Nature Positive Cities Efforts to Advance the Transition San Francisco 2025

2 Assessment of enabling environment CASE STUDY 1 CASE STUDY 2 CASE STUDY 3 Public-private collaboration for nature restoration on Yerba Buena and Treasure Island Challenge Yerba Buena Island is a steep and rocky island, situated in the San Francisco Bay between San Francisco and Oakland. The island is densely vegetated, and non-native and invasive species pose a threat to the native habitat. The purpose of the Yerba Buena and Treasure Island redevelopment project is to build a new neighbourhood for San Francisco while enhancing the natural environment, creating a regional destination, providing public access, preserving and restoring wildlife habitats, and protecting views. 26 The vision for the islands is to involve volunteer and non-profit support in community stewardship of the island’s natural resources. The city has held various community volunteer events over the years including bioblitzes and habitat restoration, and community engagement work will accelerate as more people move into new housing on the two islands. Solution The developer conducting the redevelopment on Yerba Buena Island maintains an obligation to the city to fund the conservation and restoration of nature. This includes both the restoration of the natural environment of Yerba Buena Island and the creation of nature-rich open spaces on Treasure Island. As a result, two large stormwater wetlands of native plants were created on Yerba Buena Island to capture stormwater runoff from the development. Additionally, there are several other native revegetation projects in the works, such as demonstration gardens, and new parklands and open spaces, all planted with native flora. Impact The project will create approximately 290 acres of new open space and parks, split across Yerba Buena and Treasure islands. This is in stark contrast to the previous condition of the island – a site of ageing infrastructure, former naval operations, vacant buildings and few public amenities. After redevelopment, there will be ample space for pedestrians and cyclists, and a linked public transport ferry network. 33 Nature Positive: Cities’ Efforts to Advance the Transition