Biophilia at IMEX
Where nature takes center stage
Nature shouldn’t be something you have to leave the city to find. That’s the thinking behind the Biophilic Cities Network, a global movement of cities committed to weaving nature into everyday urban life. From expanding green corridors and protecting biodiversity to creating healthier public spaces—these places are showing how people and nature can thrive together.
Across North America, cities are finding innovative ways to strengthen our connection with the natural world. Austin is known for its network of parks, trails and waterways that encourage outdoor activity year-round. Phoenix shows how a desert city can balance growth with conservation while celebrating its unique landscape. Portland continues to build on its reputation for accessible green spaces and environmental stewardship, while in Arlington, an impressive 98% of residents live within 10 minutes’ walk of a park.
Kansas City and Milwaukee are investing in community-focused green areas that bring people together. Richmond is highlighting the role of rivers, trails and outdoor recreation in enhancing city life, while Pittsburgh has increasingly focused on green infrastructure and environmental regeneration.
Along North America’s coastlines, biodiversity and climate resilience are vital. Los Angeles and San Francisco are advancing initiatives that support urban nature while helping communities adapt to environmental challenges. Miami-Dade is also exploring ways to protect its natural assets and strengthen resilience in a region closely connected to its coastal environment.
In Europe, Barcelona continues to gain recognition for projects that reimagine public spaces and prioritize people, nature and livability. Also in Spain, Vitoria-Gasteiz boasts the largest proportion of green spaces per inhabitant in Europe. Edinburgh’s Living Landscape project is helping the city move toward its goal of becoming one of Europe’s most sustainable cities by 2050, while Izmir, Türkiye, is enhancing its natural biodiversity through native planting, nature parks, city gardens, school orchards and a seed library.
Busan, South Korea is investing in urban forests, wildlife sanctuaries and the world’s first floating city, Oceanix Busan. The garden city of Singapore has created an extensive network of trails and pathways connecting parks and green spaces, while integrating nature into the urban skyline through green roofs and vertical gardens.
Visakhapatnam (Vizag) in India focuses on species and habitat protection while recognizing animals as valued members of urban society. In Wellington, New Zealand, the city’s green belt, ecosanctuary, botanic gardens and bush reserves will soon be joined by a blue belt dedicated to restoring and protecting marine life.
Curridabat, Costa Rica’s unique Sweet City program includes native tree planting to attract pollinators. Fremantle, Western Australia became the world’s second city to achieve One Planet certification in 2015 and continues to green its urban environment to improve community sociability and well-being.
The positive impact of nature on well-being, creativity and social connection is undeniable. Cities that invest in green infrastructure are creating environments where locals and visitors alike can recharge, walk instead of drive, spend time outdoors and immerse themselves in nature without leaving the city.
These cities offer a compelling glimpse of what’s possible when urban growth, sustainability and human connection are considered together, creating places where both people and nature can flourish.
Meet biophilic cities at IMEX America: Austin booth D3542; Arlington booth D3531; Barcelona booth E2105; Busan booth E1753; Curridabat, Costa Rica booth D2504; Edinburgh booth E1705; Edmonton booth D3017; Fremantle, Australia booth E1231; Izmir, Türkiye booth E2304; Kansas City booth C4453; Los Angeles booth D3142; Miami-Dade booth C4516; Milwaukee booth C3965; Phoenix booth D3405; Pittsburgh booth C4059; Portland booth C4153; Raleigh booth C4752; Richmond booth C4823; San Francisco booth D2943; Singapore booth E1431; Spain booth E2105; St Louis booth C4424; Toronto booth D3231; Verona, Italy booth E1716; Visakhapatnam, India booth E1458; Washington, DC booth C4025; Wellington, New Zealand booth F1131
