20 October 2009: Addressing the World Green Roof Infrastructure Congress, held on 20 October 2009, in Toronto, Canada, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Ahmed Djoghlaf underscored the role of cities and local authorities for decisions relating to urban infrastructure, energy and transportation, all of which have a large impact both on climate change and biodiversity.

Highlighting that biodiversity means health, fresh water, clean air, jobs, development and protection against the negative effects of climate change, Djoghlaf stressed the role of urban biodiversity in providing ecosystem services and thus a higher quality of life. [The statement]