An event held during the 2019 UN Climate Change Conference in Madrid, Spain, focused on the role of nature-based solutions and approaches in protecting seagrass, mangroves and salt marsh ecosystems with multiple co-benefits, including addressing climate change.

The event titled, ‘Nature-Based Solutions: Integrating Coastal Ecosystems in 2020 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs),’ convened on 3 December and was organized by Pew Charitable Trusts (PCT), Seychelles and The Nature Conservancy (TNC).
 
In a keynote address, Ronny Jumeau, UN Permanent Representative, Seychelles, noted that addressing blue carbon ecosystems aligns with the growing support for nature-based solutions, and underscored awareness of oceans as part of the climate solution. Jumeau also highlighted the establishment of a blue bond in Seychelles to support sustainable marine and fisheries projects.
 
Lois Young, Permanent Representative to the UN, Belize, said her country’s NDC has a strong blue carbon protection component, and cited commitments “to restore and protect mangrove ecosystems into net carbon sinks by 2030.” She highlighted co-benefits of protecting low-lying coastal areas against storms and soil erosion such as increased fish stocks.
 
Rochelle Newbold, Director, Bahamas Science and Technology Commission, Ministry of the Environment and Housing, stressed the need for further investment in nature-based solutions to address flooding, erosion and storm surges, and increased ambition to guarantee the survival of islands.
 
Jeanette Mani, Climate Change Division, Fiji, pointed to the need for drastically increased mangrove replanting and preservation to achieve net zero emissions by 2025. On opportunities for future, she called for the Presidency of the 25th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 25) to the UNFCCC to initiate a pathway to enhance ocean health. [IISD RS Coverage of Side Event] [TNC’s Climate Change Website]

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IISD Reporting Services is providing coverage of selected side events during the UN Climate Change Conference in Madrid.