Today, on this 6th Day of the COP26 Presidency Programme, delegates will be exploring what many believe to be the key to the climate crisis: humankind’s relationship with Nature.
The agenda today will focus on ensuring the importance of nature and sustainable land use are part of global action on climate change and a clean, green recovery.
A healthy and diverse ecosystem is inherently linked to the health of the human species, and one of the reasons for this is that we depend on the many services that ecosystems provide, such as fresh water, fertile soil, pollination, medicine and food.
Nature-based solutions (NbS) involve working with nature to address societal challenges, providing benefits for both human well-being and biodiversity. They are actions that involve the protection, restoration or management of natural ecosystems; or the creation of novel ecosystems in and around cities.
Climate change and urbanisation combine to place increasing pressure on interconnected island-based terrestrial and ocean ecosystems vital for subsistence, livelihoods, and wellbeing. Pacific island governments are increasingly prioritising Nature-based Solutions such as ecosystem-based adaptation in their national climate change policies and government priorities.
A significant project active recently in Vanuatu (and also Fiji and Solomon Islands) is the Pacific Ecosystems-based Adaptation to Climate Change (PEBACC) project. PEBACC involved four key stages: 1) ecosystem and socio-economic resilience analysis and mapping; 2) EbA options assessments; 3) development of EbA implementation plans; and then 4) implementation of pilot projects.
One of the most valuable aspects of protecting nature, and ensuring sustainable land use is the fact that a healthy relationship with nature and biodiversity forms an integral part of the culture and identity of many island communities, and helps to cultivate a balanced and positive mindset. Today’s programme will provide the COP delegates with the opportunity to give back to this beautiful planet that we call home.
Key themes for COP26
MITIGATION
Secure global net zero and keep 1.5 degrees within reach.
ADAPTATION
Urgently adapt to protect communities and natural habitats.
MOBILISE FINANCE
Green transformation of financial systems.
COLLABORATION
Work together to deliver.
News and key insights
- Scotland breaks loss and damage “taboo”, raising hopes others will follow
- The islands bordering India and Bangladesh that are going underwater
- Solomon Island Calls for Completion of Paris Agreement Rule Book at COP26
- COP26 should listen to small states and island nations at risk
- Small island nations suffer under broken and ‘cruel’ climate finance system
- Inside the Negotiations to Decide the Fate of Our Planet
- The first global carbon market could be a gamechanger for the climate, if COP26 can make it work
- EAG issues clarion call at COP26 for focus on conservation in climate change fight
- Audience with Attenborough, Biden, Prince Charles to share Samoa’s beauty, climate inaction ‘betrayal’
NEXT WEEK: Caribbean Sustainability and Prosperity: Climate Finance as a Driver for Climate Action
In partnership with The Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator
Wednesday 10 November – 10:00am EST, 15:00 GMT
Duration: 1.5 hours
There are a wide range of opportunities for sustainable development projects in the Caribbean region – but for them to be successful there needs to be greater access to finance. What projects are being unveiled in the region, and where can they source funding to support their vision? The Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator seeks to unlock financing for sustainable solutions in a bid to create the world’s first climate-smart zone. With climate adaptation and mitigation funding for island and developing nations set to be a core topic at COP26, now is the time to move towards action for the region.
Today’s Island-related events
Achieving climate, land and biodiversity targets through global partnerships and financing
Today
Time: 15:00 – 16:30 GMT
Location: Commonwealth Pavilion
Fostering Island-led local Action into Global Coalitions
Today
Time: 16:00 – 19:30
Location: Aosis Pavlion
A just rural transition towards sustainable agriculture and halting deforestation and conversion from agricultural commodities – Working collaboratively to deliver for climate, nature and people
Today
Time: 16:00 – 17:30 GMT
Location: Green Zone Event
