The IUCN Urban Alliance, a broad coalition of IUCN constituents concerned with the urban dimensions of nature conservation, has unveiled a new knowledge product for measuring the ecological performance of cities: the IUCN Urban Nature Indexes (UNI). Comprising six themes with five indicator topics nested within each theme, the UNI is intended to help policymakers, stakeholders and local communities understand their impacts on nature, set science-based targets for improvement, and monitor progress using science-based measures. By enhancing environmental transparency and accountability, and by focusing on improvement rather than fixed targets, the UNI aims to catalyse local action for nature in all cities.

Together with the publication, a web platform has been developed and conceived as an interactive space to keep track of data, receive implementation guidance, and share results. Cities that report to the Indexes will be among the first in the world to be able to upload results, inform citizens and be actively involved in future IUCN events on urban biodiversity.