Land use is responsible for about half of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Latin America. And according to WWF’s Living Planet Report, it is also the cause of 51% of biodiversity loss in Latin America, greatly affecting the region’s resilience to climate change. Thus, land restoration and conservation efforts are critical in achieving the goals that were set in the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal targets.

While there has been commendable progress in land restoration and conservation, there should be further commitment especially now that climate, biodiversity & sustainable food supply challenges have increased.

The panel aims to delve into the direct impacts of greenhouse gas mitigation and removal and climate adaptation through conservation and restoration of degraded landscapes. Speakers will also discuss how to effectively implement landscape management systems such as agroforestry.

The session will provide countries, the private sector and Initiative 20x20 partners a platform to share insights into the progress made in achieving Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in Latin America. They will also provide a perspective on the barriers that need to be eliminated in finance, policy and monitoring.

Speakers:

  • Carolina Useche, Climate Action Manager, WRI Colombia

  • Alicia Montalvo, Climate Action and Positive Biodiversity Manager, CAF

  • Pina Gervassi, Restoration and Climate Director, Forest Stewardship Council

  • Gregory Watson, Principal Specialist, Biodiversity and Natural Capital Lab, Inter-American Development Bank

  • María Inés Rivadeneira, Policy Coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean/Policy and Governance Manager, WWF Ecuador

  • Viviana Luján Gallegos, Acting Head, Nature Based Carbon Strategy, Climate Asset Management

Image by Aaron Minnick/WRI