On October 21, 2024, IFAW launched new guidelines to integrate wildlife conservation into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), helping nations enhance climate action. The guidelines provide ten actionable steps for countries to recognize wildlife’s importance in carbon sequestration and climate resilience. Emphasizing practical measures, these guidelines aim to address gaps in current climate strategies, particularly in biodiversity-rich regions. The initiative is expected to drive economic benefits and sustainable livelihoods while advancing global climate objectives.
On October 21, 2024, during the UN Convention on Biological Diversity’s 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) in Cali, Colombia, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) introduced a groundbreaking set of guidelines aimed at assisting governments in incorporating wildlife conservation within their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These guidelines are particularly timely as nations prepare to update their NDCs for 2025, following the mandates of the Paris Agreement. The IFAW’s document underscores the importance of recognizing wildlife’s integral role in carbon sequestration efforts and enhancing climate resilience. Simon Addison, IFAW’s Climate Advisor, emphasized, “We are offering governments a clear, practical roadmap to harness the power of wildlife conservation for mitigating climate change… 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.” The guidelines also reveal that many countries, especially those rich in biodiversity but vulnerable to climate impacts, neglect the inclusion of wild animals in their climate strategies, thereby missing crucial opportunities for advancing both climate resilience and biodiversity protection. Furthermore, the guidelines highlight how prioritizing wildlife can contribute to economic benefits, particularly in biodiversity-rich Least Developed Countries—thus promoting sustainable development and unlocking new avenues for carbon financing. The complete guidelines are accessible at the IFAW website.
The growing recognition of the interconnection between climate change and biodiversity has prompted institutions to integrate wildlife conservation into climate strategies. The adoption of the Paris Agreement highlighted the necessity for countries to reassess and update their NDCs—strategies that dictate how each nation intends to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. However, significant gaps have been identified, with many countries failing to incorporate wildlife considerations in these strategies, particularly in regions where biodiversity is rich, yet climate impacts are profound. The IFAW’s guidelines aim to address these gaps by providing actionable recommendations for integrating wildlife conservation into climate action plans, reinforcing the significance of wildlife for ecosystem health and carbon sequestration.
The introduction of the IFAW’s guidelines represents a pivotal step towards unifying wildlife conservation efforts with national climate action plans. By providing concrete recommendations and highlighting the economic advantages of supporting biodiversity, these guidelines serve as essential tools for nations striving to enhance their NDCs. The emphasis on leveraging wildlife conservation as a core element in combating climate change enhances overall strategies for resilience, sustainable development, and biodiversity protection, thus fostering a holistic approach to environmental stewardship.
Original Source: www.ifaw.org
