Thematic Paper 5 addresses the importance to involve local governments, Indigenous Peoples, and other non-state actors meaningfully in climate and biodiversity decision-making. Tenets of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) do not always align with local perfectives and priorities, underscoring the need for more inclusive and transformative governance approaches. The paper outlines how stronger multi-level governance and meaningful stakeholder participation can help national governments better coordinate climate and biodiversity action.

This paper is part of a series aimed at enhancing the understanding and policy uptake of integrated solutions to the climate and biodiversity crises. The Summary Paper and other Thematic Papers can be accessed by clicking on the links below.

• Summary Paper: Synergies Between Biodiversity and Climate Policy Frameworks
• Thematic Paper 1: Linkages and Synergies Between International Instruments on Biodiversity and Climate Change
• Thematic Paper 2: Linkages Between Biodiversity and Climate Change and the Role of Science-Policy-Practice Interfaces for Ensuring Coherent Policies and Actions
• Thematic Paper 3: Nature-Based Solutions: An Approach for Joint Implementation of Climate and Biodiversity Commitments
• Thematic Paper 4: Good Governance for Integrated Climate and Biodiversity Policy-Making
• Thematic Paper 6: Delivering Financing for Joint Biodiversity and Climate Solutions
• Thematic Paper 7: Synergies for Monitoring and Reporting on Climate and Biodiversity Actions: Global Frameworks and National Opportunities
• Thematic Paper 8: The Role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in Contributing to the Achievement of Global Climate and Biodiversity Goals 
• Thematic Paper 9: Enhancing Synergies to Advance Gender-Responsive Approaches Under the CBD and UNFCCC Frameworks 
• Thematic Paper 10: Resources and Platforms for Capacity Building and Development for Climate and Biodiversity Action