Target 12: Urban biodiversity

Generated: 2026-04-19T20:28:08Z

Landscape

Of 69 countries with Target 12 extractions, 47 explicitly address urban biodiversity and 18 treat it as relevant-to through adjacent planning instruments; four are unclassified. Most NBSAPs frame the target around green and blue spaces in cities, tying urban planning to native-species use, human health, and connection to nature. China devotes an entire Priority Action with four projects to urban biodiversity; the Netherlands builds an eleven-instrument chapter around the EU Nature Restoration Regulation; Sweden records the target in a single interim-target paragraph. Several countries braid urban biodiversity into climate adaptation, heat and flood risk, or — in the Dutch case — zoonosis-aware design.

Variation

Quantification runs from numeric benchmarks to qualitative commitments. Luxembourg sets phased tree-canopy targets; Sudan targets 10% green-blue share of city area; Chad commits 5% of major agglomerations to green spaces; Tunisia pegs adoption at 20% of municipalities; Burkina Faso tracks a per-capita ratio rising from 0.68 to 1.28 m² per inhabitant by 2030. Argentina, the UK, Iran, and Sudan's narrative sections commit qualitatively without numbers.

Delivery instruments range from dedicated programmes (Brazil's Green and Resilient Cities Programme created by Decree No. 12,041 of 2024, the Netherlands' Nature Restoration Regulation Article 8, the EU's Urban Greening Plans, Luxembourg's Nature Pact, Switzerland's Measure M15, Rwanda's USD 33 million allocation, Madagascar's Urban Green Fund) to sub-actions nested under broader targets (Malaysia Action 3.2, Lesotho National Target 11, Eritrea Action 11.3.2, Suriname Target 2.4).

Budgets spread across two orders of magnitude: Equatorial Guinea USD 10 million, Libya USD 20 million, Rwanda USD 33 million, DRC USD 13 million, Madagascar USD 9.6 million, Congo 440 million FCFA, Vanuatu VUV 38 million — alongside unpriced commitments.

Brazil, China, Lebanon, Rwanda, Tunisia, Chad, Malaysia, Spain, and Canada specify native-species requirements; other plans do not. Scope framing divides between biodiversity-inclusive urban planning (UK, Sudan, Yemen, Vanuatu), spatial-planning integration (Mauritania, Senegal), and sprawl management (Palestine, Zambia).

Standouts

Luxembourg commits that "a minimum of 10% urban tree canopy cover is targeted in all cities, villages, and suburbs by 2050, with an intermediate target of 5.6% by 2030."

Tunisia sets that "by 2030, 20% of municipalities adopt and implement plans and actions for improving biodiversity preservation in cities."

Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Green Project "targets planting more than 7.5 million trees, increasing green spaces from 1.5% to 9.1% of Riyadh's area, and increasing per capita green space by 16-fold by 2030."

Chad sets a target that "5% of the area of major agglomerations is occupied by green spaces" by 2030.

The Netherlands commits that "Article 8… requires preventing national net loss of urban green space and urban tree canopy cover through 2030, and after 2030 achieving a positive trend."

Brazil directs that "special attention will be given to interventions in densely populated areas, urban peripheries, and neighbourhoods with a deficit of green spaces and urban tree cover, through the implementation and monitoring of the Green and Resilient Cities Programme."

The EU calls on "European cities of at least 20,000 inhabitants… to develop Urban Greening Plans by the end of 2021," with the plans also set to "eliminate the use of pesticides in urban green areas."

Cameroon commits that "Activity 7.1.2 calls for developing green spaces… with a target of at least 1,500 ha of public green spaces created or developed and accessible to all," paired with "at least 3,000 ha of urban blue and peri-urban spaces conserved and/or developed and accessible to all."

India tracks, as a national indicator, the "number of sacred trees and sacred groves in urban areas."

Hungary commits to "prohibiting fireworks and racing of internal combustion engine vehicles in near-natural urban areas categorised as wetlands and/or resting and feeding areas for migratory bird species."

El Salvador's NBSAP "explicitly acknowledges that neither the 2013 NBS nor the National Environmental Policy addresses green and blue spaces in urban areas (Target 12)."

Analysis

The 47-to-18 split indicates most NBSAPs attach a dedicated Target 12 commitment, with treatment ranging from a single interim-target sentence (Sweden, Denmark) to multi-chapter coverage (Netherlands, Luxembourg, China, Cameroon).

Quantified commitments cluster in European NBSAPs and a subset of others (Luxembourg, Netherlands, EU, Tunisia, Sudan, Chad, Burkina Faso, Saudi Arabia), while many countries restate the GBF narrative without numeric benchmarks.

Building codes, urban master plans, and municipal-level instruments — Saudi Arabia's Saudi Building Code revision, Bhutan's Building Codes of Bhutan revision, Luxembourg's Nature Pact, India's City Biodiversity Index, Marshall Islands' Majuro Urban Master Plan — recur across diverse regions, indicating convergence on planning-instrument reform as the implementation lever.

Equity framing — informal settlements, peripheries, accessibility for people with special needs — surfaces in Brazil, DRC, Namibia, and Bhutan, positioning urban biodiversity as a social-policy question alongside an ecological one. El Salvador's self-identified gap sits apart from the set as an acknowledgement of absence rather than a commitment.

Per-country detail

Ordered by classification (explicitly_addresses → relevant_to → not_identified) then alphabetically by country name.

