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Biopolis 2024 will take place on the 22nd of October in Cali, Colombia during the COP 16. Biopolis is the global voice for the “human right to nature” and the “rights of nature” in cities, presented at 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) of the United Nations. The convention will be attended by participants from over 190 countries. It will bring together governments, observer organizations, indigenous communities, businesses, youth groups, civil society, academia, and the general public. COP16 will be the first Biodiversity COP since the adoption of the Global Biodiversity Framework (also known as The Biodiversity Plan). During COP 16, governments will review the progress made to implement the Biodiversity Plan, as well as the level of alignment of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) with the Plan, in particular, the integration of biodiversity in urban areas. The Symposium is organized by the International Living Infrastructure Commission (LINC) bringing together key global networks and organizations: The World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN), The International Federation of Landscape Architecture (IFLA), the US Green Building Council, and local partners: The National University of Colombia, The Alexander Von Humboldt Institute, and the Colombian Green Building Council. Key note speakers from 5 continents and world leaders will share their experience and expertise in green infrastructure, landscape architecture, nature based solutions, urban ecology and biodiversity. For more information visit: Home | Biopolis 2024 Call for AbstractsSubmit a 150 word abstract of a 20 min lecture to be presented at the Symposium on any of the following topics: Human settlements and reforestation Ecosystem services and public health, Food sovereignty local knowledge and infrastructure for alternative bio economies Adaptation to climate change through nature-based solutions Conservation of biodiversity in urban areas. Prepare a 200 short bio of the applicant to include credentials, expertise, and organizations. Send the above to Biopolis_nal@unal.edu.co before August 23. Final BIOPOLIS agenda and accepted abstracts will be published in September 5

The Circular Cities Summit 2.0 is taking place in Dubai on 11-12 September 2024. Building upon the resounding success of its inaugural edition in Singapore 2023, Circular Cities Summit 2.0 (CCS 2.0) is poised to emerge as a beacon of innovation and collaboration in the pursuit of sustainable urban futures. Conceived by eminent vanguards of international professional organisations, including the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA), the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP), International Union of Architects (UIA) and the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), alongside other distinguished entities joined this clarion call: Society of Sustainability and Green Materials (SSGM), World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN), International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), and International Society for Urban Health (ISUH). CCS 2.0 will be held in Dubai on 11-12 September this year, with the summit taking place on the first day and the technical tours are scheduled on the second day. This year, we emphasise the integration of circular design principles into urban design and planning to tackle urgent environmental challenges, including extreme weather, severe traffic congestion, critical air pollution, and issues with thermal comfort. Taking place in Dubai, the summit will explore how concepts from the circular economy can be utilised to boost urban sustainability and resilience. For more information on the summit, please visit https://www.circular-cities-network.org/ccs-2-0 WGIN is a partner of the Circular Cities Network and a founding organisation of the summit.  Register for the CSS 2.0 here. Find more information and latest news here.

The second EFB Open Meeting – European Update will take place on 3 July 2024 from 17:00 – 19:00 CET. The EFB Open Meetings aim to provide a platform for all members of our member associations to come together, acquire and share knowledge, discuss industry trends, and foster collaboration within the green roof and wall community across Europe.The meeting is open for participants – all the members of the EFB Member Associations and Partnering Organizations. Meeting agenda Moderator: Dusty Gedge, Ambassador of the European Federation of Green Roof and Living Wall Associations (EFB) Introduction of the program – Vera Enzi-Zechner, Vice President of European Federation of Green Roof and Living Wall Associations (EFB)   Welcome speech – Introduction of EFB – Paulo Palha, President of the European Federation of Green Roof and Living Wall Associations (EFB) SoGreen – Sector Organisation Working Programme 2024/2025 – Egbert Roozen, Secretary General of ELCA – European Landscape Contractors Association The latest updates on EU policies regarding green infrastructure – Luigi Petito, Head of Secretariat of EU Chapter, World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN) National Tech-Story – Certification of green roof installation companies in Czech Republic – Pavel Dostal, Vice President of the European Federation of Green Roof and Living Wall Associations (EFB) National communication Example – The new approach from Portugal raising awareness for Green buildings, a cooperation with the 2022 Cannes winner of a Gold Lion for Publicity – Filipe Mesquita, Co-founder and Creative Director at This is Pacifica Information on the upcoming activities Conclusions and closing of the event Register here for the Open Meeting.  The meeting will be organised on the MS Teams platform. The link to the meeting will be sent only to the registered participants 1 day before the event. Feel free to reach out with any questions via email at: office@efb-greenroof.eu

The ICLEI World Congress 2024 will take place from 18 to 21 June in the City of São Paulo, Brazil. The ICLEI World Congress 2024, hosted by the City of São Paulo, Brazil, is a pivotal gathering focused on advancing sustainable urban development and equitable adaptation to local and regional challenges. Running from 18 – 21 June, this year’s Congress is a journey of reflection and forward-looking vision, emphasizing the critical challenges and opportunities facing cities, towns, and regions due to rising global risks and changes. Local and regional government representatives, urban practitioners, researchers and stakeholders are invited to join to exchange and inspire on the best practices in sustainable urban development. Thanks to the support of São Paulo, there is no charge for participation. However, please note that space is limited, and securing your spot through pre-registration is required. Register here.See the full program.Find more information at the ICLEI World Congress Website.