On October 21, 2024, IFAW launched guidelines designed to integrate wildlife conservation into Nationally Determined Contributions, crucial for climate resilience. The guidelines provide actionable steps that recognize wildlife’s role in carbon sequestration and promote economic benefits, offering a pathway for countries to enhance climate action and biodiversity protection.
On October 21, 2024, in Cali, Colombia, a set of vital guidelines was launched to aid governments and policymakers in integrating wildlife conservation within their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This initiative was unveiled at the UN Convention on Biological Diversity’s 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). The guidelines are poised to serve as an essential resource in the global effort against climate change, especially as nations prepare to update their NDCs in accordance with the Paris Agreement by 2025. These guidelines provide pointed recommendations for nations to acknowledge and bolster the crucial role that wildlife plays in carbon sequestration and enhancing climate resilience. Simon Addison, IFAW’s Climate Advisor, emphasized the urgent importance of these guidelines by stating, “We are offering governments a clear, practical roadmap to harness the power of wildlife conservation for mitigating climate change and strengthening climate resilience and adaptation.” The existing climate strategies frequently neglect the integration of wildlife conservation. The guidelines reveal that most countries, particularly those rich in biodiversity yet vulnerable to climate impacts, have failed to include wildlife conservation in their greenhouse gas inventories or climate action plans. This oversight presents a considerable threat, as it undermines the potential for augmenting climate resilience while protecting biodiversity. Furthermore, Addison remarked, “With these guidelines, we are providing nations with tools to tackle wildlife conservation not just as an environmental priority but as a cornerstone of climate action.” Notable elements of the guidelines include: 1. Wildlife’s Role in Carbon Sequestration: The guidelines recognize the essential contributions of keystone species, such as elephants and whales, to ecosystems that are critical for carbon storage. Protecting and effectively managing these species is linked to enhanced carbon capture and healthier ecosystems. 2. Clear Steps for Integration: The ten-step guidelines outline a practical framework that assists countries in identifying key species for protection and integrating wildlife conservation into national greenhouse gas inventories while aligning it with broader policy initiatives. 3. Economic Benefits: The guidelines affirm that wildlife conservation initiatives, including rewilding and restoration efforts, can provide economic advantages, particularly in biodiversity-rich Least Developed Countries. Such initiatives not only support climate-resilient development but also offer sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable populations, as well as opportunities for new sources of carbon finance. The guidelines are freely available for download at IFAW’s official site. In summary, the integration of wildlife conservation into national climate plans is vital for enhancing global climate resilience and biodiversity preservation. Governments are now presented with actionable strategies that underscore the interdependence of wildlife conservation and effective climate action. By adopting these recommendations, nations can substantially amplify their efforts in mitigating the effects of climate change and fortifying ecosystem health.
The article focuses on a significant development in the intersection of wildlife conservation and climate action policy, launched during COP16 of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. As countries prepare to modify their Nationally Determined Contributions in 2025 under the Paris Agreement, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has introduced guidelines aimed at improving the integration of wildlife conservation into these national climate frameworks. The need for this integration arises from the critical role that wildlife plays in carbon capture and overall ecosystem health, as well as the recognized gap in current climate action plans regarding wildlife considerations.
The guidelines initiated by IFAW represent a pivotal advancement in climate action strategy, emphasizing the necessity of incorporating wildlife conservation into national plans. By adopting these practices, governments can enhance their climate resilience while safeguarding biodiversity, ultimately leading to a more sustainable future.
Original Source: www.ifaw.org
