The upcoming UNFCCC COP30 in Belém, Brazil, could mark a watershed moment for integrating action on climate change and biodiversity loss via Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) — a widely recognised approach under the umbrella of Nature-based Solutions (NbS). This integration offers a strategic pathway to address the intertwined challenges and ecological risks presented by both climate change, as well as biodiversity loss. With the UNFCCC COP spotlight, the Brazil COP30 Presidency has a unique opportunity to showcase how NbS and EbA can drive global efforts towards sustainable and effective adaptation, and strengthen the cohesion between two significant global environmental agendas: the Paris Agreement and the Global Biodiversity Framework.
Belém, as the host city for COP30, is leading by example in advancing climate action through strategic urban planning that integrates resilience and biodiversity preservation. The city is pioneering a Climate Risk and Vulnerability Analysis alongside an Ecosystem Services Diagnosis, which together form a comprehensive approach to embedding resilience and biodiversity into urban development. This initiative highlights the critical role local governments play in addressing climate-related challenges and showcases Belém’s commitment to sustainable urban development. By aligning urban planning with ecological considerations, Belém sets a precedent for cities worldwide to incorporate nature-based strategies that enhance resilience and safeguard biodiversity.
NbS and EbA are recognised as effective approaches to climate resilience. These strategies leverage the power of ecosystems to mitigate climate impacts while yielding other positive outcomes – such as protecting vulnerable communities from extreme weather, creating livelihood opportunities, or promoting biodiversity conservation. Recent developments in NbS and EbA highlight their potential to deliver substantial multi-benefits. For instance, local initiatives in Brazil are focusing on reforestation and wetland restoration, which not only sequester carbon but also enhance biodiversity and ecosystem health. The integration of these solutions into national and global frameworks is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals.
Adaptation involves adjusting ecological, social, and economic systems to reduce vulnerability to climate impacts, and is hence a critical component in integrating climate and biodiversity action, as well as catalysing climate resilience. Adaptation and resilience are intrinsically linked. By reducing the vulnerability of ecosystems and communities to environmental stressors, the ability to withstand and recover more efficiently is increased. Hence, adaptation breeds and builds climate resilience, and not only reduces vulnerability.
Local communities and Indigenous Peoples are essential partners in implementing effective NbS and EbA initiatives. Their traditional knowledge and stewardship of natural resources can guide the development of adaptive strategies that are not only ecologically effective, but culturally and ethically aligned. In Brazil, hosting COP30 in a region rich with Indigenous cultures highlights the importance of including these voices in global climate strategies. Their participation promotes both ecological and social justice. Indigenous communities have long been at the forefront of climate action, employing sustainable land management practices that contribute to both climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. Empowering these communities through inclusive governance and equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms is crucial for effective and sustainable outcomes.
Governments also play a pivotal role in incorporating adaptation strategies into their National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and are of course essential in policy implementation. Hence, governmental participation is crucial at COP30. However, considering that a fraction of the 195 country parties, less than 10%, have submitted their NDC so far, the success of the conference is under significant threat. Setting ambitious, measurable targets and aligning national policies with global frameworks is crucial for effective implementation. While legislative approval is essential, private sector engagement is necessary. The private sector’s innovation and financial power has proven to be important in driving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and by investing in, for instance, green infrastructure and adopting sustainable practices that enhance ecosystem services – we can pave the way for more effective and efficient climate resilience.
COP30 provides a platform to showcase successful NbS and EbA projects from around the world, by way of knowledge exchange and sharing through the facilitation of panel discussions, workshops, and presentations, country pavilions can showcase their successes and best practices. Considering the rich biodiversity and abundant natural resources of the region and its proactivity in leveraging traditional knowledge and best practices to mitigate climate challenges, Latin American countries will have the opportunity to lead the way in promoting nature-based approaches.
As COP30 approaches, the call for action is clear: integrate climate and biodiversity goals through robust NbS and EbA strategies. By doing so, we can enhance global resilience, safeguard biodiversity, and deliver a just transition. The time to act is now, and COP30 offers a unique opportunity to set a transformative agenda that prioritises nature as a solution to our most pressing challenges. Through collective action and shared responsibility, we can pave the way for a future where climate and biodiversity goals are not only aligned but mutually reinforcing.