The Urban Nature Indexes: methodological framework and key indicators

Abstract

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.

Cities in nature

“…There are several indices on urban biodiversity, including the European Urban Biodiversity Index (EUBI), a composite indicator for biodiversity [24] and the IUCN Urban Nature Indexes: methodological framework and key indicators [25], etc. The EUBI differs from the SI because it is applied only in European cities, while the SI has been applied by cities globally.…”