CNRA Deputy Secretary of Biodiversity and Habitat Meghan Hertel (center) at the Roundtable.
At the Stone Center, we foster unique collaborations to help tackle some of the biggest problems in conservation. We recently hosted an Urban Biodiversity Roundtable with scientists, policymakers, conservation leaders, and education and outreach experts from across California to explore a critical question: How can urban biodiversity contribute to California’s conservation goals?
We co-hosted this event with Berkeley Wildlife faculty member Chris Schell and in partnership with the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA).
Working Together on Solutions
Professor Schell (far left) led a walking tour of Strawberry Creek on campus to give attendees a firsthand look at the power of urban nature in action.
We explored how to connect urban biodiversity science, policy, and management. The roundtable was structured as a series of working sessions, co-lead by CNRA Deputy Secretary for Biodiversity and Habitat, Meghan Hertel, and UC Berkeley Professor Chris Schell, an urban ecologist and a Stone Center faculty partner.
We identified the importance of linking different sectors. For example, embedding biodiversity protections into urban planning and zoning processes can help us achieve multibenefit goals. We also discussed the importance of centering this work in communities by improving access to nature, developing stories that connect communities to biodiversity, and including community members in assessing conservation outcomes.
Bottom Line: Integrate Urban Biodiversity Goals into Climate Policy
CNRA Deputy Secretary Hertel (left) and Professor Chris Schell (right).
The most common takeaway participants shared from the day was that we can’t approach urban biodiversity conservation in a silo. Urban biodiversity conservation must be woven into policies informing housing, land use, and climate action to better achieve our shared vision for biodiverse cities and a thriving California.
Thank you to CNRA, Berkeley Wildlife, and the roundtable attendees for contributing your expertise. We look forward to continuing the conversation!