Cities and Biodiversity Outlook: Action and Policy - A Global Assessment of the Links between Urbanization, Biodiversity, and Ecosystem Services

This report provides a summary of a global assessment examining the links between urbanisation, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Drawing on contributions from more than 120 scientists and policy-makers worldwide, it summarises how urbanisation affects biodiversity and ecosystem services and presents key messages concerning conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources in urban contexts. It also presents best practices and lessons learned and discusses the incorporation of biodiversity and ecosystem services into urban agendas and policies. Particular attention is given to challenges and opportunities in rapidly urbanising developing countries, including insights from a February 2012 workshop in Cape Town involving urban planners, policymakers, and scientists from several African countries.