More green spaces and trees can help nature thrive in cities. But how much they actually contribute to biodiversity depends on their ecological quality, how well they are connected and how they are managed over the long term. This discussion paper identifies the conditions cities need to develop and maintain high-quality urban nature.

Turning policy goals into action on the ground

The EU Nature Restoration Regulation and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework set concrete goals for protecting and restoring urban ecosystems. Much of the implementation, however, happens locally: cities and municipalities make decisions about land use, public space and green infrastructure. Drawing on a European expert workshop, this discussion paper identifies five conditions that are particularly important: effective coordination across levels of government and sectors, integrating biodiversity into spatial planning and investment, reliable financing, sufficient long-term municipal capacity, and strategic participation and communication.

How can we measure high-quality urban nature?

Article 8 of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation sets quantitative requirements for urban green space and tree canopy cover. Yet the size of a green space says little about its ecological value. The authors therefore propose complementing common indicators with measures that reflect local conditions. These could capture, for example, habitat connectivity, native species, cooling or stormwater retention. Monitoring can then provide not only the data required for reporting but also information that cities can use to inform planning and management.

Making urban nature part of urban development

The quality of urban nature is also shaped by decisions about housing, infrastructure, water management and climate adaptation. Biodiversity, therefore, needs to be considered early in these planning processes. At the same time, municipalities need reliable financing, expertise, data and technical support to implement measures over the long term. At the international level, the authors also call for cities to be more firmly recognised as implementation partners for the Global Biodiversity Framework.

The discussion paper draws on an expert workshop held at BfN in Bonn in May 2026, bringing together 24 participants from twelve European countries.