Resetting the clock by integrating urban nature and its biodiversity into the 15-minute city concept.

Abstract

The 15-minute city concept promotes accessibility to daily needs within multifunctional neighbourhoods but often overlooks urban nature and biodiversity, missing an opportunity to merge human and non-human requirements into urban design. In this perspective, we propose integrating urban nature and its biodiversity into the 15-minute city concept to meet both human needs and biodiversity conservation goals. This integration requires urban planning to incorporate natural elements with high social-ecological value, such as pocket parks and community gardens, to support social cohesion, recreation, and habitat connectivity. Aligning with global biodiversity initiatives, this approach can enhance urban life for both people and nature.