Deep-dive learning and knowledge sharing
The second deep-dive learning will take place in Paris from November 28 to December 1, 2022 and will be delivered in a hybrid format – both on-site and online. Paris Municipality will host the on-site segment. The second deep dive is jointly organized by Paris Municipality, World Bank, AFD and Expertise France.
The deep-dive learning will cover four thematic areas:
Theme 1: What are urban nature and biodiversity?
For many cities, especially those from developing countries, the rapidly growing urban population results in high demands for land conversion and (often, gray) infrastructure. In this process, urban nature and biodiversity considerations are often not prioritized by urban planners and leadership. However, urban nature offers critical benefits to people and the climate, from the provision of food, climate stability, and flood protection to health and well-being. Under Theme 1, participants will learn:
- What are urban nature and biodiversity?
- What are their benefits to cities and people?
- How does urbanization affect biodiversity? What are the risks of urbanization without adequate considerations of urban nature and biodiversity?
Theme 2: How to manage urban nature and biodiversity & How to manage “urban trees”?
Managing urban nature and biodiversity requires cities to adopt a systematic and evidence-based approach, which includes (1) establishing an inventory of species; (2) understanding ecological services provided by nature and biodiversity; (3) assessing different threats to nature and biodiversity; (4) developing strategy to mitigate the threats; and (5) creating efficient monitoring system. Under Theme 2, participants will learn tools and good city practices for managing urban nature and biodiversity, including:
- City Biodiversity Index (or Singapore Index )
- Assessment of the city’s ecological conditions
- Economic assessment of ecological services provided by urban nature
- Assessment of “green connectivity”
Sub-sessions on tree planning and urban tree planting will be organized.
Theme 3: How to incorporate urban nature and biodiversity into spatial planning and urban form
Urban form is the shape of streets weaving together neighborhoods, the building patterns, the height and development intensity, and different elements that physically define the city, such as natural features, transportation corridors, and open space. It largely determines a place's identity and livability, opportunities for social interaction, sense of belonging, safety and health, local microclimate, resilience to climate change, as well as a city’s capacity to accommodate its projected growth.
Urban nature tends to be considered an “afterthought.” But urban nature is an integral part of sustainable urban form: citywide ecological green corridors channel cooling breezes; neighborhood greenways connect biodiversity habitats; greening the urban fabric at the microscale in three dimensions with green roofs, sky gardens, and green facades improves outdoor comfort and reduces energy needs.
Under Theme 3, participants will learn tools and good city practice of incorporating urban nature and biodiversity into spatial planning and urban form, including:
- How to use planning tools to identify potential sites for urban greening to increase green spaces and enhance biodiversity
- How to combine sustainability goals/targets and a people-centered approach to placemaking when planning and designing green urban spaces
- How to set targets integrating quantitative and qualitative measures to (1) create more green spaces/urban areas; (2) improve accessibility, and (3) improve the quality of urban nature
- How to leverage green spaces to improve the local microclimate and mitigate urban heat island effect.
Theme 4: How to incorporate urban nature and biodiversity into project financing
Development financial institutions are identifying opportunities to incorporate “nature” and “biodiversity” considerations into project design and financing to promote “nature-positive development.” In this session, participants will learn from development bank specialists and project leaders about specific project designs and activities of investing in nature and biodiversity.