Healthy ecosystems play a crucial role in climate regulation, acting as carbon sinks and helping mitigate the impacts of climate change. Forests, wetlands, and oceans absorb and store significant amounts of carbon dioxide, highlighting the interdependence between climate stability and biodiversity conservation. This symbiotic relationship underscores the urgency of integrating climate and nature-based solutions to address both the climate crisis and the accelerating loss of biodiversity.

In this context, the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership hosted the event “Connecting the Dots: Aligning National Nature and Climate Policies and Actions” during the fourth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI). This side event aimed to foster discussions and actions for more ambitious and coordinated nature and climate initiatives for sustainable development. Building on the momentum from UNFCCC COP28 and the Joint Statement for Climate, Nature, and People, the event emphasized reinforcing commitments made by signatory countries and supporting secretariats.

Countries shared valuable insights about their efforts to align nature and climate actions, fostering discussions on synergies, impacts, and reducing duplication in national policies aligned with the goals of the Rio Conventions. The session urged Parties to collaborate on integrating nature and climate agendas for more ambitious and effective actions. Participants stressed the importance of identifying opportunities to integrate National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for enhanced climate and biodiversity action.

Many country representatives expressed commitments and actions demonstrating the need for alignment and coordination and the exciting potential for progress. Ms. Senivasa Waqairamasi, Principal Environment Officer at Fiji’s Department of Environment, highlighted her country’s urgent efforts to align its NBSAP with other national plans, as island ecosystems face significant vulnerabilities from the climate crisis. Similarly, Ms. Carla Mousset, Scientific Coordinator at the Gabon National Parks Agency, described Gabon’s actions to integrate GBF considerations into its third NDC revision. Mr. Moumouni Ouedragogo, Water and Forests Inspector at Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Environment, Water, and Sanitation, shared insights on establishing an institutional framework ensuring synergies and aligned actions in implementing its NDCs and NBSAPs. In Mexico, Ms. Andrea Cruz, Director of Biodiversity Conservation at CONABIO, noted strong collaboration between the government and private sector, integrating climate change and biodiversity loss risks into investments.

Participants reflected on progress made, challenges faced, and lessons learned in integrating nature-based solutions within national policies and strategies. Effective coordination mechanisms were highlighted as essential for coherent and synergistic actions across sectors. Establishing the business case for alignment was noted as vital for gaining broader support. Avoiding trade-offs that undermine either climate or biodiversity goals was emphasized. The event’s timing was opportune for increased momentum in aligning investments in climate, biodiversity, and land/ocean sectors, underscoring the urgency of leveraging this momentum to drive positive change. Additionally, securing financing from multiple sources was emphasized as critical for supporting comprehensive and sustained efforts.

Recognizing common challenges in the integration process was crucial. Participants discussed limited financial resources, capacity constraints, and institutional barriers as significant hurdles to effective implementation. The event aimed to disseminate success cases and best practices, fostering peer learning and exchange among countries and stakeholders. Highlighting the value of sharing experiences to inform and inspire collective action, participants underscored the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration and knowledge exchange in advancing comprehensive and effective responses to the intertwined crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. Active participation and collaboration among all participants were encouraged, recognizing that addressing complex global challenges requires a coordinated and inclusive approach.

The Nature Conservancy is also developing shared principles around both Nature and Climate agendas, emphasizing the need for coordination in institutional structures and cross-sectoral processes at the national level. Conservation International highlighted the critical role of the private sector in reducing funding needs by shifting subsidies to conserve biodiversity and maintain ecosystem services. Ms. Doreen Robinson, Head of Biodiversity and Land Branch at UNEP, recognized multiple entry points for a comprehensive approach at the national level, such as food systems, nature-based solutions, and ecosystem restoration.

As the host of CBD COP16 in October, Ms. Maria Teresa Becerra confirmed Colombia’s commitment to the objectives of the Joint Statement, highlighting national efforts to review both NBSAP and NDC processes. Colombia plans to host a Climate-Nature Ministerial to showcase progress and front-runners in aligned actions. Parties must demonstrate high ambition for such an integrated agenda, as seen in Colombia’s portfolio of ecological transitions connecting NDC, ecosystem protection, and energy transition. Platforms like the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership will remain fully engaged, growing coordination efforts with relevant partners to advance the objectives of the Joint Statement on Climate, Nature, and People.