The global climate and biodiversity crises are interdependent: they are largely driven by the same causes and reinforce each other. Therefore, they need to be addressed through coherent policies maximizing synergies and enhancing the effectiveness of interventions.
What is needed to achieve effective policy coherence for biodiversity and climate?
How can national and subnational governments be supported with the implementation of synergetic solutions?
What can be learned from successful implementation?
The German Federal Agengy for Nature Conservation (BfN) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH have published a discussion paper resulting of the international workshop “Successful policy coherence for biodiversity and climate – learning from case studies” supported by the German government (BMUKN, BMZ) and the Norwegian government. It was held from 22-25 April 2025 as a hybrid event at the International Academy for Nature Conservation on the Isle of Vilm, Germany.
The paper builds on the inputs and expertise provided by participating policymakers and experts from all over the world. It primarily addresses national policy makers engaged in climate and biodiversity policy. It presents concrete case studies on enhancing policy coherence for biodiversity and climate from across the globe and across different governance levels. The paper identifies success factors and derives recommendations and entry points to enhance policy coherence and is structured along seven thematic sections:
- Policy coherence in international frameworks
- Aligning national strategies and action plans for biodiversity and climate
- Translating international and national targets to local implementation
- Aligning sectoral policies beyond biodiversity and climate
- Strengthening policy coherence through financial instruments
- Aligning institutions to promote policy coherence
- Raising awareness, building capacities, facilitating engagement and improving communication
Following decision 16/22 on biodiversity and climate change of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the paper was also submitted to the CBD secretariat.
