18th October 2025
While Australia’s Nature Strategy sets ambitious targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, the Discussion Paper does not adequately address the role of Urban Green Infrastructure (UGI) in supporting biodiversity loss in cities. Given that 86% of Australians live in Urban areas, explicit integration of urban ecosystems is critical to achieving national biodiversity, Urban Policy and climate resilience goals whilst increasing urban communities’ connection to nature.
The implementation of the Strategy currently focuses on terrestrial and marine ecosystems but omits urban biodiversity goals. Global frameworks such as the EU Nature Restoration Law and Singapore’s City in Nature include measurable urban targets like tree canopy cover and green space accessibility. Nature-based solutions are mentioned only broadly and there is no discussion on green roofs, corridors, or other urban ecosystems. Internationally, UGI is a core component of biodiversity and climate adaptation strategies.
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