Country	National Target	Summary
Afghanistan	Afghanistan will increase the area of, access to, and benefits from green and blue spaces, for human health and well-being in urban areas and other densely populated areas.	The NBSAP commits Afghanistan to increasing the area of, access to, and benefits from green and blue spaces for human health and well-being in urban areas and other densely populated areas. Action 12.1 calls for increasing city green spaces in larger cities by planting native trees (by 2030, Municipalities responsible). The indicator is increasing greenness of major cities using satellite imagery such as HUGSI. Action 12.2 calls for exploring practical approaches to maintaining and restoring water in larger urban water bodies (by 2030, Ministry of Energy and Water and MAIL responsible). The headline indicator is the average share of the built-up area of cities that is green/blue space. Portfolio #2 includes improving the quality of urban planning. Consultation workshops found that 98% of respondents (n=377) thought their areas needed more green spaces, and over 84% (n=323) stated there were green spaces in their areas, though more than half reported the absence of recreational areas specific to women and families.
Argentina	Significantly increase the area, quality and connectivity of green and blue spaces and infrastructure in urban and densely populated areas, as well as access to and benefits derived from them. This increase shall be promoted through the promotion of inclusive urbanisation that integrates the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of biological diversity. In this way, urban planning that protects and enhances native biological diversity, connectivity and ecological integrity is ensured. This will improve the health and well-being of human beings and their connection with nature.	National Target 12 commits to significantly increasing the area, quality, and connectivity of green and blue spaces and infrastructure in urban and densely populated areas, as well as access to and benefits derived from them. This increase is to be promoted through inclusive urbanisation that integrates the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of biological diversity, ensuring urban planning that protects and enhances native biological diversity, connectivity, and ecological integrity. The target links urban green/blue infrastructure to improvements in health, wellbeing, and the human-nature connection. No additional detailed implementation measures for this target appear in the briefing sections beyond the national target text.
Austria		Urban biodiversity is addressed across several mainstreaming subsections rather than in a dedicated chapter. Under climate mainstreaming, conservation and improvement of open and green spaces is foreseen for climate protection and adaptation (rainwater infiltration, fresh and cold air supply) as well as for biodiversity. Under energy, measures include activation of available roof-surface potential and other potentials for building-integrated photovoltaic systems through incentives in funding systems and facilitation in building-permit procedures and tenancy law, development of dual solutions for greening of roof surfaces and photovoltaic installations, and development of utilisation concepts for biomass from building greening. Under industry, trade, commerce and consumption, the strategy foresees demolition and removal of no longer used, sealed areas (vacancies, decommissioned operational facilities) with soil recultivation and de-sealing of paved areas such as car parks in consultation with businesses; guidelines and expanded advisory services for ecologisation of commercial green spaces (bee-friendly planting, nesting aids, open soil patches, avoidance of frequent lawn mowing, avoidance of plant poisons); and biodiversity-promoting redesign of commercial open spaces and fallow sites with green flat roofs, facade greening, green car parks, prevention of bird strikes and light emissions, and species protection on buildings. Under biodiversity and health, measures include nature park schools and kindergartens, outdoor classrooms, and oases in sealed urban neighbourhoods to promote health alongside biodiversity. Under awareness-raising, communication is foreseen on 'natural' green spaces and their significance in public spaces (municipalities, cities and public institutions). The strategy also identifies municipalities as key implementation actors, noting that with an annual procurement volume of EUR 22 billion municipalities have direct influence on local habitats through land-use designation and building regulations.
Australia		Objective 9 of the NBSAP is dedicated to enriching cities and towns with nature. The strategy proposes prioritising inclusion of ecologically diverse green spaces in design and planning, increasing tree canopy in urban areas, transforming old rail lines into greenways, and planting gardens on rooftops. It calls for urban ecology and biodiversity policies to be better integrated into land use planning, transport, and other key urban policy and statutory planning requirements. The broader Goal 2 discussion (§40) notes that nearly 90% of all Australians live in urban areas. While urban expansion has impacted biodiversity, human urban settings in Australia retain substantial natural areas and native species. Urban wetlands are cited as providing important habitat and critical water and nutrient management. The strategy identifies benefits of urban nature for public health including relaxation, stress reduction, enhanced physical activity, and mitigation of air pollution, excessive heat, and noise exposure. Figure 5 maps Objective 9 to GBF Target 12. Three progress measures track urban greening initiatives (9A), ecologically diverse green spaces in urban development design (9B), and programs promoting urban nature-based initiatives (9C).
Brazil	Expand, by 2030, the area, quality, connectivity, accessibility, and benefits of green and blue spaces in cities, using native species and prioritising municipalities in metropolitan regions and those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Special attention will be given to interventions in densely populated areas, urban peripheries, and neighbourhoods with a deficit of green spaces and urban tree cover, through the implementation and monitoring of the Green and Resilient Cities Programme and the dissemination, improvement, and expansion of the Urban Environmental Registry. By 2030, ensure that green and blue spaces are integrated into inclusive and participatory urban planning processes, enhancing biodiversity, ecosystem services, well-being, and quality of life in urban and peri-urban areas, reducing vulnerability to climate change impacts, and respecting traditional territories and knowledge.	The NBSAP establishes National Target 12, committing to expand by 2030 the area, quality, connectivity, accessibility, and benefits of green and blue spaces in cities, using native species and prioritising municipalities in metropolitan regions and those most vulnerable to climate change impacts. Special attention is given to interventions in densely populated areas, urban peripheries, and neighbourhoods with a deficit of green spaces and urban tree cover. Implementation is linked to two specific instruments: the Green and Resilient Cities Programme (PCVR), created through Decree No. 12,041 of 2024 with a steering committee established through Interministerial Ordinance MMA/MCTI/MCID No. 1,283 of 2025; and the dissemination, improvement, and expansion of the Urban Environmental Registry. The target requires that by 2030 green and blue spaces are integrated into inclusive and participatory urban planning processes. The PCVR aims to enhance environmental quality and urban resilience by integrating urban, environmental, and climate policies. Synergies are identified with UNFCCC/Paris Agreement/NDC and SDGs 11.7 and 11.b.
Bhutan	By 2030, enhance and/or plan green and blue spaces in urban areas for social well-being and biodiversity conservation	Bhutan's National Target 12 states: "By 2030, enhance and/or plan green and blue spaces in urban areas for social well-being and biodiversity conservation," aligned with KMGBF Target 12. The rationale highlights the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) as a model, with a master plan integrating ecological corridors, green infrastructure, and water-sensitive urban design. The NBSAP acknowledges that biodiversity may not yet be central to planning in existing towns but anticipates projected urban growth. One strategy with six actions is identified: developing frameworks and guidelines for inclusive planning, management, and monitoring of green and blue spaces; conducting an inventory of existing green and blue spaces focusing on urban areas; establishing and maintaining green and blue spaces in Thromdes (municipalities) with consideration for people with special needs; developing the City Biodiversity Index (CBI) in at least two Thromdes; conducting research on the health and biodiversity value of green and blue spaces; and revising the Building Codes of Bhutan to incorporate green and blue space concepts in urban planning.
Belarus	Increasing the area and quality of green spaces in cities and other settlements of the Republic of Belarus; developing and advancing schemes for publicly accessible green areas in cities, taking into account the conservation of biological diversity, enhancing the ecological connectivity and integrity of natural ecosystems, strengthening human health and well-being, and fostering the human connection with nature.	The strategy's objective 12 is explicitly mapped to KMGBF Target 12 and commits to increasing the area and quality of green spaces in cities and other settlements; developing and advancing schemes for publicly accessible green areas, taking into account the conservation of biological diversity, enhancing the ecological connectivity and integrity of natural ecosystems, strengthening human health and well-being, and fostering the human connection with nature. The National Action Plan includes the development of schemes for public green areas (item 44, 2026–2030), assigned to oblast executive committees.
Canada		Most Canadians live within several hundred kilometres of the US border, and 70% of those Canadians live in cities. In 2021, 93% of individuals in urban areas reported a park or green space close to home, but the long-term trend in urban greenness decreased by 7.8% from 2000 to 2023. As of 2021, 31-51% of municipalities have a biodiversity strategy or are developing one, and 28-50% have biodiversity objectives in other environmental plans. 139 protected and conserved areas within or near urban areas have been entered into the Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database, covering over 22,000 hectares. Through the National Urban Parks Program, Parks Canada is working to create a network of up to six new national urban parks by 2025 and 15 by 2030, currently working with partners to designate a park in Windsor, Ontario, and exploring opportunities in Edmonton, Halifax, Saskatoon, Victoria, and Winnipeg. Under the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation, ECCC will develop a strategic conservation framework for species at risk in urban and near-urban areas by 2025. NRCan's 2 Billion Trees Urban Lands stream will support planting approximately five million trees by 2031. ECCC will explore opportunities with up to eight municipalities to expand protected areas within their jurisdiction by 2030 through partnerships with NGOs. INFC delivers the Natural Infrastructure Fund and Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund for urban green and blue space projects. The Greening Government Strategy (TBS) includes implementing climate-resilient groundskeeping using native species. StatCan's Census of Environment may include an urban ecosystem account. The federal government commits to work with PTs to explore opportunities to address barriers through options including future Nature Agreements.
