On October 21, 2024, IFAW launched guidelines for integrating wildlife conservation into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) during COP16 in Cali, Colombia. These guidelines offer ten actionable steps for governments to enhance their climate strategies by recognizing wildlife’s role in carbon sequestration and resilience. Simon Addison stated they provide a practical roadmap for nations to prioritize wildlife conservation as crucial for climate action. The guidelines also highlight economic benefits, particularly for biodiversity-rich Least Developed Countries, promoting sustainable livelihoods and unlocking new carbon finance solutions.
On October 21, 2024, in Cali, Colombia, a significant development occurred in the realm of climate action and wildlife conservation. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) introduced a comprehensive series of guidelines aimed at empowering governments and policymakers to incorporate wildlife conservation into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This initiative was launched on the occasion of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity’s 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16), marking its importance in the context of global climate negotiations and biodiversity conservation efforts. These guidelines, titled “Wildlife guidelines for NDCs: Integrating wildlife conservation into national climate action plans,” serve as an essential resource in the collective endeavor to mitigate climate change. They were introduced at a crucial moment, as numerous countries are in the process of revising their NDCs for 2025 in accordance with the Paris Agreement. The guidelines offer targeted recommendations for enhancing the understanding of wildlife’s vital role in carbon sequestration and fostering climate resilience. Simon Addison, Climate Advisor at IFAW, emphasized the urgent necessity of these guidelines, 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. 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 the integration of wildlife conservation, especially in regions rich in biodiversity yet vulnerable to climatic threats. The guidelines address this gap, highlighting that very few countries have included wildlife or its conservation in their climate strategies or greenhouse gas inventories. This oversight represents a missed opportunity to enhance climate resilience while promoting biodiversity. Addison further 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. Countries now have the tools to make wildlife a central part of their climate strategies, thereby amplifying their efforts on both mitigation and adaptation.” Among the key recommendations, the guidelines underscore the importance of keystone species such as elephants and whales in carbon storage ecosystems. Protecting and managing these species can significantly boost carbon capture and improve overall ecosystem health. The ten-step framework provides nations with a structured approach to identify crucial species for protection, integrate wildlife conservation into greenhouse gas inventories, and align conservation efforts with broader policy directives. Furthermore, the guidelines illustrate the economic advantages of wildlife conservation initiatives, particularly highlighting their potential benefits for Least Developed Countries. By encouraging biodiversity restoration, rewilding, and conservation, these programs can foster climate-resilient development, create sustainable livelihoods, and potentially unlock new avenues for carbon finance. For further details, the full guidelines are accessible for download at [IFAW Wildlife guidelines for NDCs](https://www.ifaw.org/resources/wildlife-guidelines-for-ndcs).
The integration of wildlife conservation into climate action plans has gained prominence as a necessary strategy to address the dual challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change. The launch of these guidelines by IFAW signifies an acknowledgment of the interdependence between wildlife conservation and climate resilience. By providing a structured approach for governments to follow, these guidelines aim to ensure that wildlife plays a central role in national climate strategies, thereby enhancing efforts for both climate mitigation and adaptation while prioritizing biodiversity.
The recent guidelines presented by IFAW offer a pivotal framework for incorporating wildlife conservation into national climate strategies. By recognizing the essential role that wildlife plays in carbon sequestration and ecosystem health, nations can enhance their climate action efforts and promote biodiversity. The ten actionable steps detailed in these guidelines provide practical solutions for policymakers to recognize wildlife as a fundamental aspect of their NDCs, reinforcing the notion that effective climate action and biodiversity conservation are inherently intertwined.
Original Source: www.ifaw.org
