![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)
The Biennial of the Arts and the Oceans will celebrate the Year of the Sea in Nice.
- M Abti
- Jan 7, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 17, 2025
Welcome 2025, a year entirely devoted to the oceans and their conservation which will directly involve the most iconic city of the French Riviera. Nice Ville is preparing to welcome the United Nations Conference on Oceans (UNOC-3) from the 4th to the 13th June 2025. The international summit is expected to mark a fundamental step in the ecological transition as for marine ecosystems. Co-organised by France and Costa Rica, about 120 heads of state and government and more than 20,000 representatives will gather to sign a meaningful agreement on the protection of the Ocean. The Secretariat of the Seas has identified five major themes: 1. Biodiversity 2. Deep Seabed 3. Plastic 4. Illegal Fishing 5. Decarbonisation of Maritime Transport.
Meanwhile, Nice Ville will host the world’s first edition of the "Sommet des Villes Littorales et Régions Côtières" (Coastal Cities and Regions Summit), a unique coalition, led by Christian Estrosi, Mayor of the city of Nice and President of the Nice Côte d'Azur Metropolis, which will include cities, island states, large coastal regions, federated to fight rising sea levels.
In view of this important meeting, the Biennale des Arts et de l’Océan (Biennial of the Arts and the Oceans), will animate the cultural city life from May 2025, by the will of Jean-Jacques Aillagon, former Minister of Culture and Communication, and Hélène Guenin, Director of the Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain - MAMAC. The showroom will be focused on the indissoluble link between Nice and the Sea, developing three main thematic axes:
LA MER COMME OBJET D’ETUDE (Sea as Object of Study), focused on coastlines and the underwater world;
LA MER COMME INSPIRATION ET OBJET DE CONTEMPLATION (Sea as Inspiration and Object of Contemplation), focused on the creative representation of the ocean by human beings;
ENGAGEMENT (Engagement), addressed to raise awareness on the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and their biodiversity, strongly affected by anthropogenic actions.
The 6th Nice Biennale will be held from May to October 2025, including eleven exhibitions inspired by the common theme: “The Sea Around Us”. A special 'medley' of historical and contemporary collections on display in the city’s main exhibition spaces.
Moreover, art shows are scheduled across town and an open-air exhibition to pay tribute to the Ocean will welcome citizens and visitors, in partnership with Villa Arson, the Tara Ocean Foundation and TBA21 Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary. Stay up for further information. ***
MonacoEcoArt keeps its journalism open to all although its information is the result of pure professionalism and knowledge. Supporting our Media allows us to keep our independence while offering quality contents based on traceable sources. Thank you for your collaboration.
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.
Comments