Leveraging Nature-Based Solutions to Achieve Climate and Biodiversity Goals
New Waterloo Climate Institute Brief highlights opportunities and key considerations for enhancing biodiversity through Nature-Based Solutions
As global leaders gather at the 16th meeting of the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16) in Cali, Columbia, a new information brief underscores the importance of nature-based solutions (NbS) in tackling both climate change and biodiversity loss. Authored by Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger, Blessing Ajayi, Michelle Anagnostou, and Lydia Young, researchers with the University of Waterloo and Climate Institute, the brief underscores how the protection, management, and restoration of ecosystems can support global efforts to reduce climate risks while conserving biodiversity.
“Nature-based solutions, such as reforestation, wetland restoration, and agroforestry, can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing ecosystem resilience,” shares Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger, adjunct professor in the Faculty of Environment and member of the Climate Institute, “With biodiversity loss accelerating and climate impacts intensifying, nature-based solutions are essential tools for achieving climate and biodiversity targets.”
However, as the brief points out, policies for implementing NbS must be grounded in sound ecosystem science to avoid pitfalls like monoculture plantations. While fast-growing monocultures sequester carbon quickly, they are vulnerable to pests, disease, and climate extremes, which limits their long-term carbon storage because they end up releasing stored carbon when these impacts take place.
The brief calls for increased support for Indigenous-led conservation initiatives, which have proven highly effective in preserving ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity. Indigenous communities possess traditional ecological knowledge that is vital for sustainable land and resource management. Examples such as the Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks on Vancouver Island demonstrate the success of Indigenous stewardship in combining cultural values with modern conservation practices.
Additionally, the brief stresses the importance of protecting and restoring critical ecosystems like peatlands and wetlands, which serve as significant carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots. Strengthened policies are needed to safeguard these ecosystems, with examples like the Great Bear Rainforest Agreement offering valuable lessons on collaborative conservation efforts. Canada’s approach to wetland and peatland conservation, however, remains inconsistent, with some regions lacking robust protections. The brief advocates for a coherent national strategy, backed by strong federal legislation and funding, to protect these ecosystems.
To fully realize the potential of NbS, the authors urge the development of a National Nature-Based Solutions Strategy, aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This strategy should include a national "no net loss" policy for ecosystems and a dedicated fund to support large-scale NbS projects. Canada, in particular, has a unique opportunity to lead. By embracing these measures, Canada can position itself as a global leader in using NbS to combat climate change, protect biodiversity, and meet its 2030 and 2050 climate goals.