Democratic Republic of the Congo	By 2030, integrated initiatives are implemented to substantially increase the surface area, quality and connectivity of green and blue spaces in urban and peri-urban areas, while guaranteeing equitable access to these spaces and the social, economic and environmental benefits they provide, ensuring the integration of biodiversity into urban planning, as well as strengthening the links between populations and nature, in the interest of their health and well-being.	Objective 12 commits the DRC to substantially increasing the area, quality and connectivity of green and blue spaces in urban and peri-urban areas by 2030, while ensuring equitable access. The objective integrates biodiversity into urban planning and strengthens links between populations and nature for health and well-being. The estimated budget is USD 13 million.
Republic of the Congo	Target 13/12: Improve the quality, connectivity and increase the area of green and blue spaces in various cities, by conserving, sustainably managing biodiversity and taking it into account in urban and peri-urban planning.	National Target 13/12 commits to improve the quality, connectivity and area of green and blue spaces in various cities by conserving and sustainably managing biodiversity, and by taking biodiversity into account in urban and peri-urban planning. Result A2O13R13 contains seven actions: identification and mapping of green and blue spaces in various cities (2026, 50 million FCFA); rehabilitation/sanitation of urban green and blue spaces (2027, 40 million FCFA); creation of urban green and blue spaces (2026, 20 million FCFA); sustainable management of urban green and blue spaces (2026, 30 million FCFA); continuation of implementation of the urban resilience project (2025, 50 million FCFA); implementation of the resilient cities project (2026, 150 million FCFA); and monitoring and evaluation of the resilient cities project (2027, 100 million FCFA). Indicators include number of urban green and blue spaces identified, mapped, developed, created and sanitised, and number of implementation reports for the resilient cities project. Responsible bodies are the local authorities of the cities concerned, prefectures, central town halls, and the ministries responsible for sanitation, the environment, sustainable development, land affairs and public domain, urban planning, land-use planning and major works, the interior, and tourism, along with NGOs and associations.
Switzerland		The NBSAP dedicates Measure M15 (Urbanised areas for humans and nature) to urban biodiversity, under SBS Objective 8 (develop biodiversity in urban areas) and GBF Target 12. FOEN holds responsibility, with ARE, FOC, cantons, communes, and third parties as partners. The action plan notes that approximately 1% of green spaces disappear each year and the number of trees continues to decline due to densification of the built environment. Deficits are attributed to incorrect transposition of federal law provisions (Spatial Planning Act and NCHA) by cantons and communes, ineffective requirements during construction project implementation, lack of interdisciplinary collaboration between climate, building culture, and health sectoral policies, and a lack of quality standards for plant material and seeds. By 2030, the Confederation is to improve framework conditions for near-natural urban space planning. A concept for promoting biodiversity and landscape quality in urban areas is to be developed within the sixth subsidy period of programme agreements (2029–2032), enabling cantons and communes to implement measures with Confederation financial support. Implementation and planning aids are to be developed for the application of federal law, foundations created for collaboration with other sectoral policies (climate protection, health, sport), and quality provisions established for plant material and seeds in collaboration with the green industry.
Chile	II.18: Green infrastructure development actions will be under way in at least four cities in the country within the framework of the National Urban Green Infrastructure Strategy [by 2028]. I.3: 14,000-17,000 hectares of wetlands recognised as protected Urban Wetlands [by 2026]. IV.34: All regions will have a Regional Wetland Committee and progress in Municipal Wetland Committees [by 2030].	The NBSAP addresses urban green and blue spaces through several national targets and a dedicated legal framework. National target II.18 commits that green infrastructure development actions will be under way in at least four cities within the framework of the National Urban Green Infrastructure Strategy by 2028. National target I.3 sets a goal of 14,000-17,000 hectares of wetlands recognised as protected Urban Wetlands by 2026. National target IV.34 requires all regions to have a Regional Wetland Committee, with progress on Municipal Wetland Committees, by 2030. The Urban Wetlands Law (21,202), enacted in 2020, provides the legal basis for urban wetland protection. The strategy identifies "Planning green-blue spaces with ecological criteria" as a priority area. Linked instruments include the National Land Use Planning Policy (PNOT), the National Urban Development Policy, the Green Cities Strategy, and the National Sustainable Construction Strategy.
Cameroon	Increase the area of green spaces and promote the conservation and sustainable management of wetlands in urban areas through a planning approach that integrates biodiversity for human well-being.	The NBSAP establishes Objective 7 to "increase the area of green spaces and promote the conservation and sustainable management of wetlands in urban areas through a planning approach that integrates biodiversity for human well-being." This is tracked through GBF headline indicators 12.1 (average share of the built-up area of cities made up of green/blue spaces and accessible to all) and 12.b (number of countries that have integrated biodiversity into their urban planning with reference to urban green or blue spaces). The action plan contains two dedicated sub-actions. Action 7.1 promotes the creation and/or development of green spaces in urban and peri-urban areas accessible to all. Activity 7.1.1 calls for identifying and mapping areas suitable for the creation of public green spaces, with a target of 100% of regional capitals and at least 70% of main urban and peri-urban municipalities having standardised GIS maps. Activity 7.1.2 calls for developing green spaces and ensuring their management and monitoring, with a target of at least 1,500 ha of public green spaces created or developed and accessible to all. Activity 7.1.3 establishes a monitoring and management database for green spaces, targeting one operational national database interoperable and covering at least 90% of urban/peri-urban municipalities. The responsible institutions include MINHDU (Urban Planning Directorate), MINEPDED, FEICOM and UN-Habitat. Action 7.2 promotes the creation and/or development of blue spaces/wetlands in urban and peri-urban areas accessible to all. Activity 7.2.1 calls for identifying and mapping areas suitable for public blue spaces, with a target of at least 100 urban and peri-urban blue spaces conserved and/or developed across the national territory. Activity 7.2.2 targets at least 3,000 ha of urban blue and peri-urban spaces conserved and/or developed and accessible to all. Activity 7.2.3 creates a monitoring and management database for blue spaces, targeting one operational national GIS/WebGIS database interoperable and covering at least 90% of urban and peri-urban municipalities, with coordination by MINEPDED and the Ramsar Focal Point. The urbanisation context is documented in the pollution section: rapid urbanisation and uncontrolled industrialisation in major cities (Douala, Yaounde, Buea, Limbe, Garoua, Maroua, Bamenda, Bafoussam) produce waste volumes exceeding two million tonnes per year for Yaounde and Douala alone, with urban planning and management systems described as still ineffective.
China	By 2030, a sustainable urban development model of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature shall be preliminarily established, and the area, quality, and connectivity of blue-green spaces in cities and densely populated areas shall be substantially improved.	The NBSAP dedicates an entire Priority Action (18) to urban biodiversity, with four priority projects. The plan calls for incorporating biodiversity conservation into urban-related laws, regulations, plans, and policy systems, and formulating a national specialised plan for urban biodiversity conservation. Surveys and assessments of urban ecosystem, species, genetic resource diversity, and associated traditional knowledge are required, along with routine monitoring of urban biodiversity. The strategy requires advancing the construction of blue-green spaces and ecological corridors in cities and densely populated areas, improving urban ecosystem service functions, enhancing local biodiversity, ecological connectivity, and integrity, and strengthening the connection between urban residents and nature. Urban species habitat restoration, waterfront shoreline restoration, and ecological corridor construction are specified, with encouragement for native tree species use and near-natural habitat environments. Technical specifications for urban biodiversity survey, monitoring, assessment, planning, and management are to be established. Urban biodiversity smart monitoring networks are to be improved, with high-precision data acquisition capabilities. Localities are to formulate urban biodiversity conservation and sustainable utilisation action plans. The strategy also integrates biodiversity into existing demonstration frameworks including Ecological Civilisation Construction Demonstration Zones, National Garden Cities, National Forest Cities, and National Environmental Protection Model Cities. Biodiversity-friendly urban units in communities, villages, scenic areas, parks, and schools are to be explored. By 2030, the area, quality, and connectivity of blue-green spaces in cities and densely populated areas are to be substantially improved.
Colombia		The NBSAP reports indicators on proportion of built-up area designated for public use, public space, urban green areas, trees per inhabitant, urban conservation measures, urban population in high-threat zones, and sustainable buildings; these form part of ICAU (Urban Environmental Quality Index — Indicadores de Calidad Ambiental Urbana), with metadata but without universal coverage across all cities. The Urban Environmental Management Policy (Política de Gestión Ambiental Urbana) of 2024 proposes biodiversity indicators in urban-regional contexts, though public information is not yet available. Information is available on the Principal Ecological Structure (Estructura Ecológica Principal) of several cities, used to guide urban planning processes. The headline indicator on the average share of built-up area dedicated to green/blue spaces for public use can be reported by DANE in 2026, having already been calculated for 9 cities with 2018 data; adjustments are needed to include blue spaces as only green-space information is currently available. Data sources are DANE and MinAmbiente/SINA research institute, with DANE or MinAmbiente to be defined as the reporting lead.
Czechia		The Strategy commits to promoting biodiversity in urbanised areas, not only to support species and their habitats but also to improve the overall quality of the environment in settlements. Specific commitments include supporting the creation and development of green spaces and sites with high biodiversity, development of green-blue infrastructure, appropriate water management, and reduction of light pollution. The objective also includes formulating recommendations for nature-based approaches to urban environment planning and management. Action Measure 10.3.5 commits to ensuring sufficient funds to support biodiversity within municipal boundaries by implementing green infrastructure and ensuring maintenance, funded through the state budget (PPK, POP), European funds (IROP, OPŽP), NPŽP, and municipal budgets. Action Measure 10.3.9 maintains subsidy support for modification and modernisation of artificial lighting systems in municipalities to address light pollution.
