Feeding on BIODIVERSITY

life in

contemporary cities

Cities are no longer just spectators to global crises, but have become key players in the ecological transition.

Solutions to reduce carbon footprint, sustainably manage resources, promote social inclusion and protect biodiversity are being experimented with in urban settings. In fact, urban biodiversity has positive effects on climate, air quality, water management, and people’s physical and mental well-being, as well as fostering social cohesion and environmental awareness.

To assess these aspects, the research team developed the Re-NATURE Index, an operational tool to measure urban biodiversity systemically, considering resilience, sustainability, virtuosity and responsiveness of cities.

The figure shows the performance of the five cities analyzed in each of the Thematic Clusters, based on the results obtained through the application of the Re-Nature Index
Milan Genoa Palermo Florence Naples
Ecological justice 58 43 49 54 40
Economic prosperity 66 60 35 63 38
Governance of urban biodiversity 53 48 44 54 46
Involvement of individuals 62 53 43 56 41
Planet 50 2 46 48 45
The figure shows the performance of the five cities analyzed in each of the Thematic Clusters, based on the results obtained through the application of the Re-Nature Index
Panorama of Naples: the city unfolds among volcanic, coastal and man-made environments, highlighting how Mediterranean biodiversity persists and adapts in the context of a historic metropolis. Photo credits: Canva

Parallel to measuring and managing biodiversity, it is crucial to activate production, communication and governance channels that promote sustainable models.

In this regard, with the support of the consulting firm Words, NBFC conducted a research that focused on the communication of urban biodiversity, analyzing how the issue is narrated by institutions and perceived by citizens. The goal is to understand how involved, aware and participating the population is, and what strategies work best to promote stronger collective responsibility.

One exemplary area is that related to food biodiversity, which is under severe threat from global market logics, with repercussions on the environment and local economies. Cities can counter this trend by adopting sustainable, equitable and accessible food systems, improving quality of life and strengthening social cohesion. Experiences such as Cittaslow embody these principles, promoting a slow, participatory and sustainable urban philosophy. A concrete example is the Cittaslow Bee project, which for years has been raising awareness in communities about the importance of pollinating insects through educational initiatives, distribution of honey seeds, and combating excessive pesticide use.

The figure shows how much people are talking about biodiversity in Milan, Genoa, Naples, Florence and Palermo, through temporal trends in the number of CLIPs (media and social content mentioning the topic) and the related public involvement (engagement). The peaks highlight moments of greatest attention, often related to public events, campaigns or local news
The figure shows how much people are talking about biodiversity in Milan, Genoa, Naples, Florence and Palermo, through temporal trends in the number of CLIPs (media and social content mentioning the topic) and the related public involvement (engagement). The peaks highlight moments of greatest attention, often related to public events, campaigns or local news
In the foreground is a bee and flowers; in the background are buildings in a city. To reverse the trend of bee decline, many cities around the world are promoting the presence of beehives in the urban complex through inizaitives such as "Cittaslow Bee."

To reverse the trend of bee decline, many cities around the world are promoting the presence of beehives in the urban complex through inizaitives such as “Cittaslow Bee.”
Photo credits: Maljalen, iStockphoto LP

The contents of the online exhibition are based on the chapters of the volume “DisSeminActions: Telling Biodiversity.” Ledizioni, 2025 – open access