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Good Practices in Biodiversity: Taking Action to Create Cities with Nature - Recent Action Agenda for Nature and People Commitment from the City of Montréal

TUE // 23.6.2020
Since nature offers a suite of benefits to urban communities, the City of Montréal has stepped up its efforts to protect its natural ecosystems and inspire other cities and urban communities to take urgent actions worldwide

The Sharm El Sheikh to Kunming Action Agenda for Nature and People, a non-negotiated engagement platform, showcases a range of commitments and actions to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and provide momentum towards the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.  As of end of 15 October 2020, a total of 150 commitments have been submitted to the Action Agenda. 

A recent commitment from the City of Montréal shows how various systems are needed for the world to shift the course towards nature positive results in 2030. 

The City of Montréal has developed and shared six briefing sheets on concrete biodiversity initiatives to contribute to the establishment of green cities all over the world, where people and biodiversity can thrive:

  • Ecosystems management in large parks;
  • Conservation of wildlife trees;
  • Renewed and improved wildlife observatories; 
  • Urban wildlife passage;
  • Environmental action days; and
  • Coexistence with coyotes.

These initiatives are actions that the City has taken to protect the land's natural heritage and raise awareness on biodiversity. Each initiative links to the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework and facilitates replication in other cities through online summaries of good practice fact sheets.

This project is supported by ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability (check the CitiesWithNature platform for more information, https://citieswithnature.org/) and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. As part of the CitiesWithNature partnership initiative, Montreal is among over 150 cities and regions that are raising their ambition in support of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. 

 

 

More information: 

Montréal's Commitment to the Action Agenda

Fact Sheets on Each Initiative

Make a commitment to the Action Agenda

Action Agenda Notification

 

Six concrete actions in favour of biodiversity in Montréal

This program ensures a balance between protecting natural environments and providing access to them so that the public can appreciate the benefits they offer.

This initiative contributes to the 2030 Action Targets of the Zero Draft of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly:

  • target 2, concerning the protection of biodiversity through a network of protected areas
  • target 3, concerning the control of invasive alien species
  • target 6, concerning climate change mitigation and adaptation
  • target 10, concerning increased public access to green spaces and ecosystem services
  • target 13, concerning the integration of biodiversity protection into planning processes
  • target 18, concerning the availability of reliable and up-to-date information for effective management
  • target 20, concerning the promotion of sustainable behaviours

In nature parks, dead, diseased or living trees with cavities are being preserved, as they provide a home for certain species of birds and small mammals, among others.

This initiative contributes to the 2030 Action Targets of the Zero Draft of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly:

  • target 2, concerning the protection of biodiversity through a network of protected areas
  • target 6, concerning climate change mitigation and adaptation
  • target 10, concerning increased public access to green and blue spaces and ecosystem services
  • target 13, concerning the integration of biodiversity protection into planning processes
  • target 18, concerning the availability of information

Observation sites have been redeveloped to allow people of all ages, regardless of their physical condition, to foster an appreciation for wildlife without disturbing it.

This initiative contributes to the 2030 Action Targets of the Zero Draft of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly:

  • target 2, concerning the protection of biodiversity through a network of protected areas
  •  target 3, concerning the control of invasive alien species
  •  target 10, concerning increased public access to green spaces and ecosystem services
  • target 13, concerning the integration of biodiversity protection into planning processes
  • target 17, concerning the promotion of sustainable behaviours

In order to restore the connection between habitats and provide a safe passage for small wildlife, a corridor has been developed beneath a busy boulevard.

This initiative contributes to the 2030 Action Targets of the Zero Draft of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly:

  • target 1, concerning land management to promote connectivity and environmental integrity
  • target 3, concerning the control of invasive alien species
  • target 13, concerning the integration of biodiversity protection into planning processes
  • target 18, concerning the availability of reliable and up-to-date information for effective management

Environmental action days are intended to get residents engaged in efforts to favour Montréal’s natural heritage through concrete actions and collective initiatives.

This initiative contributes to the 2030 Action Targets of the Zero Draft of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly:

  • target 2, concerning the protection of biodiversity through a network of protected areas
  • target 3, concerning the control of invasive alien species
  • target 4, concerning pollution reduction
  • target 10, concerning increased public access to green and blue spaces and ecosystem services
  • target 20, concerning the promotion of sustainable behaviours

With coyotes being observed in unusual areas, Montréal has developed a management plan meant to promote our safe coexistence with the animal.

This initiative contributes to the 2030 Action Targets of the Zero Draft of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly:

  • target 7, concerning the sustainable management of species and the reduction of human-wildlife conflict
  • target 13, concerning the integration of biodiversity protection into planning processes
  • target 18, concerning the availability of reliable and up-to-date information for effective management
  • target 20, concerning the promotion of sustainable behaviours