Germany		The NBS 2030 addresses urban biodiversity through Action area 11 on cities, urban landscapes, and other settlements. The Federal Biological Diversity Programme includes a funding priority for urban greenery, implementing a key measure from the Stadtnatur master plan for urban greenery adopted by the German government in 2019. The programme aims to increase the share of near-natural green and open spaces rich in species and structures through environmentally friendly green-space management. It also aims to raise public awareness through educational schemes communicating the value and significance of urban greenery to the public, people in politics, public administration, business, clubs, associations, and educational institutions. Municipalities receive support for creating and implementing municipal biodiversity strategies intended to mainstream biodiversity conservation across all areas of municipal government. The implementation chapter identifies urban greening as one of the new challenges the NBS 2030 addresses beyond its overarching biodiversity objectives.
Egypt		The NBSAP dedicates Section 58 to enhancing green and blue spaces in Egyptian urban areas. Green spaces are defined to include public parks, trees, and recreational areas, and blue spaces to include rivers, lakes, canals, and coastlines. The strategy names Al-Azhar Park and Orman Garden (a historic botanical garden in Giza housing rare plants) as prominent green spaces, and the River Nile, Lake Qarun, and the Bitter Lakes as principal blue spaces. The cited benefits span air-quality improvement, mitigation of the urban heat-island effect, psychological and physical well-being, and conservation of biodiversity by providing urban habitats. Challenges identified are unplanned urban sprawl reducing green/blue space, pollution of the Nile and canals from industrial and agricultural activities, and lack of maintenance. Stated policy measures include sustainable urban planning that integrates green and blue spaces into new developments; afforestation campaigns in Egyptian cities; sustainable water management that protects water bodies from pollution; public–private partnerships for investment and maintenance; awareness programmes in schools and local communities; and innovative techniques such as vertical farming and smart irrigation. Coastal zone management provisions (Red Sea coral reefs, coastal marshes) and conservation of urban green spaces in Cairo and Alexandria are also flagged.
Spain		The NBSAP dedicates a specific section to urban ecosystems, framed within the Spanish Urban Agenda and the National Strategy for Green Infrastructure. Green and blue infrastructures are to be promoted to safeguard biodiversity and connect traditional urban green spaces with surrounding nature. Measures include: promoting urban green spaces and connecting them with the peri-urban environment; reducing use of chemical herbicides in cities; improving habitats for wild flora and fauna and pollinators in urban and peri-urban areas; applying monitoring programmes for urban biodiversity and geodiversity; and promoting native species with high resilience and low water requirements over non-native species. A line of grants for urban greening is to be launched to restore ecosystems and reduce habitat fragmentation, increasing biodiverse green areas with low maintenance costs due to high naturalness, as opposed to traditional intensive gardening. These grants also favour urban and peri-urban agricultural spaces. In building rehabilitation, criteria safeguarding refuge and nesting spaces for urban fauna, especially birds and bats, are to be promoted and encouraged in rehabilitation grant calls. The Biodiversity Foundation is to launch specific calls under the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan for renaturalisation of urban environments, supporting both strategic planning frameworks (renaturalisation programmes and sustainable urban plans) and direct green infrastructure interventions. With the experience gained, recommendations for improving integration of biodiversity in urban environments are to be drawn up in 2025.
European Union	Cities with at least 20,000 inhabitants have an ambitious Urban Greening Plan.	The strategy devotes a dedicated section to greening urban and peri-urban areas. European cities of at least 20,000 inhabitants are called on to develop Urban Greening Plans by the end of 2021, incorporating measures to create biodiverse and accessible urban forests, parks and gardens, urban farms, green roofs and walls, tree-lined streets, urban meadows, and urban hedges. The plans are also to improve connections between green spaces, eliminate the use of pesticides in urban green areas, and limit excessive mowing and other biodiversity-harmful practices. The Commission is to set up an EU Urban Greening Platform in 2021 under a new Green City Accord with cities and mayors, coordinated with the European Covenant of Mayors. Urban Greening Plans are to have a central role in choosing the European Green Capital 2023 and European Green Leaf 2022. The Commission is also to provide technical guidance and help mobilise funding and capacity building for Member States and local/regional authorities. Tree planting in cities is specifically highlighted, with the European Urban Greening Platform facilitating urban tree planting under the LIFE programme. There are 11,000 Natura 2000 sites within or partly within cities, representing 15% of the total Natura 2000 network area.
Gabon	Improve green spaces and urban planning for human well-being and biodiversity	Gabon's National Target 12 commits to improving green spaces and urban planning for human well-being and biodiversity. The strategic action is to develop Urban Development Master Plans (Schémas Directeur d'Aménagement Urbain, SDAU), with key indicators of a land-use map and an urban forestry programme document. Responsible stakeholders include MEEC, the Ministry of Land Use Planning (AMT), the Ministry of the Interior, and MEF. The NBSAP identifies uncontrolled urbanisation as a threat, noting that it leads to rapid conversion of forests, wetlands, and mangroves into built-up areas. Urban green spaces, where they exist, are described as often composed of exotic ornamental species and monospecific lawns that do not compensate for lost natural ecosystems and offer few resources for indigenous fauna. Libreville concentrates nearly 50% of the Gabonese population. Existing urban biodiversity assets include two arboreta in Libreville (Sibang and Raponda Walker), which serve as ex situ conservation sites, research centres, breeding areas for threatened plants, and venues for environmental education programmes.
United Kingdom	The UK will significantly increase the area and quality, and connectivity of, access to, and benefits from green and blue spaces in urban and densely populated areas sustainably, by mainstreaming the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and ensure biodiversity-inclusive urban planning, enhancing native biodiversity, ecological connectivity and integrity, and improving human health and well-being and connection to nature, and contributing to inclusive and sustainable urbanisation and to the provision of ecosystem functions and services.	The NBSAP sets UK target 12, committing to significantly increase the area, quality, connectivity of, access to, and benefits from green and blue spaces in urban and densely populated areas. The target specifies biodiversity-inclusive urban planning, enhancing native biodiversity, ecological connectivity and integrity, and improving human health and well-being and connection to nature. It also references contributing to inclusive and sustainable urbanisation and to the provision of ecosystem functions and services.
Equatorial Guinea	By 2030, encourage, strengthen and promote that at least 30% of ecological urbanisation projects in cities, municipalities and urban districts throughout the national territory prioritise the incorporation of green and blue spaces.	National Target 12 commits, by 2030, to encourage, strengthen and ensure that at least 30% of ecological urbanisation projects in cities, municipalities and urban districts throughout the national territory prioritise the incorporation of green and blue spaces, systematically integrating biodiversity into urban planning and development processes. Implementation conditions include development and implementation of comprehensive urban plans in the main urban centres, rehabilitation of already consolidated urban areas through green and blue space incorporation, and strengthening the sectoral legal framework (Environmental Regulatory Law, Law on the Use and Management of Forests, Fisheries Law, REDD+ National Investment Plan and NDCs). A budget line of USD 10,000,000 is attached in the IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ENPADIB table for creating urban green and blue spaces. Degree of alignment is HIGH for strategic and regulatory alignment and LOW for current operational and financial capacity. Responsible bodies include the Ministry of Forests and Environment, INDEFOR, INCOMA, Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Urban Planning.
Hungary		The NBSAP addresses urban biodiversity through Target 15.2, which focuses on developing urban elements of the green infrastructure network. The green infrastructure status assessment notes that habitats in urban artificial environments require different-scale, different-method assessment than national-level green infrastructure. Target 15.2 includes a set of specific measures: developing and regularly updating a technical guide for municipal green infrastructure to promote biodiversity conservation; incorporating green infrastructure development into municipal plans for improved ecological status, connectivity, and ecosystem services; incorporating green infrastructure into local building regulations; aligning integrated municipal water management plans with regional green infrastructure concepts; prohibiting fireworks and internal combustion engine vehicle racing in near-natural urban areas that are categorised as wetlands or resting/feeding areas for migratory birds; defining quality objectives for green space in all municipalities including waterfront areas; providing uniform data describing green infrastructure state for cities with population over 20,000; utilisation of brownfield sites through creation and restoration of green spaces; restoring urban protected natural areas and Natura 2000 sites; and promoting ecological rainwater management in municipalities.
India	Significantly increase the area, quality, and connectivity of green and blue spaces in urban areas for enhanced access and human well-being.	India's NBSAP commits to significantly increasing the area, quality, and connectivity of green and blue spaces in urban areas for enhanced access and human well-being. The headline indicator is the average share of the built-up area of cities that is green/blue space for public use (12.1), with the Singapore Index on Cities' Biodiversity as a component indicator. Four national indicators are tracked: trends in the availability of urban green and blue spaces (12.1); number of Biodiversity Heritage Sites, Nature Learning and Interpretation Centers, Botanical Gardens, Public Gardens, Orchards, Water Bodies, and Parks in urban areas (12.2); number of cities that have prepared a City Biodiversity Index (12.3); and number of sacred trees and sacred groves in urban areas (12.4). Lead agencies include the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, National Institute of Urban Affairs, State Forest Departments, Botanical Survey of India, State Biodiversity Boards, and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability.
