In 2021, the White House released the “America the Beautiful” initiative to conserve and restore nature by 2030. In December of 2022, at the Biodiversity COP15, leaders from across the globe agreed upon and adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). This framework provides countries with the main goals and targets needed to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2050. Both of these documents set the stage for conserving nature within local communities.
This capacity-building cohort introduces the concept of a Local Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan (LBSAP). LBSAPs are guiding documents to advance biodiversity conservation and nature based solutions within the local context. LBSAPs are a great way for local communities to implement the goals and targets of both the “America the Beautiful” Initiative and the GBF.
Participants of this cohort will learn the basics of an LBSAP and come away with a Nature – Based Solution Matrix they can integrate into an existing sustainability plan or new LBSAP.
ICLEI will provide participants with:
- Live, 1-hour web-based presentations monthly for ten months
- Peer exchange and learning, including nature based solutions from cities throughout the U.S. and internationally
- ICLEI’s Nature Based Solutions Matrix, templates, and other resources
- 1:1 calls with each participating community
