22/12/2015

Evolving climate approaches at Global Landscapes Forum, COP21

Evolving climate approaches at Global Landscapes Forum, COP21

As COP21 delegates discussed decisive binding agreements and funding for climate change action, SNV contributed to the discourse at the Global Landscapes Forum over December 5th and 6th.

On Landscapes Day (December 6th) there was an opportunity to hear a series of presentations at the Nature and Climate Change pavillion, when SNV together with ICRAF, IUFRO and AFOLU the working group of LEDS Global partnership presented on the theme of 'Climate smart landscapes, Key ingredients for impact at scale'.

The focus was firmly on the implementation of practical tools and approaches for climate change adaptation and mitigation; ICRAF discussed low emissions planning, IUFRO spoke on multifunctional landscapes for conservation and food security, and AFOLU working group of LEDS Global Partnership presented on opportunities for private sector emissions reductions in the rice industry.

SNV’s Richard McNally spoke about SNV's successful leveraging of public private partnerships (PPP’s) to address mangrove deforestation caused by shrimp aquaculture in Vietnam - the world's 3rd largest shrimp producer.He explained that by understanding the objectives of key stakeholders and engaging them in dialogue through PPP’s, interventions can be scaled much more effectively. Through PPP’s the programme has already engaged over 2000 shrimp farmers in mangrove restoration as part of organic shrimp certification, securing a premium price purchase agreement with Minh Phu, the world’s second largest seafood exporter. In addition the programme works closely with government authorities to shape policy that supports mangrove restoration.The next phase is to extend engagement beyond first mover Minh Phu to include other large scale shrimp traders, to increase the number of certified shrimp farmers, to continue to improve the regulatory environment, and develop carbon financing to fund continued mangrove restoration and protection.

SNV’s Arend van der Goes presented on SNV’s work in DR Congo to address deforestation under the theme, 'Bioenergy in the Landscape', taking the example of an integrated REDD+ program in DRC. Arend explained that the prevailing assumptions about the key drivers of deforestation around the city of Kananga, DRC were incorrect. The use of woodfuel for brick firing was actually ahead of agriculture and domestic cooking as the leading cause of deforestation in Kananga, DRC. From initial supplies for school and public building construction, demand from the domestic housing sector had also increased signficantly. A key take away from this presentation is the importance of field level landscape research. With this data on the increased impact of brick firing for construction on forested areas, practical intervention included developing a supply chain for stabilised pressed building bricks as an alternative to wood fuel fired bricks.Through a landscape approach, a more coherent and inclusive analysis of stakeholder objectives, vested interests, carbon emissions and poverty can take place. By implication, more appropriate and comprehensive solutions can be developed and implemented.

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