Iran	Significantly increase the area, quality, and connectivity of green and blue spaces in urban and densely populated areas by mainstreaming biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. Ensure biodiversity-inclusive urban planning, enhance native biodiversity, improve ecological connectivity and integrity, and boost human health and well-being.	NT-12 commits to significantly increasing the area, quality, and connectivity of green and blue spaces in urban and densely populated areas by mainstreaming biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, ensuring biodiversity-inclusive urban planning, enhancing native biodiversity, improving ecological connectivity and integrity, and boosting human health and well-being. Six actions are listed (one incomplete). These include modifying and implementing guidelines for urban development, road construction, and eco-tourism to support nature's integrity; implementing existing legal provisions for sustainable rural and urban development aligned with environmental protection; fully enforcing water conservation and management laws (including installing counters on wells, banning irrigation of green spaces with drinkable water where alternatives exist, managing water rights, and maintaining irrigation networks); developing and legally enforcing a national climate change management plan promoting a green economy and low-carbon industry; and raising public awareness about DSI for biodiversity conservation, including citizen science projects.
Japan — National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2023–2030		The NBSAP addresses urban biodiversity through the Act on the Improvement of Urban Parks and Green Space, the Urban Greening Plan system, and designation of Green Space Conservation Areas. Local governments are expected to develop Biodiversity Regional Strategies that integrate urban green space into land use planning. Actions include expansion of urban parks, rooftop and wall greening, restoration of urban rivers, and promotion of Nationally Certified Sustainably Managed Natural Sites in urban settings (company forests, shrine forests, university campus green space). Nature interaction opportunities in cities are promoted via urban satoyama, nature school programs, and MOE's nature interaction programs targeting children and families. The government will support cities' green infrastructure planning and biodiversity-sensitive urban design under the Green Infrastructure Promotion Strategy.
Lebanon	NT 13: Conserve the area, quality, connectivity, and accessibility of–and benefits from–green and blue spaces in urban and densely populated areas, by mainstreaming the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ensuring biodiversity-inclusive urban planning, that enhances native biodiversity, ecological connectivity, and integrity, improves human health and well-being and connection to nature, and contributes to inclusive and sustainable urbanization and the provision of ecosystem functions and services.	National Target 13 commits to conserving the area, quality, connectivity and accessibility of–and benefits from–green and blue spaces in urban and densely populated areas by mainstreaming biodiversity conservation and sustainable use and ensuring biodiversity-inclusive urban planning that enhances native biodiversity, ecological connectivity and integrity, improves human health and well-being, and contributes to sustainable urbanisation and ecosystem-service provision. The NBSAP adopts Headline Indicator 12.1 (share of built-up area of cities that is green/blue space for public use) reported every three years, and a national indicator on percentage change in green urban spaces in urban development zones reported every five years under DGUP responsibility. National Actions commit to updating existing legislation to conserve green spaces by reducing the development rate in urban expansion zones (NA 13.1); establishing guidelines for new urban-greening technologies such as green rooftops, vertical rooftops, raised beds and green walls using native species (NA 13.2); and updating urban plans for major cities to incorporate green spaces, parks and shaded areas, planting native trees and constructing green roofs and walls (NA 13.3).
Luxembourg		The NBSAP dedicates a full chapter (2.7) to greening urban and peri-urban areas, with quantified targets and specific instruments. The strategy commits to ensuring no net loss of urban green spaces and urban tree canopy cover by 2030 compared to 2021 levels. The total national area of urban green spaces in cities, suburbs, and villages is to increase by at least 3% compared to the total urban area in 2021 by 2040, and at least 5% by 2050. A minimum of 10% urban tree canopy cover is targeted in all cities, villages, and suburbs by 2050, with an intermediate target of 5.6% by 2030. A net gain of urban green spaces is to be integrated into existing or new constructions and infrastructure developments, including renovations. The strategy identifies urban sprawl, construction, and soil sealing as among the main causes of biodiversity decline and states the aim of reversing these trends and ending the loss of urban green ecosystems. Green infrastructure and nature-based solutions are to be systematically integrated into urban planning, including in public spaces, infrastructure, and building design. Particular attention is to be paid to greening economic activity zones meeting circular economy criteria. The "Nature Pact" (Pacte Nature) is the principal delivery instrument for municipalities, promoting installation and management of urban parks and gardens with biodiversity, urban farms, green roofs and walls, tree-lined streets and squares, urban lawns and meadows, and urban woodlands. It also guides citizens with practical, logistical, and financial support. Key municipal commitments include developing urban ecological network plans for at least 50% of municipalities, developing ecological management plans for urban green spaces for 50% of municipalities (without fertilisers or pesticides), and engaging municipalities in the "pesticide-free" initiative. Funding through relevant special state funds is to be ensured for greening and making resilient urban and peri-urban spaces through innovative projects. The development of urban ecological network plans is promoted.
Libya	By 2030, mainstream the principles of sustainable urban planning into national urban expansion plans, with the aim of achieving human health and the environment, especially in densely populated areas.	The NBSAP directly addresses urban biodiversity through national Target 12, which commits to mainstreaming sustainable urban planning into national urban expansion plans by 2030 with a USD 20 million budget. Six priorities are established with timelines ranging from 2025 to 2030: a comprehensive national city survey assessing the natural environment, land tenure, housing, and socio-economic data linked to environmental conditions (by 2025); updating legislative and governance frameworks for participatory urban planning with resilience and climate change adaptation approaches (by 2025); developing urban planning plans for major cities to prevent urban sprawl, informal settlements, and environmental degradation (by 2025); preparing guidelines for energy- and resource-saving buildings and green building standards (by 2026); a national capacity-building programme for local authorities on public spaces (by 2030); and sectoral strategies for municipal waste management with energy generation from organic waste, wastewater treatment and reuse for urban green areas, sustainable urban transport, and emission reduction (by 2030).
Marshall Islands		Sub-target 2.12 addresses planning or management of urban green or blue spaces, delivered through master planning, EPA permits, and KPIs, with RMI EPA as data lead at the national pathway level. Headline indicator 12.1 (Urban Public Spaces I) tracks the average share of built-up area in cities that is green/blue space for public use. Binary indicator 12.B (Urban Public Spaces II) tracks biodiversity-inclusive urban planning that creates new green and blue spaces and manages existing areas for biodiversity and health outcomes. The NBSAP contains specific urban planning actions. MoPWIU and partners are delivering the Urban Resilience Project in Majuro, including development of the Majuro Urban Master Plan with updated land-use zoning, designation of conservation and setback areas, and guidance for climate-resilient urban growth (Action 86a). RMI EPA is to conduct NBSAP-related urban and community consultations as part of the Master Plan process to reinforce biodiversity conservation and urban green/blue spaces (Action 86a.i.a). MoPWIU is directed to compile and maintain national urban spatial planning, land use, and urban green/blue space data across Majuro and Ebeye, with MIMRA on blue spaces, for headline indicator 12.1 ahead of the 8th National Report (Action 83c). The Forest Action Plan includes urban tree management to maintain and expand urban green spaces for shade, environmental quality, and community wellbeing (Action 71d).
Mauritania — National Biodiversity Strategy 2022–2030		The NBSAP identifies infrastructure and urbanisation as one of five priority economic sectors for biodiversity integration. The sectoral analysis calls for integrating sustainability into urban planning and promoting green infrastructure, noting that habitat fragmentation from transport and infrastructure expansion is a key biodiversity impact. Action A.2.3 commits to integrating biodiversity into urban policy, targeting 100% of terrestrial and marine areas covered by spatial planning plans that integrate biodiversity by 2030. Action B.1.4 requires integrating biodiversity spatial planning into regional master plans for urban development, with 3 integrated plans by 2028. Both actions are tagged to GBF Target 12.
Malta		National Target 7 commits to increasing the coordinated and strategic application of nature-based solutions, including blue-green infrastructure, to support urban biodiversity, contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation, and provide noise abatement. Action 7.2 commits to greening initiatives that improve access to green spaces, ecological coherence and connectivity, urban biodiversity, and pollution levels including noise and air pollution. National Target 13 states that by 2030, biodiversity continues to be recognised as a key component of human wellbeing and health, and that benefits of biodiversity to human well-being and health are promoted by improving access to green spaces.
Malaysia		Malaysia's NPBD addresses urban biodiversity through Action 3.2 of Target 3, "enhance urban and rural biodiversity conservation." The policy recognises that green spaces and remnant forest patches in urban and rural areas serve as viable habitats for wildlife, including migratory birds and pollinating insects, and hold potential as rehabilitation and ex-situ conservation areas. Commitments include continuing to maintain gazetted land for green cover and water reservoirs within cities; supporting local authorities to increase green and blue spaces as part of design criteria within commercial area development plans; supporting local authorities to repurpose empty/brownfield areas for urban forests, green lungs, pocket parks, and urban gardens/farms to enhance ecosystem services and support climate-change adaptation; promoting integration and usage of native species for urban landscaping; developing local-authority capacity to manage urban and rural biodiversity; encouraging local authorities to measure and report on urban biodiversity through existing and potential platforms; and encouraging and incentivising property developers to conserve and enhance biodiversity on their land. The cultural-services section cites the Shah Alam Community Forest (ecologically connected to Bukit Cerakah Forest Reserve) as an example of urban forest benefits. The Key Indicator states: by 2030, biodiversity is being actively enhanced in all local authorities and townships. The Ministry in charge of biodiversity and forestry is the lead, with PLANMalaysia, JPSM, DWNP, DOE, FRIM, education/youth/rural-development ministries, local authorities, and the private sector as partners.
