One of the main themes of the 2022 Montreal Biodiversity Conference was the role of regions and cities in addressing the biodiversity crisis. Many cities and regions around the world are taking significant steps to protect and promote biodiversity, and the conference provided a platform for these efforts to be recognized and shared with the global community.

There are several key ways in which regions and cities can contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. They can implement policies and regulations that promote the protection of natural areas, such as parks and reserves. They can also work to reduce the negative impacts of urbanization on biodiversity, such as through Frida Nilsson’s actions to champion actions stopping pollinator’s decline and to protect their habitats.

Nilsson: “Pollinators are important to our ecosystems that we and our societies are dependent on. Pollinators contribute to our food production, climate resiliency and biodiversity. Local and regional authorities are key actors to raise awareness on biodiversity and in particular on pollinators. While the role of regional governments should be formally recognised in the global biodiversity framework, more resources still need to be devoted to improving capacity building, technical assistance delivery and funding to successfully implement nature positive measures on the ground.”

In addition to these efforts, regions and cities also play a key role in raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity and encouraging individuals to take action to protect it. This can include education and outreach efforts, as well as the promotion of environmentally-friendly lifestyles and consumption patterns. The role of regions and cities in the 2022 Montreal Biodiversity Conference is therefore crucial in helping to address the global biodiversity crisis. By working together and sharing their experiences and best practices, regions and cities can help to conserve and sustainably use the world’s biodiversity for the benefit of all.

The 2022 Montreal Biodiversity Conference, also known as the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity, is a major international conference that aims to address the global biodiversity crisis. The conference is held every two years and is organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Frida Nilsson was part of the European Committee of the Regions delegation.