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A new publication launched on 19 October 2022 from the World Economic Forum and the Instituto von Humboldt of Colombia, which draws on a conceptual framework and principles developed by the Transformative Innovation Policy Consortium (TIPC), calls for cities globally to embrace and harness biodiversity to transform urban life through the concept of ‘BiodiverCities by 2030’. The transformative policy approach underpinning the work of the Consortium originated in the University of Sussex Business School’s Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU), in partnership with the University of Utrecht and INGENIO, the innovation institute at the University of Valencia.

In a bid to end the separation between ‘city’ and ‘nature’, ‘BiodiverCities by 2030’ emphasises the importance of urban spaces in transforming how biodiversity is viewed, and highlights the crucial role of ecosystem to city life for,  amongst others: rainwater infiltration; local climate regulation; reducing pollution; increasing recreation; and improving mental and physical health.

With more than 44 contributors from 88 cities, and case studies from around the world, a key focus of the publication is on the creation of a “commons” whereby urban spaces are transformed and made more sustainable for the benefit of people and nature alike. There is particular focus on the experience of Latin American cities where uncontrolled urbanisation in the past requires the unlocking of transformative visions and the nuturing of biodiverse ecosystems. A call is made to join the World Economic Forum network of ‘BiodiverCities for 2030’.

Dr Matias Ramirez, Senior Lecturer in Management (SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit) co-authored the publication’s introduction and conclusion with SPRU Masters alumnus Andrea Padilla; they argue that the ‘BiodiverCities’ concept could be truly transformational, but that this vision for the world’s urban landscapes needs to be one of ‘system transformation rather than system optimisation’.

Dr Ramirez explains: “The redefinition of cities as centers of world population growth highlights the urgency of understanding how ecological, economic and social functions in urban areascan benefit the environment and society. BiodiverCities offers a transformative vision of city futures that can avoid environmental degradation of ecosystems and the negative impacts on natural environments and welfare. Cities are centres of creativity and lifestyle, culture, and learning that can be drivers of a new ecological infrastructure for thriving biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.”

Professor Steven McGuire, Dean of the University of Sussex Business School, said: “The Business School’s world leading research creates real and positive impact on people and their environments globally. The World Economic Forum’s drive for transformation of cities towards having rich biodiverse ecosystems demonstrates the essential need for successful strategic partnerships between academic researchers; sustainability practitioners; international, national and local policymakers to tackle sustainability challenges. I welcome the application of the research and to its beneficial impact on ecosystems, cities and people around the globe.”

The TIP approach to transforming for sustainability has been enacted in this region by the TIP Latin America Hub including organisations from Colombia, Mexico, Chile and Panama. TIP is a growing approach to innovation and development being enacted by international policy makers and practitioners across the world with hubs in South Africa and Europe. A new Transformative Innovation Policy Resource Lab (TIP RL) will launch in early 2023 providing experimentation, evaluation and learning tools to implement a TIP approach across projects and networks such as the World Economic Forum’s BiodiverCities Network. 

Download the publication: “BiodiverCities by 2030: Transforming Cities with Biodiversity”

Further information: http://www.tipconsortium.net/

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