SBTN launches initial guidance for cities

May 12, 2026 – The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) has launched initial guidance for cities to set science-based targets for nature, helping local governments translate global goals into city-relevant targets grounded in Earth’s limits.

Cities are major drivers of biodiversity loss — but also key actors for solutions. Local governments control land use, infrastructure, and planning decisions that directly affect nature, and the actions they take this decade will determine whether urban areas contribute to, or help reverse, biodiversity loss by 2030. 

To support solutions, cities need more than broad global goals — they need practical guidance for local action. The new guidance provides a clear three‑step process for assessing, prioritizing, and setting targets for urban nature, designed to work across diverse data, governance, and capacity contexts.

By focusing on urban land development – one of the most powerful levers cities control – the initial guidance provides a practical, science-based way for cities to reduce pressure on urban nature, while supporting smart, sustainable growth.

Developed through a collaboration of leading city networks, research institutions, and advocacy organizations, the guidance builds on existing initiatives so cities can strengthen current approaches rather than start from scratch. Contributing organizations include Arup, C40, CDP, Durham University, ICLEI, IUCN, The Nature Conservancy, WRI, and WWF, coordinated by Metabolic and the Urban Biodiversity Hub as core delivery partners.

The guidance is now available here for city representatives to assess, strengthen, or set urban land‑use targets aligned with science and global biodiversity goals. 

If you are interested in supporting future work on science‑based targets for nature in cities, please contact us.