Marseille has published its results from the 2026 City Nature Challenge, a worldwide citizen-science event held from 24 to 27 April. Residents recorded 12,444 observations of wild species, well above the city’s target of 10,000. The result places Marseille in the global top 100 for the first time and makes it the leading city in mainland France.
The results in figures
The City Nature Challenge collects biodiversity observations from participating cities around the world. This was the third consecutive year that Marseille residents took part.
| Indicator | 2026 result |
|---|---|
| Observations recorded | 12,444 |
| Initial target | 10,000 |
| Global ranking | 52nd of 754 territories |
| Ranking in France | 2nd, after French Guiana |
Marseille was the first city in mainland France in the challenge for the second year.
Who took part and where
The City says the result came from strong participation by residents, in particular children. They could join more than twenty events run by local associations at sites across the city, including educational farms and nature centres (“relais nature”).
Observations covered a wide range of settings, from urban streets to protected natural areas and the coastline. The City also cites parks and gardens and urban wasteland among the natural spaces residents explored, learning about both land and marine biodiversity.
Two fish species recorded for the first time
Among the surprises of this edition, two goby species were observed for the first time in Marseille’s waters: Lesueur’s goby (Lesueurigobius suerii) and Massutí’s goby (Buenia massutii).
Why the City runs the challenge
According to the City, covering such a range of habitats improves knowledge of Marseille’s ordinary and remarkable biodiversity, in support of research and conservation. It presents the results as evidence that participatory science can help residents understand, protect and promote the city’s natural heritage.