Biodiversity, Climate Change and Sustainable Development

projekt beendet

ContextEcuador is one of the world’s megadiverse countries, meaning it has a high degree of biodiversity. However, it has fragile ecosystems, including forests, moorland, wetlands and mangroves, which are threatened by overuse, pollution and changes in land use. Climate change is accelerating the rate of biodiversity loss. Ecuador is aware of this fact. Its 2008 constitution grants rights to the natural world, while establishing the ‘Sumak Kawsay’ or ‘good life’ as a fundamental principle for the development of Ecuadorian society. As such, the state has assumed responsibility for the sustainable use and conservation of nature.ObjectivePeople living in the different fragile ecosystems apply models for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, while taking into account the effects of climate change.ApproachThe Climate, biodiversity and sustainable development programme (ProCamBío – Programa Cambio Climático, Biodiversidad y Desarrollo Sostenible) supports decision-makers and institutions in relevant sectors, at the national, regional and local levels, in developing and executing strategies for the sustainable use and valorisation of biodiversity. In this way, it contributes to improved coordination and communication between the various state authorities and civil society. The programme’s four areas of activity are:Sustainable production systems: ProCamBío supports its partners in formulating policies that will influence biodiversity and agro-biodiversity. At the local level, it advises producer groups and indigenous communities on the use of sustainable, climate-resilient production systems. Activities in this area are carried out by the consulting firm COMO.Incentive models: Together with strategic state and private-sector actors, ProCamBío is developing economic incentives and services, which should encourage farmers and indigenous communities to make voluntary commitments for the preservation of ecosystems, including tropical forests, moorland, mangroves and others.Control and monitoring models: ProCamBío advises its partners on the development of participatory control systems, and provide support for their application. At the local level, it is promoting awareness in schools and communities about the consequences of biodiversity loss and the damage caused by the illegal trade in flora and fauna.Mitigation and adaptation to climate change: ProCamBío supports decentralised government bodies with the integration of climate change into regional and local development planning. In a number of specific ecosystems, ProCamBio is supporting the local and national implementation of the National Plan on Climate Change. In cooperation with the global project REDD Early Movers, the programme is providing advice on developing a legal framework to promote the reduction of greenhouse gases caused by deforestation and forest degradation.ResultsBy creating the space for dialogue between different actors in planning workshops and training courses, the programme has opened up new channels of communication between the partners. Innovative initiatives have been launched, that support sustained processes of exchange in specific areas of activity. For instance, South-South cooperation arrangements are currently emerging to address ‘incentive systems for the sustainable use and protection of biodiversity’ and ‘transparency in the value chains for legal wood’.

Medium