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ArticleCreating biodiversity safeguards for nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation
XV World Forestry Congress, 2-6 May 2022
2022Also available in:
No results found.There have been many trials and pilot experiments to mainstream biodiversity into the climate change regime through initiatives like REDD+ and Ecosystem based approaches. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are being viewed as yet another opportunity to synergize climate and biodiversity actions. However, NbS is being promoted more as a climate solution than a biodiversity solution, while the word “nature” makes it seem like it may be good also for biodiversity. Past experiences show that not all forest-based projects conserved biodiversity, while some turned out to be harmful due to their “mitigation-centric” approach. Carbon sequestration by ecosystems is just a part of the overall services it provides, which include a range of provisioning, supporting, regulating and cultural services. All these are not accounted for when we focus on mitigation. This has led to a fear among the conservation community whether these solutions actually focus on biodiversity or just climate. It is important that NbS considers the overall value of nature beyond its carbon sink capability. Therefore, the socio-ecological systems mechanism needs to be well studied, both through the biodiversity and climate lens, to keep proper safety nets for biodiversity and dependent communities. In this background, this paper discusses: (i) trade-offs associated with former forest-based mechanisms under the climate regime; (ii) path shown by different organizations and researchers for the implementation of NbS; and (iii) ways to introduce biodiversity safeguards for NbS, considering social-ecological interactions. NbS is seen as a broad-spectrum solution and must advocate biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. NbS is taking an important position in both CBD and UNFCCC negotiations and future COPs will be instrumental in deciding the guidelines for NbS. This paper will add to the ongoing debate using also the available literature on NbS since its inception. Keywords: Climate change, Biodiversity conservation, Deforestation and forest degradation, Landscape management, Sustainable forest management ID: 3486767 -
ArticleSacred Kaya forests: Role in enhancing food security, climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation among the Mijikenda community in Kenya
XV World Forestry Congress, 2-6 May 2022
2022Also available in:
No results found.Sacred Kaya forests, located in Kenya’s coastal plains and hills, are sacred forests of the Mijikenda ethnic community. These forests have been preserved since the 16th century as sacred places where prayers, rituals and sacrifices take place, and their integrity and sanctity have been safeguarded by a council of Kaya elders who employ a system of taboos and traditional rules to protect the forests. Kaya forests provide vital ecosystem services such as biomass energy, food, air and water purification, pollination, seed dispersal, climate modification and soil stabilization which support local livelihoods. Despite their importance, rapid population growth, infrastructural development, cultural erosion and overdependence on natural resources by local communities are causing extensive degradation of Kaya forests with negative implications on biodiversity conservation and local livelihoods. A study was conducted to assess the role of Kaya forests in enhancing food security, community adaptation to climate change and biodiversity conservation among the Mijikenda community. Household questionnaires, focus group discussions, community meetings and transect walks were used to collect data amongst communities living adjacent to Rabai Kaya landscape in Kenya. The study revealed that Kaya forests are biodiversity hotspots. The diverse flora and fauna of the Kaya forests are sources of genetic resources for food, forestry and agriculture, and mitigate the loss of variability of plant genetic resources for food security and adaptation to climate change. The study recommends protection of traditional knowledge and strengthening of traditional governance systems such as the Kaya council of elders which underpin the conservation of Kaya forests for enhanced conservation and socio-economic benefits. Key words: Kaya forests, biodiversity, food security, adaptation and Mijikenda ID: 3486805 -
ArticleForest natural resource management and non-timber forest products as nature-based solutions for climate adaptation, ecosystem restoration and poverty alleviation in Mali– a case study
XV World Forestry Congress, 2-6 May 2022
2022Also available in:
No results found.Climate change, nature loss and poverty are major intertwined crises that mutually reinforce each other. This is particularly true for smallholder farmers in Africa’s drylands: they are the hardest hit by the climate crisis, which contributes to the degradation of the land upon which their livelihoods depend. Further pushed into poverty, rural people are forced to resort to unsustainable land practices for survival, feeding the cycle of environmental degradation and climate change. Intertwined crises need integrated approaches, such as nature-based solutions (NbS) that protect natural ecosystems and address societal challenges. Tree Aid works in Africa’s drylands to unlock the potential of trees to tackle poverty and improve the environment. Here, we present a quantitative NbS case study looking at the impacts of the adoption of forest natural resource management (NRM) and increased production of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) among smallholder farmers in the Segou region in Mali between July 2017 and July 2020. This project was a partnership between Tree Aid, the UK funded Darwin Initiative and local partner Sahel Eco.Its socioeconomic impact was evaluated with focus group discussions, baseline and endline assessments using the Rural Household Multi-Indicator Survey (RHoMIS) (https://www.rhomis.org/). Ecosystem restoration impacts were assessed by ecological surveys and data from permanent monitoring plots.We demonstrate that NRM and NTFPs delivered positive outcomes for people (reduction of project population living below the poverty line), biodiversity (+20,404ha of land under improved management), and climate (improved climate resilience through better access to natural resources). This evidences the viability of high-quality NbS in Africa’s drylands and calls for greater long-term restoration investment and deployment in the region informed by and delivered through local communities and organisations. Keywords: NbS, NTFPs, NRM, Mali, forest governance ID: 3622597
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