Moving from unidirectional to reciprocal human–nature relationships, also thanks to the advances in the field of reciprocity (see the Special Issue we led in “People and Nature” in 2025 “Examining human–nature relationships through the lens of reciprocity: insights from indigenous and local knowledge”) and with the aim to inform the next COP17 (Yerevan, November 2026), we propose a thematic issue focused on the contribution of stewardship practices to rural to urban nature, including (agro-)ecosystems, populations and species, such as cultural keystone species, and on their consideration in policies and guidelines for effective environmental management and biodiversity conservation. 

Guest Editors: Tomás Ibarra, Giulia Mattalia, Christoph Schunko, Irene Teixidor-Toneu, Yadav Uprety