World Economic Forum calls to hire Landscape Architects to create nature positive cities! Nature Positive Guidelines for the Transition in Cities (2024) by the World Economic Forum underscore the critical importance of integrating nature into urban environments to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. This integration is not merely desirable but essential for creating sustainable and resilient cities. The report explicitly highlights the need to hire landscape architects and academics, whose expertise is important for successfully implementing and scaling nature-related initiatives. As the global fight against climate change and biodiversity loss intensifies, landscape architects are taking center stage. At IFLA, we are constantly advocating for the prominent role that landscape architects play. Hence, we have been: Strengthening Ties with UN Agencies: At the World Urban Forum 12 Egypt Forum, we celebrated the signing of an MoU with UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) to address urgent urban challenges by leveraging landscape architecture to design resilient, sustainable, and inclusive urban spaces. We also forged stronger partnerships with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) Urban Health Programme. A Voice at the COPs: IFLA actively participated in the three COPs held this year—COP16 Colombia on biodiversity, COP29 Azerbaijan on climate change, and COP16Riyadh on desertification. Our presence at these critical summits underscored our commitment to environmental stewardship and highlighted the vital role of landscape architects in mitigating climate change, conserving biodiversity, and combating desertification. Working Alongside Our Global Partners: We established impactful MoUs and partnerships this year with key organizations such as the World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN), the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA), and the Urban Biodiversity Network (URBIO). These partnerships amplify our collective voice and expand our capacity to address critical global issues. #landscapearchitects #IFLA #landscapearchitecture #climatechange #biodiversityloss #naturepositivecities
The World Economic Forum’s call to involve landscape architects in creating nature-positive cities is a visionary step toward sustainable urban development. Integrating nature into cities addresses challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and urban resilience while fostering well-being and livability. Opportunities Ahead: • Policy Integration Embedding nature-positive guidelines in urban planning policies can ensure long-term commitment to sustainable city development. • Education and Public Awareness Raising awareness about the role of landscape architects can inspire more cities to adopt nature-inclusive designs. • Scaling Solutions Sharing best practices and replicable models can accelerate the transition to nature-positive cities worldwide.
Very important ...as always, to include nature... which nurtures us and makes cities more habitable. Making space for nature is a necessity not a choice. These guidelines need to be used widely. Please disseminate and promote in your work and projects.... and life.
Timely. Very good for regional landscape planning
Jeanne Dupré
4w
SPREAD THE MESSAGE WIDELY! 📢
Great! Nature Positive Cities!
Health-promoting landscape and urban Design Consultant, Researcher, Speaker, Author
4wThat the World Economic Forum embraces the need for Landscape Architecture is significant. The guidelines highlight the case for nature positive cities, as places where people and economies can thrive. There is, however, a enormous amount of education required to engage decision makers, policy and practice across sectors and regions. Hopefully this guide will assist.