CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The City of Charlottesville has officially been accepted into the Biophilic Cities Network, a global community of cities whose leaders and residents recognize the importance of the connection between humans and the natural world. A Biophilic City is one that contains abundant biodiversity and nature that works to conserve that nature as well as creatively insert new forms of nature, and fosters connections to the natural world. It understands and celebrates that its role is to provide habitat for many different forms of life, and advocate for humane co-existence. The term “biophilia” refers to the natural connection to the environment that human beings experience and acknowledges the physical and mental health benefits of being in nature. In practice, a Biophilic City is one that is intentional about integrating green space into its urban environment, conserving existing natural areas and fostering improved connections to nature
for all.
There are many benefits that stem from maintaining urban connections to nature. Communities that foster strong urban connections to nature benefit wildlife, support the biodiversity of a region, and build natural resilience to environmental challenges. Biophilic strategies can bring economic opportunity, facilitate positive educational experiences in nature, and contribute to a healthier, happier population.
The City recently submitted an application to join the Biophilic Cities Network summarizing key ways in which Charlottesville is already biophilic, key supporting initiatives, as well as ongoing and recent steps that will enhance this work. The City has incorporated sustainability and biophilic principles in major policies and programs, including the Comprehensive Plan, the Urban Rivanna River Corridor Plan, the Climate Action Plan, the Development Code, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and the Water Resources Protection Program. Some related efforts include stream restorations, public facilities that have been certified as high-performance buildings, urban forest management projects, schoolyard gardens, and climate action initiatives. Numerous community partners valuably contribute to the success of nature-based solutions with robust community engagement in stewardship and implementation…