Guidelines to Enhance Climate Action Through Wildlife Conservation Integration

The International Fund for Animal Welfare has launched comprehensive guidelines to help governments integrate wildlife conservation into their national climate action plans. These guidelines, revealed at the UN biodiversity conference, provide concrete steps for nations to enhance their climate strategies by recognizing wildlife’s role in carbon sequestration and resilience. The initiative aims to ensure wildlife is a key component of future climate commitments, addressing the need for biodiversity integration into national climate plans.

On October 21, 2024, during the UN Convention on Biological Diversity’s 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) in Cali, Colombia, a significant initiative was unveiled aimed at enhancing climate action through the integration of wildlife conservation into national climate strategies. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) introduced its publication titled “Wildlife Guidelines for NDCs: Integrating Wildlife Conservation into National Climate Action Plans,” which serves as a crucial resource for governments and policymakers focused on addressing climate change. As countries prepare to renew their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for 2025 under the Paris Agreement, the significance of these guidelines cannot be overstated. The document outlines specific recommendations for nations to elevate the role of wildlife in bolstering carbon sequestration efforts and enhancing climate resilience. Simon Addison, IFAW’s Climate Advisor, conveyed the practical applicability of these guidelines, emphasizing their potential to provide governments with a strategic framework. He stated, “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.” Currently, many climate action plans neglect to incorporate wildlife conservation, particularly in biodiverse but climate-vulnerable areas. Such oversight not only undermines biodiversity but also forfeits critical opportunities to advance resilience against climate impacts. Addison further noted, “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 underscore several key points: 1. Wildlife plays a vital role in carbon sequestration, especially keystone species such as elephants and whales, which are integral to maintaining ecosystems that facilitate carbon storage. 2. A clearly defined ten-step approach enables countries to better integrate wildlife considerations into their greenhouse gas accounting and align these efforts with broader policy initiatives. 3. Economic advantages arise from wildlife conservation, rewilding, and restoration, particularly in biodiversity-rich Least Developed Countries, supporting climate-resilient development and providing sustainable livelihood opportunities. The comprehensive guidelines are accessible for download at the IFAW website, enabling governments and stakeholders to implement these valuable recommendations in their climate action plans.

The intersection of wildlife conservation and climate change mitigation presents an urgent opportunity for nations to enhance their environmental impact. Wildlife plays a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems that contribute to carbon sequestration—a key process in combatting climate change. Despite this recognition, many governments have not integrated wildlife conservation into their climate strategies, particularly in biodiversity-rich yet vulnerable regions. Recent developments highlight the need for actionable guidelines to support the integration of these essential considerations into national climate plans, especially as nations approach upcoming climate commitment deadlines.

The introduction of the Wildlife Guidelines for NDCs marks a pivotal moment for enhancing climate action through wildlife conservation. By bridging the gap between biodiversity and climate strategies, these guidelines provide a structured approach for nations to enrich their climate commitments while simultaneously safeguarding wildlife. With a focus on practical steps and the economic benefits of conservation efforts, these guidelines empower countries to integrate wildlife conservation as a fundamental component of their climate strategies, ensuring a more resilient and sustainable future.

Original Source: www.ifaw.org