On October 21, 2024, the International Fund for Animal Welfare launched comprehensive guidelines to integrate wildlife conservation into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) during COP16 in Cali, Colombia. These guidelines, which include ten actionable steps, are designed to help nations recognize wildlife’s role in carbon sequestration and climate resilience, addressing a critical gap in current climate strategies. Simon Addison, IFAW’s Climate Advisor, highlighted the guidelines’ importance as a practical roadmap for enhancing climate action through wildlife conservation.
On October 21, 2024, during the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity held in Cali, Colombia, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) launched vital guidelines aimed at incorporating wildlife conservation into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This initiative comes at a critical moment as countries prepare to update their climate plans as part of commitments under the Paris Agreement, particularly for the upcoming 2025 deadlines. The IFAW’s guidelines, titled “Wildlife Guidelines for NDCs: Integrating Wildlife Conservation into National Climate Action Plans,” serve as an essential resource for governments and policymakers. With a focus on practical implementation, these guidelines include ten actionable steps that can assist nations in recognizing and amplifying the role of wildlife in enhancing carbon sequestration and building climate resilience. Simon Addison, the Climate Advisor at IFAW, emphasized the significance of these guidelines in his statement: “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.” Current national climate strategies often neglect wildlife conservation, particularly in regions rich in biodiversity but vulnerable to climate impacts. The new guidelines address this gap, underscoring the importance of wildlife in climate strategies. The omission of wildlife in greenhouse gas inventories and climate plans represents a lost opportunity to enhance climate resilience alongside biodiversity protection. Mr. Addison further commented, “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.” The guidelines detail the critical role of key species like elephants and large predators in carbon sequestration, noting that their protection and management are essential for improving ecosystem health and enhancing carbon capture. Furthermore, the document outlines an economic dimension, highlighting how wildlife-related conservation efforts can yield significant benefits, especially in biodiverse yet economically fragile regions. These initiatives can foster resilience through sustainable community livelihoods and the potential for new sources of carbon finance.
The integration of wildlife conservation into climate action plans is increasingly recognized as a necessary strategy for achieving comprehensive climate solutions. Given the urgent need to address climate change while maintaining a commitment to biodiversity, the linking of wildlife initiatives to national climate frameworks is essential. This approach not only enhances ecological health but also supports community resilience in the face of climate variability. The guidelines issued by IFAW constitute a vital framework for nations seeking to address the dual challenges of conservation and climate change.
The launch of the IFAW guidelines marks a pivotal step in linking wildlife conservation with climate action, offering governments practical strategies for integration into their NDCs. The recognition of wildlife’s role in enhancing carbon capture and ecosystem health, coupled with the economic benefits to vulnerable communities, reflects a holistic approach to climate change mitigation. As nations prepare for the 2025 NDC updates, these guidelines provide essential tools to strengthen both biodiversity and climate resilience globally.
Original Source: www.ifaw.org