Namibia	Green and blue spaces in urban and peri-urban areas are maintained and restored to improve human health and well-being.	National Target 12 commits that green and blue spaces in urban and peri-urban areas are maintained and restored to improve human health and well-being. Delivery runs through Programme 21: Enhancing Urban and Peri-Urban Green and Blue Spaces for Human Well-being. Implementation integrates biodiversity into urban and peri-urban planning frameworks, land-use management and infrastructure development. Actions prioritise protection and restoration of existing green and blue spaces (urban parks, river corridors, wetlands, open spaces, coastal zones, natural buffers) and establishment of new spaces where absent. Urban biodiversity actions are delivered through collaboration between local authorities, planning institutions and environmental authorities, with Environmental Impact Assessments and spatial plans used to avoid further loss or fragmentation. The programme promotes adoption of biodiversity-inclusive urban planning instruments, guidelines and standards, and inter-municipal learning through peer platforms. Equitable access to green and blue spaces is emphasised, including for informal settlements and rapidly expanding urban areas. Implementation instruments include urban and municipal land-use plans and structure plans, IRLUPs, EIA and SEA processes, local authority environmental management and open-space policies, and climate adaptation and disaster-risk management plans.
Netherlands		The NBSAP dedicates a full chapter to urban biodiversity, framing it within the Netherlands' major housing challenge and the need for a safe, pleasant, and healthy living environment. The chapter addresses urban green spaces through multiple instruments: regulatory compliance with the EU Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR), a national standard for climate-adaptive building, nature-inclusive construction practices, ecological verge management, health-oriented programmes, and specific initiatives for business parks. On the NRR, the Netherlands is building on its existing Green In and Around the City (GIOS) approach to implement Article 8, which requires preventing national net loss of urban green space and urban tree canopy cover through 2030, and after 2030 achieving a positive trend. The Nature Plan being drawn up will detail implementation. A first version of the Guide on Green In and Around the City was published in 2024, helping decentralised governments formulate green visions, ambitions, and implementation strategies. An update to make the guide more concrete is planned for 2025. The approach has four stated objectives: climate adaptation, increasing liveability of the urban area, promoting a healthy living environment, and strengthening urban biodiversity. The national standard for a green, climate-adaptive built environment defines qualitative objectives and quantitative performance requirements for flooding, water nuisance, drought, heat, biodiversity, and subsidence. The biodiversity objective reads: "Green-blue structures and area-specific biodiversity are strengthened at all scale levels." Guidelines include preserving and realising valuable habitats and basic nature quality, preferring green solutions based on natural processes over technical solutions, and preserving the percentage of green space at neighbourhood level. Umbrella organisations of sub-national governments have expressed their commitment to using the national standard. Nature-inclusive building is supported through two mechanisms. Basic Nature Quality (BKN) takes a programmatic approach to restoring conditions for common species outside nature areas, such as the hedgehog, cornflower, and house sparrow. Species Management Plans (SMP), for which the cabinet has made resources available, map species and mitigating measures in an area, enabling provinces to grant area permits for activities such as the nature-inclusive post-insulation of homes. The Working Landscapes of the Future programme, co-financed by the National Growth Fund with €26 million over nine years, transforms business parks into green, healthy, energy-efficient, and climate-resilient landscapes through five solution directions: substantiating business cases for greening, connecting public and private interests for joint financing, increasing insight into value of green spaces, developing innovative physical solutions, and strengthening the green sector's labour market. GBDA (green-blue infrastructure) targets 10% coverage in rural areas, but the NBSAP notes this also targets urban fringes and residential landscapes, integrating blue-green spaces of urban and rural areas for ecosystem services including climate adaptation and water management. Ecological verge management covers Rijkswaterstaat-managed Natura 2000 areas along motorways and river floodplains, and ProRail railway verges. ProRail is tendering for sustainable verge management under 'More nature in the verge' and aims to replant more trees than the statutory obligation requires for every felled tree. The Healthy Living Environment Programme, commissioned by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport and carried out by RIVM and ZonMw, integrates green/blue themes through rules of thumb for non-standardised aspects of healthy living environments, knowledge development via living labs, making benefits of green environments visible, learning structures, indicator development, and an online Toolbox. The Delta Plan for Biodiversity Recovery sets specific ambitions: by 2050, 10% of rural areas consists of landscape elements; by 2030, 50% of public spaces is managed ecologically; and every new spatial development delivers an increase in biodiversity, applying to at least 50% of projects by 2030. The zoonoses action plan is integrated, noting that making cities greener and bluer requires proper assessment of the purpose and function of green spaces, distinguishing between designs that promote biodiversity (varied shrubs and trees) and those that do not (lawns with a few trees). Guidance documents are being drawn up for decentralised authorities. The Nature-Inclusive Agenda's Business Parks and Construction domains contribute specific initiatives. The Business Parks domain develops behavioural influence narratives, ecological knowledge for business parks, research into legal instruments, and collaborates with Fontys University of Applied Sciences on case studies. The Construction domain positions nature as a self-evident part of the built environment, with green-blue connections supporting Basic Nature Quality, and promotes biobased building materials to stimulate local biodiversity and spare biodiversity elsewhere.
Rwanda	By 2030, increase and improve urban green spaces and ensure biodiversity-inclusive and nature-friendly urban planning in Rwanda, emphasising on native species to enhance human well-being, promote biodiversity, and support sustainable urban development.	The NBSAP sets National Target 12 to increase and improve urban green spaces and ensure biodiversity-inclusive and nature-friendly urban planning by 2030, emphasising native species. Headline indicators include the average share of built-up urban area that is green/blue space for public use, with component indicators on area providing recreation and cultural services and area under urban forestry. The City Biodiversity Index (CBI) for Kigali, satellite cities, and secondary cities is a complementary indicator. The baseline notes no comprehensive assessment of existing green spaces exists in Rwanda's cities and urban centres. The NLUDMP 2020–2050 targets every city/urban development providing at least 20–25% of area for green spaces by 2050. Strategic actions include conducting a baseline assessment of urban green spaces in major urban areas, developing and implementing NbS plans for cities and towns in line with existing master plans, enhancing the quality and accessibility of existing green spaces, promoting biodiversity conservation within urban green spaces using native plant species adapted to urban areas, and developing guidelines for green spaces that integrate biodiversity conservation. Kigali's transformation of degraded urban wetlands into the Nyandungu Eco-Park is cited as a demonstration project, along with continued restoration of five other Kigali wetlands (Nyabugogo, Gikondo, Kibumba, Rugenge-Rwintare, and Rwampara). The costing allocates USD 33 million.
Saudi Arabia	Integrating biodiversity values and their importance into urban planning and expanding green and blue spaces in urban areas in a sustainable manner.	National Target 10 commits to integrating biodiversity values into urban planning and expanding green and blue spaces in urban areas in a sustainable manner. The NBSAP explicitly aligns this target with GBF Target 12. The national action plan specifies: conducting an assessment of current green and blue spaces and biodiversity in urban areas (2027); developing and implementing a plan for integrating biodiversity conservation values into urban development plans and strategies (2026–2028), involving coordination with relevant entities and joint pilot projects; designing a guide for urban planning standards for sustainable urban biodiversity (2027), including requirements for green and blue spaces and converting grey and degraded areas to green; and updating the Saudi Building Code to include sustainability and expansion criteria for green and blue spaces (2028). Indicators include: average share of built-up area with available green or blue spaces for public use, percentage of green and blue spaces as a proportion of total city area, number of urban development projects incorporating biodiversity conservation, and a quality index for urban green and blue spaces. The Riyadh Green Project targets planting more than 7.5 million trees, increasing green spaces from 1.5% to 9.1% of Riyadh's area, and increasing per capita green space by 16-fold by 2030. Responsible entities include the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture; National Centre for Wildlife; National Centre for Vegetation Cover; Royal Commission for Urban Development Entities; and Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing.
Sudan	Significantly increase the area and quality and connectivity of, access to, and benefits from green and blue spaces in urban and densely populated areas in Sudan sustainably, by mainstreaming the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and ensure biodiversity-inclusive urban planning, enhancing native biodiversity, ecological connectivity and integrity, and improving human health and well-being and connection to nature and contributing to inclusive and sustainable urbanization and the provision of ecosystem functions and services.	National Target 12 commits Sudan to significantly increasing the area, quality, connectivity, access to, and benefits from green and blue spaces in urban and densely populated areas, through biodiversity-inclusive urban planning, enhancing native biodiversity, ecological connectivity and integrity, and contributing to inclusive and sustainable urbanization. Budget allocations include US$520,000 under Goal A for pollution aspects (2 actions) and US$100,000 under Goal D for pollution aspects (1 action), plus US$50,000 for inland waters under Goal B. The gender matrix identifies awareness activities on automobile exhaust emissions as a dominant source of ambient air pollution in densely populated urban environments, with 50% women participation targets. The monitoring framework uses average share of built-up area that is green/blue space for public use as the headline indicator, with a target of 10% of total area in cities. Progress thresholds are P < 4% (Low), 4% ≤ P ≤ 7% (moderate), P > 7% (high). National indicators include trends in integration of naturally existing habitats in urban planning and adoption of green and blue spaces.
