WILD Cities Principle Five: Look first to wild nature-based solutions to urban challenges and economic opportunity.
Strategies and tactics that support this principle reveal, promote and extend economic benefits of wild nature protection and restoration. A WILD City will thus:
a. Favor buildings, utilities and infrastructure that provide homes and safe passages for wildlife
b. Institute “green” versus “grey” delivery of services (e.g. water absorption and purification)
c. Anticipate risk and invest in recovery from climate change effects of flooding, erosion, drought, and fires by prioritizing wild nature
d. Create “green” jobs and job-placement programs
e. Showcase the value of property in proximity to/with views of natural areas
f. Develop and value tourism and recreation opportunities based on the city’s natural assets
g. Encourage “green” innovation among business and industry (including reduced packaging, input substitution, and biomimicry, which emulates patterns and tactics of wild nature to survive and regenerate)