​Bonn, Germany (November 6, 2017) – Conservation International joins leaders across the climate movement at COP 23, the annual United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in Bonn, Germany, November 6 – 17. Participating nations will meet to advance the goals of the Paris Agreement and achieve progress on its implementation guidelines. The negotiation session is hosted by the Government of Fiji, the first time a Pacific Island country has led these negotiations.

Nature-based solutions to climate change are essential strategies for meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement. These climate solutions include: reducing deforestation, oceans and island-scale resilience, tropical reforestation, mangrove restoration, ecosystem-based adaptation, coastal carbon management, and climate-resilient agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries. In anticipation of negotiations at COP 23, Conservation International calls on countries to: expand use of nature-based solutions in national climate action, include natural climate solutions as part of market-based mechanisms, and Incorporate the traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples in climate decisions and actions.

Conservation International’s oceans work will take center stage at several side events throughout the conference, highlighting key successes in the Pacific, a nod to the host of this year’s negotiations. Conservation International will also highlight strategic collaborations with countries and non-state actors on protecting ocean health and coastal ecosystems through conservation and sustainable management.

“Fiji and other Pacific Island nations are sharing here at COP23 the stark reality affecting indigenous people living off or near oceans today,” said Shyla Raghav, Climate Lead, Conservation International. “Sea level rise, ocean acidification among others are shifting the Pacific Islands’ way of life. Conservation International has been active in collaboration with Fiji, the Cook Islands, Samoa and other island nations on adapting to climate change impacts. Partners in the Paris climate accord are needed to ramp up action now on commitments and contribute to nature-based solutions preventing climate refugees from all island nations.” 

To request media interviews in Bonn, please contact Kipp Lanham at klanham@conservation.org.

About Conservation International
Conservation International uses science, policy and partnerships to protect the nature people rely on for food, fresh water and livelihoods. Founded in 1987, Conservation International works in more than 30 countries on six continents to ensure a healthy, prosperous planet that supports us all. Learn more about CI and its groundbreaking “Nature Is Speaking” campaign, and follow Conservation International’s work on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.