Credit: UNFCCC

Publication date: April 2005

Abstract

Given that climate change and desertification/land degradation are major causes of biodiversity loss and that biodiversity management can contribute to climate change adaptation and to combating desertification, promoting synergy between MEAs – particularly the UNFCCC, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the three Rio Conventions – is important. 

This paper presents a synthesis of information relating to adaptation to climate change in the context of creating synergy among multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), which could be useful in the preparation and implementation of national adaptation programmes of action (NAPAs). The paper reviews NAPA proposals , such as national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs) under the CBD, national action programmes (NAPs) under the UNCCD, and poverty reduction strategy papers (PRSPs) supported by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund and other relevant documents. It also presents relevant existing programmes and projects under the three Rio Conventions, the Global Environment Facility and its implementing agencies, and the United Nations University to identify opportunities for synergy during the NAPA process. The paper concludes with lessons learned and identifies possible action whereby the Least Developed Countries Expert Group can enhance the promotion of synergy among MEAs during the preparation and implementation of NAPAs.