AEDS team led by Dr Nelson Chanza provided technical support to the development of the Climate Change and Biodiversity Strategy for the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in 2023, contributing to the formulation of a strategic framework that addresses the interconnected challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.

The assignment involved developing and strengthening integrated, evidence-based approaches to enhance ecosystem resilience, promote sustainable natural resource management, and support climate adaptation and mitigation efforts while safeguarding biodiversity for current and future generations. The project involved the analysis of climate and biodiversity risks, the identification of priority ecosystems and species, and the articulation of strategic pathways that align conservation objectives with climate resilience and development goals.

The strategy emphasised the application of nature-based solutions, ecosystem-based adaptation, and biodiversity-sensitive climate actions that deliver co-benefits for livelihoods, ecosystems, and climate outcomes. It also considered institutional and policy alignment, implementation modalities, and monitoring frameworks to ensure the strategy’s operational relevance and scalability across diverse ecological and socio-economic contexts.

Reference: Alleta Nyahuye, Country Director, IFAW, anyahuye@ifaw.org