On October 21, 2024, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) launched guidelines aimed at assisting governments in integrating wildlife conservation into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) during the UN Convention on Biological Diversity COP16. These guidelines present ten actionable steps that underscore the vital role wildlife plays in carbon sequestration and climate resilience. Simon Addison, IFAW’s Climate Advisor, emphasized their practical significance, highlighting the economic benefits and need for integrating wildlife into climate strategies.
In a significant move to combat climate change, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has released comprehensive guidelines aimed at assisting governments in integrating wildlife conservation into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This initiative was launched on October 21, 2024, during the UN Convention on Biological Diversity 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) in Cali, Colombia. As nations prepare to update their NDCs in accordance with the Paris Agreement, these guidelines are poised to enhance the role of wildlife in achieving climate resilience and carbon sequestration. The guidelines detail ten actionable steps, empowering policymakers with practical strategies to incorporate wildlife conservation into national climate plans effectively. Simon Addison, IFAW’s Climate Advisor, emphasized the guidelines’ critical relevance, stating that they provide a roadmap for leveraging wildlife conservation as a pivotal element in addressing climate change. He remarked, “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. These guidelines are not just theoretical—they provide 10 actionable steps that nations can use to integrate wildlife into their NDCs, strengthening both climate action and biodiversity conservation.” Despite the crucial role wildlife plays, it is often overlooked in climate plans, particularly in biodiversity-rich but climate-vulnerable regions. The guidelines underscore the necessity for nations to include wildlife in their greenhouse gas inventories and climate strategies to enhance their resilience. Addison further communicated the importance of these guidelines, saying, “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. Countries now have the tools to make wildlife a central part of their climate strategies, thereby amplifying their efforts on both mitigation and adaptation.” Furthermore, the guidelines highlight the economic benefits of wildlife conservation and restoration, particularly how such initiatives can drive sustainable livelihoods and create new opportunities in biodiversity-rich Least Developed Countries. The full guidelines can be accessed for further details at the IFAW’s website, providing essential resources for nations aiming to incorporate wildlife conservation into their climate policies.
The integration of wildlife conservation into national climate action plans is increasingly recognized as a pivotal strategy for addressing both biodiversity loss and climate change. While climate policies often focus primarily on human-induced factors, the significant roles wildlife—particularly keystone species—play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and aiding in carbon sequestration are frequently neglected. These ecosystems contribute to climate resilience, making wildlife conservation an essential component of effective climate strategy. The ongoing updates to Nationally Determined Contributions provide a timely opportunity for nations to reassess their approaches and ensure that wildlife conservation is included as a fundamental aspect of climate action, especially given the urgent challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss.
In conclusion, the IFAW’s newly launched guidelines represent a crucial resource for governments seeking to enhance their climate action plans through the integration of wildlife conservation. By providing ten actionable steps, these guidelines will not only foster biodiversity but also bolster national efforts towards climate resilience and carbon sequestration. As nations update their NDCs, it is imperative that they recognize the indispensable role of wildlife conservation in combatting climate change and protecting natural ecosystems. The alignment of climate action with wildlife protection serves as a clarion call for holistic environmental governance.
Original Source: www.ifaw.org
