily lives. But how can cities move from awareness-raising to action and engage citizens and local communities in biodiversity work?

In the October webinar, we will discuss different ways to encourage local communities to take action in planning, creating and maintaining more biodiverse cities. You will hear practical examples from the UBC cities of Turku (Finland), Tartu (Estonia), Umeå (Sweden) and Urban Biodiversity Parks project transfer city Košice (Slovakia).

In Turku, citizens of all ages, from schoolchildren to older residents, have been engaged in nature management activities at Skanssi Biodiversity Park. Tartu has supported private gardens and apartment associations with consultations and funding, helping them become true biodiversity oases. Umeå has cooperated with citizens to combat invasive species. Kosice has developed new ways to involve citizens in the planning of public parks and places. 

These examples offer inspiration for engaging citizens in local biodiversity work, leading to more effective and widely accepted actions that draw on local knowledge and foster long-term stewardship.

The webinar is organized by the Urban Biodiversity Parks project, funded by the European Urban Initiative Innovative Actions programme. Through the project, Europe’s first biodiversity park will be established in Turku.