![Words of Eco-Logia – 21st May 2026
Welcome to a new weekly column of Eco-Logia!
EPISODE 7: What does Urban Functional Biodiversity refer to?
How do you feel when you come into contact with the green spaces of your city? Maybe more relaxed, regenerated and energetic! it is not by chance. #Urban Functional #Biodiversity is about various natural #species and their specific functional traits (e.g., nitrogen fixation, pollination, water retention) that maintain #ecosystems and provide essential #services in heavily populated areas. Boosting #climate regulation, favouring flood #control, reducing #pollution, providing recreational spaces and improving human #wellbeing, resilience and health are some of the most significant #benefits they generate.
Being inspired by #Nature’s balance helps #architects, #designers and urban #planners to select vegetation able to optimises specific ecological functions, such as #water infiltration or biodiversity support. Integrating interconnected #green spaces (e.g.: parks, green roofs) and #blue spaces (ponds, wetlands) promotes #habitat connectivity and strengthens urban biodiversity. Moreover, engaging local residents and stakeholders in the planning and management of urban nature, encourages a shared vision of the development of densely inhabited areas, boosting mental and physical health.
Main Strategies for Enhancing Urban Functional Biodiversity are:
· Biodiversity-Sensitive Design]: that is integrating native, multi-functional plant species into urban design, including vertical gardens and green roofs.
· Ecological Restoration: that is actively restoring urban green and blue spaces to enhance habitat diversity and ecological function.
· Inclusive Governance: that is engaging local residents and stakeholders in the planning and management of urban nature.
🎬 Editing, Layout and Contents by: © MonacoEcoArt](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/704041748_18591891829048354_6937176257147723648_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0xJUFMuYmVzdF9pbWFnZV91cmxnZW4uQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=oLaJEkOTfjUQ7kNvwGz1RbI&_nc_oc=AdoQb8hAubbcgJxID2CEmcnPjLM_r74Iir3hS2NpcgbhR72QeyuVs5VfO2tZN3oyVMs&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=_2C9awHC3DJvlW3u4Ab78w&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQHSsJv2zUiWXAFa8IlLAd3UTZ5qz8ZYHiEVAUIi-oxZTK1L0AxnamVwdqbl6HPiZfQQFsfA-0p4&oh=00_Af9jhsWP-59793WgMQzvS9NqoVg57fpRjuZY_LcQ-owj1Q&oe=6A396B02)
Monaco continues its commitment to the protection of the oceans.
- M Abti
- Dec 15, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 23, 2024
Considering the essential role of marine ecosystems, the United Nations have focused their efforce by launching the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) to enhance ocean preservation through a targeted science-based action plan. Thus, researchers, experts, institutions, associations, communicators are being joining the cause to put into force joint Actions and strategic engagements. The Principality of Monaco is in pole position in the implementation of the Decade.
On the 10th December 2024, Jérémie Adlerfligel, Third Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Monaco, intervened to reaffirm the constant commitment of the Principality of Monaco in favour of the preservation and protection of the seas and oceans. His speech was integral part of the the General Assembly work activity centred on marine biodiversity and the law of the sea.
This year, the Prince's Government has promoted several initiatives, notably the ratification of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) within the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The BBNJ represents the milestone in boosting biodiversity, marine habitats and a more sustainable use of ocean resources, through the involvement of governments, the civil society and the research community.
In particular, the Centre Scientifique de Monaco, the Institut Océanographique, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and other actors based in Monaco are key actors in ocean protection, as underlined by the Secretary's keynote, whose mission was to reiterate the strong commitment of the Gouvernement Princier on key themes like global warming, the rise in sea level and the retreat of the cryosphere.
The incoming Third UN Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (UNOC3), that will be held in Nice (French Riviera) from the 9th to the 13th June 2025, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, is a prior step to engage stakeholders, that is Governments, the United Nations network, intergovernmental organisations, international financial institutions, other interested international bodies, non-governmental organisations, civil society, academic institutions, the scientific community, the private sector, philanthropic associations, Indigenous Peoples, local communities and other actors.
The Principality of Monaco is going to play a pivotal role in the summit by leading a Forum on Blue Economy and Finance set in the Principality of Monaco to give voice to the private sector considered as the main driver of green financing and sustainable economy. ***
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By Maurice Abbati
Journalist; Editor; Communication, Media and Public Relations Specialist
Lecturer and Author in English language of Technical Articles and the Manual: "Communicating the Environment to Save the Planet, a Journey into Eco-Communication" by Springer International Publishing.
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