Water is a “blue thread” connecting human rights, the SDGs, and the three Rio Conventions on climate, biodiversity, and land. Embedding water resilience into urban planning is not optional; it is essential for climate-smart, inclusive, and livable cities, and local and regional governments are already delivering. Explore how we are supporting them to step up to the challenge and scale their impact.
Once a parking lot and dumping ground, Chennai’s first wetland sponge park is leading the way for a climate-resilient city. Today, it functions as a natural water treatment system to manage stormwater and prevent floods, proving the power of nature-based solutions in shaping sustainable, thriving communities.
Local and regional governments are paying attention to the multilateral oceans agenda because of the myriad ways life in coastal cities, towns and regions depends on the health and sustainability of our oceans.
How can we ensure tourism not only thrives but also helps protect our planet?
With lush forests, clean air, and a fast-growing green economy, Guiyang is proving that cities can thrive without costing the Earth. On 5–6 July, urban leaders will gather here for the Eco Forum Global Annual Conference to promote harmony between humans and nature, a journey that Guiyang has proudly led for years
As we begin a pivotal year, many global north countries are facing elections and leadership changes, testing the world’s commitment to sustainable development. Last year, we witnessed several key global processes needing to continue into 2025 – like the biodiversity negotiations and the Plastics Treaty – or delivering a disappointing lack of ambition, such as the climate COP. Here are the ten things we’re watching for in 2025 regarding the global sustainability agendas.
Water challenges often exacerbate social inequalities. Examples from São Paulo, Puducherry, and Boulder showcase innovative practices such as data-driven decision-making, valuing natural water storage, and community engagement in water management.
Satoyama – the Japanese term for the border zone or area between mountain foothills and arable flat land – and wetlands are valuable ecosystems that are home to a diverse range of living organisms.
National climate plans from all over the world rolled in ahead of COP26, but as yet only one country’s plans…
With the release of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) global assessment, it is increasingly clear…
A common thread among local governments that are globally recognized as urban sustainability leaders – a category which includes the…