The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), an international treaty for conserving the Earth’s biological resources, was adopted in Nairobi in June 1992 and entered into force in December 1993. ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability (hereinafter “ICLEI”) is the leading global network of local and subnational governments, with over 2,500 members worldwide, dedicated to advancing sustainable development through local actions. ICLEI serves as the focal point for coordinating and facilitating the engagement of local and subnational governments in the CBD and related multilateral processes, actively supporting cities and regions worldwide to participate in activities under the CBD framework.

 

The CitiesWithNature platform, jointly launched by ICLEI, TNC and IUCN, and managed by ICLEI, is recognized by the CBD Secretariat. It provides a global cooperation mechanism for cities to connect, share, learn, and deepen local actions on biodiversity conservation. The platform supports local governments in localizing relevant targets from the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), promoting sustainable urban development in harmony with nature.

CitiesWithNature and RegionsWithNature

 

To date, nearly 400 cities and regions from 79 countries have joined the CitiesWithNature platform, collectively committing to reporting and tracking local government actions and progress in biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration.

 

Since 2008, at the biennial UN Biodiversity Conference (COP to the CBD), ICLEI, CBD Secretariat etc. have convened and organized the official parallel event – the Global Biodiversity Summit of Local and Subnational Governments. This summit facilitates experience sharing and dialogue on urban biodiversity conservation efforts among cities worldwide. During this event, new cities joining the CitiesWithNature are announced, and from among them, the award-winning “Biodiversity Charming Cities” are selected, recognizing their outstanding efforts and achievements in urban biodiversity conservation.

Biodiversity Charming Cities Award Ceremony at CBD COP16

 

ICLEI highly recognizes and supports the critical role of cities in global biodiversity conservation. We believe cities are key nodes where ecosystems and socio-economic systems intersect. Diverse geographical, cultural, and industrial contexts create varying needs, making locally tailored, government-led biodiversity actions essential. We stand ready to work with all cities to translate biodiversity conservation goals into concrete practice through ecological planning, conservation measures, and social engagement, collectively building “CitiesWithNature” where people and nature thrive in harmony.

 

The Seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the CBD (COP 17) will be held in Armenia in 2026. During this event, ICLEI, the CBD Secretariat, and partners will co-host the Ninth Global Biodiversity Summit of Local and Subnational Governments. This is a crucial opportunity and platform for local and subnational governments worldwide to showcase their conservation practices and action progress to the international community. We welcome cities globally to actively apply to join the CitiesWithNature platform. Furthermore, from among the CitiesWithNature cities, a selection of exemplary and model cities will be designated as “Biodiversity Charming Cities”. These cities will be invited to attend CBD COP 17 and the Ninth Global Biodiversity Summit of Local and Subnational Governments in Armenia, where they will share their achievements in urban biodiversity conservation, present best practice cases, and jointly promote the deepening of urban biodiversity conservation work. For specific application procedures, please contact relevant ICLEI offices (please indicate your city’s interest and contact information).

 

Application Deadline: May 29, 2026

Contact Information: Email: charmingcity@iclei.org