İzmir brought cities together from around the world to promote biodiversity conservation and integrate nature into urban life. The annual meeting of the Berlin Urban Nature Pact focused on joint efforts to achieve the pact’s 2030 goals, while Dublin, Veszprém, and Matosinhos officially joined the initiative.

The annual meeting of the Berlin Urban Nature Pact, established to protect biodiversity and restore nature, began in İzmir. Hosted by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality at the Historical Coal Gas Factory from October 19–21, the event brought together local government representatives, international organizations, and experts from various countries. Discussions focused on joint efforts to halt biodiversity loss and restore nature by 2030.

“Climate Change and Biodiversity Cannot Be Addressed Separately”
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prof. Dr. Pınar Okyay, Deputy Secretary General of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, emphasized the importance of protecting biodiversity and combating climate change. She noted that COP17 had begun in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, and that Türkiye would host COP31 Climate Summit in Antalya the following month. Okyay said, “We cannot combat climate change without protecting nature, nor can we halt biodiversity loss without addressing climate change. Biodiversity is the foundation of healthy ecosystems, food security, clean water, human health, and our collective well-being.” Highlighting the essential role of cities in this process, Okyay explained that decisions concerning land use, housing, infrastructure, and public spaces could either accelerate or reverse biodiversity loss.

The One Health Approach
Highlighting İzmir’s urban identity, which is deeply intertwined with nature, Okyay pointed out that the Gediz Delta—a site of international significance—is home to one of the largest flamingo colonies in the Mediterranean.
Okyay said “Gediz Delta reminds us that we share our city with countless species. In the city center, former industrial sites such as the Historical Coal Gas Factory can also be transformed into spaces that benefit both nature and people. Our approach is based on the One Health concept, which recognizes the inseparable connections between human, animal, and ecosystem health. Joining the Berlin Urban Nature Pact last year strengthened our commitment to placing biodiversity at the heart of our urban policies”.

Joint Declaration to Be Presented at COP17 under Discussion
Emphasizing the need for local governments to play a more active role in global environmental policies, Okyay called for greater participation by cities in decision-making processes, expanded authority, and direct access to funding. Noting that the pact’s political leaders would discuss a joint declaration to be presented at COP17, Okyay said “This declaration should send a clear and unified message: Cities are not merely responsible for implementing global goals; they are also partners in shaping them.”

“Cities Are Taking the Lead”
Sandra Naumann, Berlin Representative and Coordinator of the Berlin Urban Nature Pact Coordination Office, highlighted how the meeting in İzmir was strengthening cooperation among cities. Naumann explained that the pact began taking shape in 2021–2022 and now brings together approximately 90 cities from different regions. Naumann said “We are not just talking here; we are taking concrete action” and emphasized that cities contribute to biodiversity conservation by sharing experiences and working together.

Paola Lepori: We Share a Common Goal
Paola Lepori, ICLEI Europe Representative and Coordinator of the Berlin Urban Nature Pact Coordination Office, emphasized that biodiversity should not be considered a luxury in cities. Noting that nature can sometimes take a back seat to priorities such as housing, transportation, and economic development, Lepori said “We continue to plant trees, restore natural areas, and protect them. The Berlin Urban Nature Pact brings different cities together around a common goal. I would like to thank all the cities that continue their efforts to protect nature”.

IUCN Highlights the Importance of Nature in İzmir
Lorena Skuto, a representative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), highlighted the importance of nature for the future of cities. Speaking on behalf of IUCN Director General Dr. Grethel Aguilar, Skuto explained that healthy ecosystems help purify air and water, reduce flood risks, and regulate urban temperatures. She emphasized that natural areas support human health, community well-being, and urban resilience to disasters. Skuto also noted that the Berlin Urban Nature Pact strengthens knowledge sharing among cities and encourages collective efforts to protect nature.

Andreas Kraus: Biodiversity Must Be an Integral Part of Urban Planning
Andreas Kraus, Permanent Secretary for Climate Action and the Environment of the State of Berlin, emphasized that urban planning and investment decisions directly affect biodiversity and that nature conservation must be a fundamental part of urban development. Welcoming the growing number of cities joining the Berlin Urban Nature Pact, an initiative launched under Berlin’s leadership, Kraus explained that the pact aims to protect urban biodiversity through shared commitments and cooperation. He also highlighted the important responsibilities of local governments in combating climate change and protecting nature.

“We Need to Return to Our Core Values”
Alison Field, Deputy Mayor of Dublin, emphasized the need to expand green spaces in cities, help children connect with nature, and support local food production. Field noted that spending time in nature improves quality of life and helps children develop environmental awareness. She also highlighted the importance of local food production, warning that water shortages and wars could disrupt food supplies. Emphasizing the connection between protecting nature, spending more time outdoors, and supporting local production, Field said “I believe we need to return to our core values”.
 
Nature and Urban Policies Discussed
A panel moderated by Prof. Dr. Pınar Okyay addressed the integration of nature into urban planning, biodiversity conservation, and the role of local governments in environmental policymaking. Panelists included Elvin Sönmez Güler, Member of İzmir Metropolitan Municipal Council; Andreas Kraus, Permanent Secretary for Climate Action and the Environment of the State of Berlin; Alison Field, Deputy Mayor of Dublin; and Manuela Alvares, Member of the Matosinhos Municipal Council. The panel also explored ways to strengthen international cooperation to create more sustainable cities.

Three More Cities Join the Berlin Urban Nature Pact in İzmir
On the first day of the Berlin Urban Nature Pact’s annual meeting in İzmir, Dublin in Ireland, Veszprém in Hungary, and Matosinhos in Portugal officially joined the pact during a ceremony held at the Historical Elevator. The program will continue with sessions, thematic roundtable discussions, and field visits.

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