FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Center for Regenerative Solutions Launches Urban Biodiversity Accelerator to Transform Global Biodiversity Commitments into Local Action
Center for Regenerative Solutions (CRS) is excited to announce the launch of the Urban Biodiversity Accelerator, a transformative initiative designed to bridge the gap between global biodiversity commitments and on-the-ground urban climate action. This innovative program aims to empower cities to turn high-level frameworks like the Global Biodiversity Framework and the Berlin Pact into measurable, actionable solutions that directly benefit communities.
“We are inspired to be working with our partners ICLEI-EU, ICLEI-US and the Humboldt Institute in Colombia to launch the Urban Biodiversity Accelerator at COP16. While awareness of the biodiversity crisis has grown, there have been few ways for both individuals and communities to make a meaningful impact on this existential crisis. Cities have a unique opportunity to lead the way in transforming global biodiversity commitments into actions that are directly linked to improving the health, safety and equitable economic and community development aspirations of communities,” said Brett KenCairn, Executive Director of Center for Regenerative Solutions.
The official announcement of the Accelerator will take place at COP16 in Cali, Colombia, marking a critical step toward addressing the escalating biodiversity crisis.
About the Urban Biodiversity Accelerator
The Urban Biodiversity Accelerator is a 3-5 month capacity-building program that brings together multidisciplinary teams from 15 cities on each of three continents: Europe, North America, and Latin America. Participants will engage in collaborative learning, strategic planning, and the rapid implementation of biodiversity solutions that support both global goals and local challenges, including climate resilience, public health, and equity.
The Accelerator will convene municipal staff, community-based organizations, civil society, and biodiversity experts to co-develop strategies and actions tailored to the specific needs of each city. The program focuses on pairing nature-based solutions with urban climate risks, leveraging biodiversity to address issues like urban heat, flood risk, and food security, while simultaneously promoting community development and equity.
Why the Urban Biodiversity Accelerator Matters
As global frameworks set ambitious biodiversity goals, cities often struggle to translate these targets into locally actionable policies. The Urban Biodiversity Accelerator fills this gap by:
Providing tools, knowledge, and collaborative platforms for cities to act on global biodiversity commitments.
Empowering local leaders to build capacity for nature-based solutions that offer tangible benefits for urban communities.
Promoting equity-centered biodiversity initiatives that ensure community involvement and benefit.
Exploring and refining both policy and economic/finance strategies to create larger systemic change that restores bio-social diversity as foundational elements to thriving communities.
A Strategic Solution for Cities
The Accelerator’s module-based structure focuses on practical implementation, supported by a network of experts and peer learning. The program promotes innovation, collaboration across sectors, and access to innovative financing models. By fostering cross-sector relationships, cities can develop long-term strategies to protect biodiversity while addressing local challenges such as urban cooling, water management, and natural control of vector-borne diseases.
Call to Action
CRS is inviting partners to collaborate on the development and execution of the Accelerator across North America, Latin America, and Europe. Core partners, subject-matter experts, and strategic development partners are encouraged to join this effort to drive urban biodiversity leadership on a global scale.
For more information on the Urban Biodiversity Accelerator or to explore partnership opportunities, please visit https://naturebasedclimate.solutions/biodiversity-accelerator-2025.
About the Center for Regenerative Solutions
Center for Regenerative Solutions is a leader in advancing nature-based solutions to address urban climate risks and community development needs. With a proven track record of fostering innovation and collaboration, CRS is at the forefront of helping cities implement natural infrastructure management initiatives that regenerate earth’s living systems and promote urban resilience and equity. For more information about CRS visit https://naturebasedclimate.solutions/.
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Contact: Daniela Uribe, duribe@naturebasedclimatesolutions.net 202-997-7127
