Sharing of best practices and knowledge dissemination related to the management of Local Protected Areas (LPAs) in South American territory among over 100 participants. Mobilisation of over 50 representatives from subnational governments and over 35 civil society institutions from six countries – Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile and Argentina. Linking these territories to biodiversity frameworks, bringing together cities with different complexities, and holding seven webinars between August 2020 and November 2021. 

These are some of the results achieved by the APL Sub-Network, whose objective is to catalyse the capabilities of local governments in biodiversity conservation and green area management. The diagnosis, developed from research conducted among participants, was presented virtually on the afternoon of Wednesday, January 26th, during the VIII APL Sub-Network Webinar. 

During the meeting, which included contributions from members of the Sub-Network, the Executive Secretary of ICLEI South America, Rodrigo Perpétuo, highlighted as an important outcome of the Sub-Network the parallel application of the Conservation Units Acceleration methodologies (which Notice for sponsors, partners and mentors for 2022 is open until January 31st) and Cooperation (developed by ICLEI in 2020 to support the structuring of local green space and protected area systems, the methodology was piloted in São Leopoldo and João Pessoa, and in the Metropolitan Region of Aburrá Valley – Colombia). 

“The Sub-Network will remain an important tool for knowledge exchange and strengthening local governments, advancing towards what was highlighted at the latest international conferences – COP15 on Biodiversity and COP26. Both showed the need to integrate the climate agenda with the biodiversity agenda, catalysing policies for conservation, health, well-being and connectivity of natural assets in the territory,” highlighted Perpétuo. 

To support the management of APPs, the Regional Biodiversity Coordinator of ICLEI South America, Roberto Rüsche, gathered some financial instruments listed during the Sub-Network meetings such as: environmental compensation, Municipal Tourism Fund, Municipal Environment Fund, fiscal funds, Ecological ICMS, State budget, Municipal budget, Payment for Environmental Services, Public-Private Partnerships and revenue from admissions (tourism). 

Local challenges

Sub-Network member, Darci Zanini, from the São Leopoldo City Council, highlighted that the Rio Grande do Sul municipality has improved its Municipal Protected Areas System, which brings together protected areas and special areas (environmental protection areas that are not necessarily conservation areas). “The conflict is between preservation and urban development, such as settlements near water sources and the preservation of bioma remnants – Pampa and Atlantic Forest. How can we address this challenge?” she asked.

Using the example of the area bordering Central Park in New York, to answer São Leopoldo's question, Perpétuo highlighted that “a well-maintained park brings benefits to everyone and contributes to the appreciation of its surroundings”. The Executive Secretary also said that “another way is to look at urban planning instruments, which need to be strong to withstand pressure”. Finally, he pointed out, “social mobilisation and public participation in the management of protected areas are essential to strengthen them”.  

The Doctor of International Environmental Law from the Catholic University of Santos (SP), Jorge Luis Jurado Pérez, complemented the discussion by stating that Protected Areas should be considered a tool for urban planning and for adaptation and mitigation, as they can be incorporated into urban voids, contaminated areas, informally occupied areas, among others. “Managers are unaware of the ecosystem and economic benefits of Protected Areas. This knowledge needs to be expanded.”

Maria Olatz Veja, Director of the Local Protected Areas Project in Brazil at GIZ, an institution that implements in partnership with ICLEI the APL project, of which the Sub-network is a part, said that the formation of the group is the legacy of the project. “Congratulations to ICLEI for the idea and initiative to create the Sub-network. We are very happy to leave this legacy, which strengthens the exchange of experiences and contributes greatly to new local governments taking on their role in protecting areas.” 

As the webinar concluded, the Regional Manager of Institutional Relations and Advocacy for ICLEI South America, Braulio Díaz, highlighted that a proposal for a schedule of discussions will soon be sent to the group to keep the Sub-Network's exchange of experiences active. “Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions are an investment for the present and the future. It doesn't matter the size of the city; we always have something to teach and learn.”