Sweden	A majority of municipalities shall, by 2030 at the latest, maintain and integrate urban green spaces and ecosystem services in urban environments in the planning, construction and management of cities and towns.	The NBSAP reports that, at the same time as the strategy was presented, the Government adopted an interim target in the Environmental Objectives System on urban green spaces, providing that a majority of municipalities shall, by 2030 at the latest, maintain and integrate urban green spaces and ecosystem services in urban environments in the planning, construction and management of cities and towns. Beyond this interim-target adoption, the briefing contains no further dedicated content on target 12.
Senegal	Integrate biodiversity into the planning of urban and peri-urban spaces	The NBSAP defines national target (12) as integrating biodiversity into the planning of urban and peri-urban spaces. The results framework prescribes two priority actions: reforestation and establishment of urban green spaces (indicator: number of green spaces created or developed), and integration of trees into urbanisation plans (indicator: number of urbanisation plans incorporating urban forest spaces). A related action under target (8) addresses protection of urban and peri-urban wetlands. The NDS 2025–2029 includes the construction of "sustainable cities (green, resilient and smart)" as an expected outcome. The Dakar Hub diagnosis highlights rampant urbanisation fragmenting the last remaining natural habitats, with the Niayes wetlands being converted into housing through progressive backfilling. The casuarina reforestation perimeters — a green belt historically extending over nearly 200 km from Dakar to Saint-Louis — face illegal occupation and declassification. Law No. 2023-20 establishing the Urban Planning Code and Law No. 2023-21 establishing the Construction Code are part of the enabling legal framework.
Chad	NT2: By 2030 at the latest, the values of biological diversity have been integrated into national and local development planning strategies and processes and poverty reduction, and incorporated into national accounts, as appropriate, and into reporting systems.	The NBSAP links Global Target 12 to National Objective 2 (NT2): by 2030 at the latest, the values of biological diversity have been integrated into national and local development planning strategies and processes and poverty reduction, and incorporated into national accounts, as appropriate, and into reporting systems. The 2011–2020 reference is insufficient green and blue spaces in urban areas; the 2030 target is that 5% of the area of major agglomerations is occupied by green spaces. Measures include a project to expand the area and quality of green and blue spaces in urban areas; improving access to green/blue spaces and the benefits they provide to the population; strengthening connectivity by mainstreaming conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity; developing urban planning that strengthens indigenous biodiversity, connectivity and ecological integrity; improving health and well-being of populations in connection with nature; contributing to inclusive and sustainable urbanisation that provides ecosystem functions and services; urban planning and development projects including conservation of indigenous species and habitat restoration; promoting green infrastructure and eco-gardening (pollinator-friendly gardening, eco school gardens) in educational establishments and private households; developing a regulatory framework for urban biodiversity protection; awareness campaigns on the importance of urban biodiversity; and integration of biodiversity into Local Development Plans (LDPs) of cities. Indicators include the average share of the built-up area of cities that is green/blue space for public use (I1GT12) and recreational and cultural ecosystem services provided (I2GT12).
Togo	Target 17 : Promote green and blue spaces in urban and peri-urban areas by creating zoological parks, public gardens and biodiversity conservation zones, in order to improve citizens' quality of life and promote ecological connectivity	The NBSAP designates National Target 17 under Strategic Objective 2, mapped to GBF Target 12, committing to promote green and blue spaces in urban and peri-urban areas by creating zoological parks, public gardens, and biodiversity conservation zones, in order to improve citizens' quality of life and promote ecological connectivity. The capacity building plan includes training on the establishment and management of zoological parks, zoobotanical parks, and arboretums (50 million CFA), with MERF as the responsible structure, beneficiaries including the Ministry of Urban Planning, Health, Tourism, and communes, and the CITES Secretariat as a partner.
Thailand	Target 4: Reduce threats to biodiversity arising from climate change and pollution, including increasing urban green spaces, to restore and maintain ecosystem services.	National Target 4 explicitly includes increasing urban green spaces to restore and maintain ecosystem services. The importance-of-target section (§94) frames green and blue spaces as delivering benefits for physical and mental well-being, serving as critical habitats for species, improving habitat connectivity, providing ecosystem services, and helping reduce climate-related risks to cities such as flooding and extreme heat. It argues for biodiversity-inclusive urban planning to create natural spaces within built landscapes and recognises the interdependence between urban communities and ecosystems. Recommended actions (§96, sub-measure 3) direct: (3.1) increasing the size and quality of urban green spaces to provide habitat for species in urban and coastal waters near cities, enhancing connectivity, accessibility, and benefits to improve ecological connectivity and habitat integrity while supporting human health and well-being; and (3.2) urban planning that incorporates biodiversity considerations, applying green and blue space concepts appropriately and adequately in urban planning policies and practices.
Tunisia	By 2030, 20% of municipalities adopt and implement plans and actions for improving biodiversity preservation in cities	The NBSAP dedicates Objective B4 to implementing urban policies to create and preserve green spaces, linked explicitly to KM-GBF Target 12. The national target states: "By 2030, 20% of municipalities adopt and implement plans and actions for improving biodiversity preservation in cities." The Ministry of the Environment (Directorate General for Sustainable Development) launched studies in 2020 for a national "Sustainable Cities" programme to be implemented by 2030, which includes preservation of natural landscapes but does not introduce space connectivity or deployment of biodiversity in cities. The revised NBSAP adds measures to complement this programme. Measure B4.1 proposes 12 actions: surveying local animal and plant species in cities (B4.1.1), identifying and eradicating IAS in cities (B4.1.2), creating ecological corridors in cities (B4.1.3), measures for good governance of nature in cities (B4.1.4), increasing green space areas by favouring endemic species (B4.1.5), planning urban space for sustainable development (B4.1.6), selecting indigenous shade and windbreak trees (B4.1.7-B4.1.8), developing management plans for urban natural landscapes (B4.1.8), allocating resources to local authorities for sustainable management (B4.1.9), labelling cities for conserved landscapes (B4.1.10), strengthening cities' climate resilience (B4.1.11), and preserving urban and peri-urban agriculture (B4.1.12).
Vanuatu	By 2030, conservation and the sustainable use of biodiversity are fully integrated into urban planning, increasing and enhancing green and blue spaces that improve human health, wellbeing, and connection to nature.	The NBSAP commits to fully integrating conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity into urban planning by 2030, increasing green and blue spaces that improve human health, wellbeing, and connection to nature. Every province plans to establish a provincial park at its headquarters: Torba at Sola, Sanma at the Sanma headquarters, Penama at East Ambae (with a botanical garden), Malampa at Lakatoro (plus a botanical garden in West Ambrym), Shefa at the Shefa Provincial Headquarters, and Tafea at the provincial park (with a botanical garden). Shefa also plans to identify and establish community green spaces and parks in each of its 19 area councils. Target 12 is allocated 4 actions costing VUV 38,000,000.
Yemen	By 2030, integrate urban green spaces (recreational) into urban land use planning, ensuring their connectivity with nearby ecosystems to enhance the flow of ecosystem services, improve human health and well-being, increase connectivity with nature, and contribute to overall sustainable and inclusive integration while providing essential ecosystem functions and services.	The NBSAP establishes National Target 12, aligned to GBF Target 12, committing to integrate urban green spaces (recreational) into urban land use planning by 2030, ensuring their connectivity with nearby ecosystems to enhance the flow of ecosystem services, improve human health and well-being, increase connectivity with nature, and contribute to overall sustainable and inclusive integration while providing essential ecosystem functions and services. The strategy identifies urban encroachment as evolving at high rates, contributing directly to ecosystem and biodiversity loss, particularly of ecologically sensitive areas such as mangroves, forests, and wetlands. It notes multiple drivers: high population growth, increased urban immigration, poor land use planning, and outdated urban plans, leading to informal settlements encroaching into sensitive ecosystems and illegal dumping. National Target 1 on spatial planning also references green and blue spaces in urban and densely populated areas. The Action Plan includes activities under Target 12 for developing community management and strategic plans for sustainable ecosystem and biodiversity management, designing national community value chain strategies for biological resources, and promoting ecosystem-based approaches in production. The General Authority of Lands, Survey and Urban Planning (GALSUP) is referenced as a key institutional partner.
Belgium		The NBSAP references urban biodiversity within its broader coverage of protected areas and green infrastructure but does not dedicate a specific target or detailed action plan to urban settings. Under operational objective 3.1, the Strategy notes that the quality of nature in urban and peri-urban areas is of particular importance not only for biodiversity but also for quality of life and human health. It calls for enhancing nature through integrated planning and harmonious management of urban and peri-urban green areas, referencing the Vademecum for harmonised park management of the Flemish Region. The Strategy also mentions promoting biodiversity protection in private domains and green areas surrounding companies, and lists ecological management of parks and green areas in urban areas, municipal nature development plans, and hosting wild fauna in attics and belfries as examples of measures outside protected areas. The green infrastructure concept includes artificial features such as green roofs and trails.
Burkina Faso		The logical framework includes a specific indicator for urban green space: the ratio of developed green space area to urban population is targeted to increase from 0.68 m²/inhabitant (2022) to 1.28 m²/inhabitant by 2030. Additional urban-relevant indicators include solid waste collection in urban communes (434,223 tonnes to 3,267,184 tonnes) and eliminating plastic bag use in the three largest cities. However, the NBSAP does not present a dedicated urban biodiversity strategy addressing biodiversity-inclusive urban planning, ecological connectivity, or urban ecosystem management as envisioned by Target 12.
