Urban ecosystems and their rural surroundings are increasingly under strain due to urbanisation and encroachment, the conversion of open spaces, loss of ecological connectivity, and climate change, amongst other factors. This can harm natural habitats and endanger human health and well-being as well as biodiversity.
Yet while the interconnectedness of rural-urban areas present opportunities for development and cooperation, their linkages also require integrated solutions. In this context, nature-based solutions (NbS) hold great value. By restoring and protecting local
ecosystems through e.g. ecological corridors, river restoration or agroforestry, NbS can strengthen urban-rural linkages to increase resilience to climate change, benefit the environment and support the economy.
The city of Envigado, Colombia, is a leading example of an integral approach to foster urban-rural linkages for people and biodiversity, with its local system of protected areas (SILOPE) and a wide range of creative and innovative mechanisms to engage citizens through cultural, social and education activities.
Join us on November 23-24 in the city of Envigado, for a special conference and engagement event, through which you will be able to learn in detail from Envigado’s experience, as well as from the examples of other cities from the Cities Talk Nature community of practice, and the expertise of the INTERLACE project partners.
The conference, organized within the INTERLACE project by the city of Envigado in cooperation with United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), Ecologic Institute and the Humboldt Institute Colombia, will gather municipal actors and practitioners interested in tapping the potential of nature-based solutions in their cities and regions. The event will feature a variety of formats aimed at fostering exchange and learning, including field visits, practical workshops, and peer discussions.
TENTATIVE PROGRAM
Main venue: Debora Arango Cultural Park (Biblioteca Pública y Parque Cultural Débora Arango). Envigado, Colombia
*Online participation is possible during main conference session on November 25th (see below).
Thursday, 23 November 2023
8:00 - 17:00 (In person only)
Registration and site visit to urban and periurban protected areas, wetlands, and water and biodiversity corridors in Envigado and surroundings. Exhibition with NbS practices from cities around the world.
Friday, 24 November 2023
8:00 - 12:30 (In-person and online)
Opening remarks, keynote speakers & panel discussion, Cities Talk Nature commitment letter signing ceremony, & peer-to-peer exchange around cities’ nature-based solutions and urban-rural linkages.
14:00 - 17:00 (In-person only)
Interactive workshops to explore INTERLACE tools and other methodologies to rethink urban-rural linkages through Nature-based Solutions. Open discussion and closing remarks.
Saturday, 25 November 2023 (Optional)
9:00 - 13:00 (In-person only)
Site visit to other nature-based solutions at regional scale
The conference is free of charge. Travel, accommodation and other costs should be covered by each participant.
The conference will be held in English and Spanish with simultaneous translation during the conference, and consecutive interpretation or language support provided during field visits and (selected) workshops.
Register now