FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 20, 2025

City of Charlottesville Accepted into the Biophilic Cities Network

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.

On September 19, a UVA School of Architecture exhibition, organized by Dr. Mona El Khafif, Associate Professor and Director of Urban Design, highlighted the ways in which the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County combined could pioneer the world’s first Biophilic Region. At this event, the City’s official induction into the network was announced by UVA professor and founder of the Biophilic Cities Network, Dr. Tim Beatley.

Membership in the network will allow Charlottesville to exchange resources and learn from localities around the world working to green their cities. Member cities span the globe, including international cities like Singapore, Barcelona, and Toronto as well as other Virginia communities such as Richmond, Norfolk, and Arlington. 

To learn more about Charlottesville’s participation and the Biophilic Cities Network, click here.

Media Contacts
Gabriel Sherzada
Climate Program Specialist
Office of Sustainability
434-962-3843
sherzadag@charlottesville.gov