Framing an Agenda for Metropolitan and Landscape Conservation - 1

Cities and nature have often been seen as two separate things – with conservation efforts focused on non-urban areas. With growing metropolitan populations in megaregions, the time is now to rediscover nature’s benefits to cities and their citizens and the need for collaborative partnerships that tackle complex natural resource issues beyond political boundaries. Protecting, restoring, and connecting nature in cities and the metropolitan regions that surround them enhances human health, creates more livable and enjoyable places that also promote economic vitality, save scarce dollars by employing “green” infrastructure, and contribute to a more sustainable future in the face of climate change. Panelists will describe successful metropolitan and landscape conservation initiatives in the US and will identify opportunities to expand urban conservation efforts across the country at multiple spatial scales. This panel is part of the Metropolitan/Urban and Regional Conservation Initiatives track sponsored by The Conservation Fund.