Document is working to integrate biodiversity into urban planning in Europe, with the aim of reversing the decline of natureIt highlights the importance of binding targets for governments and the need for a comprehensive review of the spatial planning process.

Key points:

1. The European Union stresses the value of biodiversity and claims that every euro invested in nature will bring at least 4 euros in benefit.
2. The "Canopia Urbanà" project in Barcelona is an example of successful land revitalization to support biodiversity in an urban environment. Thanks to this project, the number of identified bird species has increased from around 20 to 84.
3. Nature Restoration Law (NRL) The EU sets binding targets for the restoration of degraded ecosystems. It was adopted in 2024 in the context of the alarming decline of nature in Europe.
4. IFLA Europe stresses the importance of NRL as a tool for protecting and enhancing biodiversity and restoring natural habitats.
5. BioValue Project aims to achieve a fundamental change in spatial planning through the involvement of stakeholders at all levels. The aim is to ensure that land-use decisions take into account the value of existing biodiversity.
6. Maria do Rosário Partidário stresses that the value of biodiversity is reflected in health, well-being and property values.
7. Katerina Gkoltsiou stresses that the NRL should be adapted to the specificities of individual Member States and different types of country, and should encourage and reward appropriate approaches rather than prohibit and punish.
8. Despite efforts to integrate biodiversity into urban planning, there are challenges, such as Policy fragmentation, investment prioritization and economic crisis.
9. The "Canopia Urbanà" project in Barcelona will have a positive impact on the climate in the city, which in the future will resemble the Sahara.

Spring

Glossary of Key Terms

• Biodiversity: The diversity of life on Earth at all levels, from genes to ecosystems, and the ecological and evolutionary processes that sustain it.
• Nature Restoration Law (NRL): An EU law that sets binding targets for the restoration of degraded ecosystems and biodiversity in Europe.
• Spatial Planning: A process that focuses on guiding and coordinating spatial development, including land use, infrastructure, and nature conservation.
• Biodiversity Node: A concentrated area in an urban environment that supports biodiversity and serves as a refuge for various species.
• Green Corridor: An interconnected network of green spaces that allows for the migration and movement of animals and plants in urban environments.
• Transformative Change: Fundamental and extensive reorganization of systems and processes to achieve sustainable goals.
• Ecosystem: The complex interaction of living organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms) and their non-living environment (soil, water, air), which together form a functional unit.
• Sustainability: The ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
• Ecosystem Services (Ecosystem Services): The benefits that people derive from ecosystems, such as air and water purification, pollination, climate regulation, and recreation.
• IFLA Europe: The European branch of the International Federation of Landscape Architects, which promotes professional practice and landscape conservation.