A recent publication in PARKS Journal examines how cities around the world can better protect biodiversity through stronger recognition and management of urban protected areas (UPAs). The article was developed in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s World Commission on Protected Areas Urban Conservation Strategies Specialist Group and was featured in a special issue connected to the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi.

The research explores whether urban protected areas should receive a dedicated international conservation category or other formal recognition. Drawing on a global literature review and expert interviews, the article argues for a flexible, locally driven approach to strengthening urban conservation. The authors highlight the importance of combining data tracking, legal frameworks, inclusive planning, and sustainable financing to better integrate urban protected areas into broader ecological networks and support biodiversity in cities.

SMEA contributors played an important role in the project. Author Amie K. worked on the literature review during the Spring quarter and later contributed to drafting the article alongside co-authors Carolina Figueroa-Arango, Hoda Gray, and Sebastian Oyolausch, a current student at the University of Washington School of Marine and Environmental Affairs.

The publication adds to ongoing international conversations about how urban spaces can play a meaningful role in global biodiversity conservation and highlights the collaborative research contributions of the SMEA community.

Read the full thing here