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The SFI conservation impact project: supporting forest-based solutions for climate- change mitigation and biodiversity conservation

XV World Forestry Congress, 2-6 May 2022









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    Creating biodiversity safeguards for nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation
    XV World Forestry Congress, 2-6 May 2022
    2022
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    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
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    Vulnerability assessment of Ukrainian forests to climate change as the base of nature-based solutions for mitigation and adaptation
    XV World Forestry Congress, 2-6 May 2022
    2022
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    A wide range of climatic conditions in Ukraine causes significant regional differences in the vulnerability of forests to climate change. The mitigation/adaptation strategy should be based on assessments of their vulnerability at the regional level. Phytoindication model by prof. Y.P. Didukh (1994) was used to assess forest vulnerability. The model gives a quantitative estimation of climate as one of major environmental factors affecting the distribution, condition and productivity of vegetation on the base of climate-related indicators – continentality, humidity and frost. For these indicators climate suitability scales were calculated. Modeling was carried out for main forest species: Pinus sylvestris L., Quercus robur L., Fagus sylvatica L., Picea abies (L.) H.Karst, Betula pendula Roth., Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. and Robinia pseudoacacia L. Climate projections based on the Euro CORDEX time series (up to 2100) and 2 scenarios of the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP 4.5, RCP 8.5) were used. By means of Q-GIS the maps containing zones of suitability to climate for each of studied species were created for current climate conditions and future time series. The directions for strengthening the mitigation and adaptive capacity of forests are considered. The mainstream for nature-based solutions is adaptive sustainable forest management, which provides: 1)optimization of land use structure and increasing the forested area; 2) development and implementation of a national forestry program considering the priorities of climate change and low-carbon development; 3) using wood to substitute greenhouse gas intensive-materials and fossil fuels; 4) best forestry practices through the introduction of modern Climate Smart Forestry principles. Keywords: RCP 4.5, RCP 8.5, Euro CORDEX, climate trends, adaptive forest management ID: 3487120
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    Forest landscapes restoration measures as a cost effective solution for climate change mitigation and adaptation in India
    XV World Forestry Congress, 2-6 May 2022
    2022
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    Global deforestation and forest degradation have led to massive loss of biodiversity. Hence, it is important not only to protect but also restore the forest ecosystems. Forest biodiversity protection, biomass production and climate change mitigation and adaptation are important key motivation for forest restoration. Tree-based landscape restoration is a widely accepted cost-effective measure to combat climate change. India’s commitment of Nationally Determined Contribution to the Paris Agreement is to sequester additional 2.5 to 3 billion tons CO2 equivalent by 2030 through increased forest and tree cover and this ties in with the Bonn Challenge commitment to restore 21 mha of deforested and degraded lands by 2030 (now increased to 26 mha during UNCCD COP 14 meeting held in Sept. 2019) as well as the SDGs. This commitment can only be met if existing forests are protected and improved and tree cover is extended by 25 to 30 mha. The main objectives of the Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) in India is to reverse the process of degradation of forests & improve its productive potential, improve the regeneration of native flora & enrich the biodiversity, and enhance biomass production, carbon stocks & incomes of the rural households. For a successful FLR works in India, focus needs to be on proactive involvement of communities and local people, better coordination among the various government agencies and departments for effective implementation of project activities, robust Institutional mechanism, and continuous fund flow and support to sustain the activities and keep the restored areas intact. Here, we present how India can achieve the NDC and Bonn Challenge through forest landscape restoration. Potential to increase forest and tree cover and the carbon sequestration that can be achieved has been discussed. This will support planning for landscape restoration through the past and on-going initiatives which identifies different types of interventions implemented. Keywords: Deforestation and forest degradation; Climate change; Biodiversity conservation; Research; Landscape management ID: 3469382

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