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Renaturing Cities to Restore Ecosystems and Build Urban Resilience - Webinar's Key Takeaways
Ecosystems have long been treated as resources to extract from, rather than vital living systems we’re part of. Now, cities are feeling the pressure. Climate shocks, biodiversity loss and shrinking natural resources are pushing urban systems to their limits. It’s clear we need to rethink how we build and how we live with nature.
In the fourth session of Cities on the Frontline 2025, jointly organised by Resilient Cities Network and BIOTRAILS, we explored how renaturing cities—bringing nature back into urban environments—can help restore ecosystems, build resilience and improve quality of life. Here are the main takeaways of the discussion:
Cities have an ecological footprint that extends well beyond their borders, shaping biodiversity near and far.
Recognising these impacts can help cities foster stronger relationships with surrounding ecosystems and develop policies that restore rather than deplete natural systems. In doing so, cities can create opportunities to improve health, strengthen local economies, enhance wellbeing and build resilience to climate impacts.
“One of the reflections is that a biodiverse city is in a biodiverse region, right? Because it depends, of course, on the neighbouring ecosystems and water sources, and so on and so forth.” – María Angélica Mejía, The Nature of Cities
“It’s not only about the impact humans have within the city boundaries. The impacts on nature, urban lifestyles and infrastructure have far reaching effects on biodiversity, through water, energy, waste management services, emissions, global supply chains for food & materials, etc.”- Leon Kapetas, Resilient Cities Network
Explore the post-session summary and watch the full webinar here to find out more!