During the AGNES Pre-COP29 Strategy Meeting in September 2024, experts agreed that further work is needed to be done on the ecosystems, biodiversity and Nature-based Solutions (NbS) indicators submitted by the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) to the UNFCCC. With the global goal on adaptation (GGA) focusing on enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience, and reducing vulnerability to climate change, it is essential that Africa’s ecosystems—many of which are globally unique—are well represented in the ongoing work programme to develop global adaptation indicators. However, it was noted during the AGNES strategy meeting that Africa’s submission on ecosystem and biodiversity indicators, which stemmed from existing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) had some significant gaps, particularly in the metadata essential for making these indicators actionable. During the meeting, experts agreed to do further work on the indicators to strengthen them through sourcing metadata. This process aims to ensure that Africa’s submitted indicators meet all the modalities outlined by SB Chairs to be considered. In this regard, the AGNES in partnership with Conservation Alliance of Kenya, (CAK) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) convened a workshop of experts within the Biodiversity and Ecosystem space to strengthen Africa’s submission.
Why Africa Should Prioritize Ecosystem and Biodiversity Indicators
Africa is home to the world’s remaining, largely intact populations of mammalian megafauna, as well as a vast diversity of ecosystems. These ecosystems provide crucial services like water regulation, food security, and climate resilience. As the continent faces increasing climate threats, protecting and enhancing these ecosystems is very essential to its long-term sustainability. Despite their critical importance, ecosystem and biodiversity issues have not received the deserved attention in the context of climate change adaptation.
Currently, Africa’s submission on ecosystem and biodiversity indicators is insignificantly little—about one-tenth of the total submitted indicators, with only 141 out of 1300 indicators. While the ecosystem and biodiversity indicators submitted by Africa are few, their impact can be enhanced by ensuring that each submitted indicator has an in-depth description of the methodologies associated with it and the data requirements.
The Process for Sourcing Metadata for Ecosystem and Biodiversity Indicators
The primary goal of the workshop was to ensure that the indicators not only aligned with the UNFCCC criteria but also accurately reflect Africa’s specific priorities and needs in the context of climate adaptation. The workshop focused on several key steps to improve the quality of the indicators.
Firstly, the indicators were sorted based on the availability of reliable data. Experts reviewed the underlying methodologies, data sources, and the specific aspects being measured for those indicators where data was readily available. This review ensured that the indicators were scientifically sound and aligned with the GGA targets.
Next, for indicators that lacked metadata, the team worked collaboratively to identify additional sources of data. This process was crucial to ensure that each indicator was well-supported and could contribute meaningfully to the global climate adaptation agenda. The experts scoured existing research, engaged with stakeholders, and explored innovative ways to source the missing metadata.
Finally, the workshop focused on refining the indicators to ensure they aligned with Africa’s local realities and adaptation needs. This included literature reviews to identify key African priorities in different regions and ecosystems, and ensuring that the indicators were worded using best practices in biodiversity research, monitoring and evaluation. The indicators were assessed and refined considering the localities and regions from which they were adopted.
Sourcing for additional Metadata
Sourcing additional metadata was one of the most critical aspects of the workshop. Without metadata, indicators lack the context necessary to be fully effective and replicable. Experts ranging from government agencies to research institutions engaged to ensure that the metadata for each indicator was very comprehensive to the extent possible. This effort is vital to ensure that the indicators can be used meaningfully in future climate adaptation decisions.
Call to Action for African Nations
By prioritizing ecosystem and biodiversity indicators, Africa can ensure that its ecosystems and the services they provide are at the heart of international climate negotiations. The work done during the collaborative workshop hosted by AGNES and partners workshop is a crucial step toward improving the quality of Africa’s indicators. However, African nations must continue to collaborate, refine their submissions, and engage stakeholders to ensure that ecosystem and biodiversity issues are adequately addressed in the global climate agenda. By strengthening these indicators and aligning them with Africa’s priorities, the continent can help shape global climate resilience.