We champion an integrated vision that brings nature into every corner of our landscapes, connecting urban centres with the regions they depend on. Through leadership in key policies such as the EU Nature Restoration Regulation, strategic tools like Urban Nature Plans, and global alliances including the Berlin Urban Nature Pact and CitiesWithNature, ICLEI drives transformative action.

Building on this expertise, we deliver capacity building and tailored consultancy to equip governments and practitioners with the skills to lead, while fostering a global network of hubs that turn knowledge-sharing into real-world impact.

Together, we are building a future where every community can belong and thrive in a world that is UrbanByNature.

• Ecosystems Services & Restoration - We help local and regional governments restore nature where it matters most. Our team provides technical support to identify priority areas and improve ecosystem services such as clean water, healthy soils, flood protection, and urban cooling. We work closely with public authorities to turn the EU Nature Restoration Regulation into practical action, supporting planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting at the local level. 

• Green & Blue Infrastructure in the Built Environment - We support cities and regions in planning and delivering green and blue infrastructure as part of the built environment. We assist public authorities in developing and implementing Urban Nature Plans, aligning land-use planning, climate adaptation, and biodiversity goals. Our services cover analysis, co-design with stakeholders, and support for implementation, helping ensure green and blue infrastructure is planned strategically and delivers real benefits for people and nature.

• Planetary Health & Environmental Quality - We help public authorities improve environmental quality to support human health and well-being. By integrating nature-based solutions into urban and regional planning, we support healthier living environments that respond to climate risks and environmental pressures.

• Nature-positive Economy & Innovative Finance - We support cities and regions in linking nature restoration with economic development. This includes helping authorities design nature-positive projects, assess costs and benefits, and access funding from EU, national, and private sources. We advise on innovative financing approaches, such as blended finance, public-private partnerships, and nature-based investment models, to ensure restoration efforts are financially viable and deliver long-term value for communities.

• Equity, Justice & Transformative Change - We work with governments to ensure that nature restoration benefits everyone. This means supporting inclusive planning processes, engaging local communities, and addressing unequal access to healthy environments. We help authorities design policies and projects that consider social impacts, strengthen local capacity, and contribute to fair and lasting change, especially for groups most affected by environmental degradation and climate risks.