Launch of CitiesWithNature in Australia
ICLEI Oceania is pleased to announce the Australian chapter of CitiesWithNature (CWN). CWN provides a global network and online platform with guidance tools, resources, peer-learning and events to promote the importance of “bringing nature back into our cities”.
Many Australian Councils are already taking advanced measures to enhance their urban greening and biodiversity agendas. CWN provides a platform for these councils to network with other cities across the world to share best practices and enable peer-learning opportunities. ICLEI Oceania is working with a group of pioneer councils across Australia to co-design resources to help all councils take their next steps in embedding urban greening and nature-based solutions into their plans and programs. While assisting ICLEI to design this program, pioneer cities will benefit from:
Participating in and learning from research project conducted by Swinburne University and ICLEI titled “Mapping the knowledge and governance needs for implementing nature-based solutions in Australian Cities”
Helping to co-design an Australian Resource Guide to best meet your needs
Positioning your Council as a CitiesWithNature role model
Participation in webinars and a national event towards the end of 2020
Peer-to-peer learning and best practice exchange through the international CWN network
Aligning your efforts with the international Convention for Biodiversity through the ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Centre, based in South Africa
Natural ecosystems provide clean air and clean water, they make communities more resilient to impacts from a warming climate and natural disasters. During this time of crisis, protecting the natural ecosystems could play a central role in reducing the risk of future pandemics.
Further information on becoming a pioneer city and how we would like to work with your council this year can be found here. Please contact us at oceania@iclei.org if you’re interested in becoming a CWN Australia pioneer city.