Benin		The NBSAP mentions uncontrolled urbanisation with encroachment of protected areas as a direct cause of habitat destruction and fragmentation (§40). National objective 4 in the monitoring framework includes urban forests among the types of conservation areas to be established or strengthened, and lists the Singapore Index on Cities' Biodiversity as a component indicator (§127). However, the NBSAP does not contain a dedicated programme, actions, or commitments specifically addressing urban green/blue spaces, biodiversity-inclusive urban planning, or urban ecosystem management.
Côte d'Ivoire		The NBSAP acknowledges urbanisation as a threat to biodiversity, noting that urban expansion has proceeded at a sustained pace and has been most marked in the forest zone and along the coastal fringe. It identifies Banco National Park as an urban green space where populations undertake recreational activities (picnics, walks, flora and fauna observation, sporting activities, spiritual ceremonies). The CNF arboretum in Abidjan is described as playing a dual role of conserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change in an urban setting. However, the strategy does not articulate dedicated measures for urban green or blue spaces, biodiversity-inclusive urban planning, or urban ecosystem management.
Denmark		The NBSAP identifies Target 12 as aiming to increase area, quality, and connectivity, for access to and benefits of green and blue urban spaces. Chapter 4 lists it among the global targets addressed by Danish sectoral integration initiatives. However, the only specific initiative linked to Target 12 in Annex 2 is the "Green map of Denmark," which appears under the heading "Cities" without further elaboration in the body of the plan. No dedicated section describes specific urban biodiversity measures, green space targets, or urban planning initiatives in detail.
Eritrea		The NBSAP does not address urban green/blue spaces or biodiversity-inclusive urban planning as envisioned by GBF Target 12. The only urban-relevant action is under National Target 11 on awareness, which calls for ensuring that urban sanitation programmes include biodiversity considerations (Action 11.3.2, 2026-2030, USD 50,000), with urban municipalities identified as implementing institutions. This is a tangential reference rather than a substantive engagement with urban biodiversity planning.
Indonesia		Urban biodiversity is addressed principally through the green open space element of Strategy 2 and through the IKN (State Capital Nusantara) example rather than a dedicated National Target. Strategy 2 enumerates utilisation of green open space as a component of sustainable ecosystem use alongside sustainable management of biological resources and genetic resources. The IKN Master Plan in East Kalimantan, completed in 2020 and supported by a Strategic Environmental Assessment (KLHS), identified 140 families with 1,967 tree species and 33 protected wild animals across the capital area and resulted in go/no-go zones (including Balikpapan Bay), avoidance of mangrove and forest clearing, and artificial wildlife corridors such as canopies and wildlife signs under Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation Number 23 of 2019. No IBSAP national target, indicator or quantified commitment is specific to urban biodiversity or biodiversity-inclusive urban planning beyond the IKN case.
Iceland		The NBSAP does not contain a dedicated section on urban biodiversity or green spaces. However, the topic appears in several contexts. Under C1, the policy states that land use should be planned with biodiversity in mind in both urban and rural areas, and that nature-based solutions in urban areas create greater resilience for communities in adapting to climate change. Under D3, blue-green stormwater solutions in urban areas are identified as a priority nature-based solution. The National Planning Strategy 2024–2038 covers urban areas among its scope. Consultation comments from the City of Reykjavík noted that noise, light and air pollution often originate from urban areas. The GBF summary table in §16 lists the proportion of green spaces in urban areas as an indicator with existing experience in Iceland.
Lesotho		The NBSAP III does not include a dedicated national target on urban biodiversity or biodiversity-inclusive urban planning. However, National Target 11 includes one action to introduce City and Urban Greening Programmes (USD 1,029,411, 2026/30), with outputs including feasibility studies and EIA, site identification and survey, green gardens and spaces initiation, and monitoring and reporting. This action is led by MEF and addresses the green space component of GBF Target 12 but does not encompass the broader urban planning dimension.
Madagascar		Target 12 (Urban green and blue spaces) is allocated USD 9,631,950 (20.39% of Programme 2). The data sub-section establishes a national environmental monitoring and strategic assessment system to measure compliance of urban plans and projects with environmental requirements, including vegetated area, wastewater management and integration of green and blue networks; environmental dashboards at different territorial levels, ecosystem studies and capitalisation of data on green and blue infrastructure enable informed decision-making. The financing sub-section establishes an "Urban Green Fund", financial incentive mechanisms and public-private partnerships; public and private investments are directed to creation, rehabilitation and management of green and blue spaces, and green labelling systems and payments for ecosystem services encourage developer and operator buy-in.
Mexico — Estrategia Nacional de Biodiversidad de México (ENBioMex)		The Annex 3 action-level mapping shows several ENBioMex actions contributing directly to Target 12 (Connectivity and urban spaces). From Axis 2, actions include ecological connectivity (2.1.7), eco-hydrological connectivity (2.1.8), conservation in urban and peri-urban areas (2.1.9), and restoration of urban and peri-urban areas (2.3.5). From Axis 4, the line on orderly land use and sustainable urban development (4.7) includes urban planning (4.7.1), sustainable consumption in urban settings (4.7.2), urban waste management (4.7.4), programmes for the conservation of urban ecosystems (4.7.5), and conservation criteria (4.7.6). The document notes that pollutant reduction (4.5.1) and strategies for pollution reduction (4.5.5) also contribute directly via urban environmental quality.
Norway		Urban and suburban biodiversity is addressed through spatial planning principles that call for sustainable, compact and attractive urban and suburban areas with adequate access to green structures and natural areas, densification and transformation before new development zones are opened, and consideration of especially important areas for recreation and biodiversity. Local authorities are identified as key policy advisors for the circular economy in the local community and can promote sustainable consumption, the sharing economy, reuse, repair and recycling, and use purchasing power for circular products. The briefing includes an illustrative Nordic urban nature-based solution (twig fencing built with local schools to create biotopes for insects, small animals and birds in urban areas). The briefing does not surface a dedicated national strategy on urban biodiversity, urban green space targets, or access-to-nature metrics.
Panama		The Nature Pledge includes a commitment to promoting "sustainable cities, designed with nature-based solutions, resilient infrastructure and clean mobility." This is a single statement within the broader just transition section; no specific urban biodiversity targets, green space metrics or biodiversity-inclusive urban planning measures are elaborated.
State of Palestine		The NBSAP addresses urban sprawl as a biodiversity threat, noting that the urban population grew rapidly to constitute two-thirds of the regional population (World Bank, 2021) and projecting Palestinian population growth from 4.7 million (2015) to 6.9 million (2030) and 9.5 million (2050). It identifies five urban-sprawl management priorities: data collection on urban and suburban areas to understand the relation to local biodiversity; environmental impact assessment planning for urban development; government controls to ensure proper spatial planning; developing clear boundaries and balances for master plans; and balancing short-term individual interests with long-term sustainability. Recommendations from Abdullah et al. (2021) on EU–Southern Neighbourhood cooperation are cited, including supporting urban climate resilience, including European cities and city networks more systematically, supporting local capacity-building and inclusive urban governance, and increasing EU climate funding for cities. The strategy notes there is little urban planning in Palestinian areas. No quantified urban green/blue-space target is stated.
Paraguay		Urban biodiversity appears in the NBSAP principally through two channels. The diagnostic on pollution notes that in the Metropolitan Area of Asunción the lack of sanitation and waste management exacerbates contamination of rivers and wetlands, affecting aquatic birds and fish. The youth priorities annex calls to 'create urban green area networks within a territorial planning framework that provide nature's benefits for people and strengthen spaces for urban biodiversity.' Youth consultations across cities (Ciudad del Este, Encarnación, Concepción) identified deficient territorial and urban planning and unplanned development as priority threats. The briefing does not contain a dedicated urban biodiversity national target or quantified urban green-space commitment with timelines and responsible bodies.
Slovenia		The NEAP 2020–2030 makes a single reference to urban biodiversity in the biodiversity challenges section, stating that spatial development should focus on harmonising economic, social and environmental aspects "to ensure biodiversity conservation in the planning of the green system of urban areas and green infrastructure at the level of the state, regions and municipalities." No dedicated measures for urban green or blue spaces are specified in the programme's action tables.
Suriname		Urban biodiversity is treated as a sub-theme of Target 2.4 (ecosystem services and nature-based solutions) rather than as a stand-alone target. The narrative notes that more than half of Suriname's population lives in and around Paramaribo, that this contributes to limited everyday connection with nature, and that urban green and blue spaces should be managed in light of extreme weather and increased temperatures. Cited illustrative interventions include increasing the multi-functionality of green spaces in urban areas, green-grey infrastructure for coastal protection, and green infrastructure planning through corridors to address fragmentation of coastal forests due to urban and infrastructure sprawl. The dedicated Target 2.4 action set asks for recommendations on incorporating ecosystem services and nature-based solutions specifically in urban planning, infrastructure development and climate adaptation policies.
Zambia		The NBSAP does not set a specific target or strategy for urban biodiversity or green/blue urban spaces. The topic arises only in the context of threats: the situation analysis documents conversion of forest reserves surrounding Lusaka city to urban land use, with several reserves either severely degraded, converted to agriculture and settlement, or illegally encroached upon. The strategy's response to urban-fringe encroachment falls under broader protected area management and anti-encroachment measures rather than a dedicated urban biodiversity programme.
Nigeria
El Salvador — NBSAP Country Page
Uganda
Viet Nam