LocationsThis year marks a critical moment in the fight against climate change, with three major environmental conferences underscoring the interconnectedness of climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation.
India Shows Why Ecosystem-Based Approaches Are Critical to Global Climate Action
October 23, 2024
Amal Abdulla
Three major environmental Conferences of the Parties (COPs) - COP 16, focusing on biodiversity, COP29 on climate, and COP16 on Desertification - are taking place within six weeks of each other this year. They are a timely reminder that the planet's challenges are not isolated - they all share a common foundation: the health of ecosystems.
These challenges are closely intertwined in countries like India, which has stunning environmental diversity—from lush forests and serene coastal mangroves to high-altitude wetlands and warm, sunny deserts. India’s diverse ecosystems sustain a variety of life and provide critical services, such as water purification, flood management, and carbon sequestration. When these valuable ecosystems face threats from land degradation or climate change, the impacts extend to numerous sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, local communities, and the economy.
Ecosystem-based solutions—like restoring biodiversity, conserving forests, and practicing sustainable land management—offer practical ways to tackle these interconnected challenges. In India, where millions depend on natural resources for their livelihoods, these solutions not only help protect communities from the harsh impacts of climate change but also work to preserve the country’s incredible biodiversity.
Local communities are at the heart of India’s ecosystem-based approach to climate action
India is integrating nature protection with broader environmental and climate efforts while empowering local communities, especially women, to build a more sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient future.
For example, in the village of Navghar, Maharashtra, the illegal cutting of mangroves led to unpredictable crab and fish catches, threatening the community’s livelihoods. Through efforts led by the UNDP-Green Climate Fund and the Government of India, Navghar became an ecosystem restoration model. Mangrove regeneration, led by the local Mangrove Co-Management Committee, has turned the tide. Today, the region's mangroves stand tall as natural shields against floods, provide carbon storage, and support thriving fisheries that sustain local livelihoods.
Women have played a pivotal role in this transformation. They are leading climate adaptation efforts through targeted training programmes while ensuring economic stability for their families. Their work underscores a critical lesson: ecosystem-based approaches are most effective when local communities, especially women, are empowered to lead.
Navghar is, however, just one example of how UNDP is scaling ecosystem-based approaches across India. For instance, in Ladakh's high-altitude wetlands, a community-driven initiative protects the vulnerable, black-eyed cranes, a species integral to the region's ecosystem.
These cranes, revered in local culture, help maintain the balance of wetland ecosystems by preventing the accumulation of nutrients in a body of water, which leads to excess microorganisms and lowers levels of oxygen, harming aquatic life. However, the species faces threats from climate change, unsustainable tourism, and increased dog populations.
The SECURE Himalaya initiative, supported by the Global Environment Facility, the Government of India, and UNDP, has mobilized local communities to form the Cha Srungskyob Tsogspa, a conservation committee to protect crane nesting sites. Through community monitoring and sustainable practices, the project is working to safeguard both the wetlands and the livelihoods of Ladakh’s people by designating critical nesting areas as Biodiversity Heritage Sites, ensuring legal protection for these fragile ecosystems while preserving traditional practices.
Why Ecosystem-Based Approaches Are Key to Climate Action
Ecosystem-based approaches, such as forest conservation, mangrove restoration, and reforestation, are fantastic ways to tackle climate change. These actions sequester carbon, protect biodiversity, and help communities adapt to climate challenges like floods and droughts. Their benefits extend beyond the environment—these solutions can enhance livelihoods, provide essential services like clean water, and boost resilience to climate impacts.
At UNDP, we’re working hard to build a climate-smart economy that's both resilient and inclusive. We’re focused on promoting net-zero emissions, driving climate finance, and investing in renewable energy. This includes encouraging green enterprises, supporting nature-based livelihoods like eco-tourism and sustainable agriculture, and restoring ecosystems to create valuable carbon sinks.
What Next? A Global Call to Action
A recent finding from UNDP’s Peoples’ Climate Vote revealed that 86 per cent of people are eager for countries to set aside their differences and collaborate on climate change solutions. At the Summit of the Future in September, global leaders highlighted the importance of coming together to tackle the intertwined challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. One key takeaway was the need to integrate ecosystem-based approaches into national climate strategies to strive for the 1.5°C climate target and support sustainable development.
Looking ahead to the three COPs this year, especially COP 29 in Baku, the global community must amplify its efforts to protect ecosystems and lessen climate risks. Ecosystem-based approaches offer a valuable roadmap for achieving international climate and biodiversity objectives, and the success stories emerging from India serve as inspiring models for other nations to consider.
As we celebrate Climate Action Day this year, we must reflect on these vital lessons and advocate for a deeper alignment of ecosystem-based approaches in our climate actions. India’s commitment to women-led development and innovative ecosystem strategies sets a powerful example for the world.
It shows that real change starts at the grassroots, but its impact should be felt globally.