The biodiversity–climate nexus refers to the complex and interconnected relationship between climate change and biodiversity loss. Climate change significantly contributes to biodiversity loss, while the decline in biodiversity can further intensify climate change. To address these interconnected challenges effectively, a comprehensive and integrated approach is essential.
A week-long sub-regional workshop and dialogue for Pacific Island Countries was held at the SPREP headquarters in Apia, Samoa, from 26th to 30th May.
The first three days of the workshop centred on a dialogue aimed at strengthening national capacities to implement the KM-GBF monitoring framework and supporting participating countries in the Climate & Nature Nexus, guided by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF) and the nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. This included sessions on the development process of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), the establishment of national monitoring systems and plans, and the effective use of indicators to track NBSAP progress.
The final two days focused on data collection and assessments, which are crucial for countries in preparing their Seventh National Report (7NR) to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Participants also took the opportunity to share experiences and lessons learned from their NBSAP review processes and approaches to achieving policy coherence at the national level.
The Cook Islands shared its experience in the development of its NBSAP along with its monitoring and implementation plan, both of which are currently under review and being translated into Cook Islands Māori. “The Cook Islands adopted a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in the review of its NBSAP and is now preparing for its Seventh National Report (7NR),” said Elizabeth Munro, Environment Stewardship Manager at the National Environment Service.
“The workshop gave me an opportunity to understand the importance of aligning national plans and how they can complement and support one another,” added Mereana Bishop, Aitutaki Climate Change Officer, reflecting on her experience at the event.
Regional and International agencies present at the meeting shared the work they are doing and the many mechanisms available to assist countries with the review of their NBSAP and the development of a monitoring framework and indicators.
A session led by representatives from the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) provided guidance on the Seventh National Reporting (7NR) to the CBD, emphasizing the importance of setting national targets and indicators to track progress toward global biodiversity goals set by the KM-GBF.
The event was attended by representatives from Pacific Island government agencies, environment ministries, regional partners, and biodiversity and climate change experts. The Cook Islands were represented by Elizabeth Munro and Mereana Bishop.
The workshop and dialogue were co-organised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), in collaboration with the Government of Samoa.
