Biodiversity and Climate Change: An Interconnected Challenge  

Africa is rich in biodiversity: it encompasses approximately one-fifth of all known species of mammals, birds, and plants. But the continent is under increasing threat from climate change. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather patterns are disrupting ecosystems, leading to shifts in species distributions and increased extinction risks. Projections indicate that by 2100, more than half of Africa’s bird and mammal species could be lost, and the productivity of Africa’s lakes could decline by 20–30%¹.

This loss of biodiversity undermines essential ecosystem functions—such as carbon sequestration, water purification, and soil fertility—that are crucial for human well-being and climate regulation. Therefore, protecting biodiversity in the context of sustainable development is not just about nature: it's a critical strategy for mitigating and adapting to climate change.  

Afforestation and Native Trees: Reviving Ecosystems  

Afforestation and reforestation efforts prioritising native tree species are vital for restoring degraded landscapes and enhancing biodiversity. Native trees are adapted to local conditions, supporting a wide range of flora and fauna, and are more resilient to climate variability.  There still remains a strong commercial need for fast-growing timber species to fuel and feed growing populations. But this type of agroforestry, at scale, should always be done in a planned, intentional way, and not to the detriment of restoring or preserving native woodlands, which over the longer term, have better chance of integrating into existing communities and livelihood needs, as well as supporting local flora and fauna.  

At One Carbon World (OCW), we are proud to work with other organisations in establishing  nature-based carbon removal projects, aligned to the latest, leading guidance such as the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). Through these efforts, we are actively contributing to restoring ecosystems, supporting animal and plant species, and sequestering carbon back into our soils.  

Other initiatives are moving in the same direction. Launched in 2007 by the African Union, the African-led Great Green Wall initiative aims to restore the Africa's degraded landscapes and transform millions of lives in the Sahel. This ambitious project is being implemented across 22 African countries to revitalise thousands of communities across the continent. With more than USD 14 billion raised and pledged to support this initiative, the ambition is to restore 100 million hectares of currently degraded land, sequester 250 million tons of carbon and create 10 million green jobs by 2030². Just under 20 million hectares have already been planted³.  

Regenerative Agriculture: Cultivating Biodiversity  

Regenerative agriculture focuses on restoring soil health, increasing biodiversity, and enhancing ecosystem resilience. Practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and reduced tillage not only improve soil fertility but also support diverse biological communities.  

OCW is partnering with many organisations to implement regenerative agriculture projects in countries like Bulgaria, Spain, and the United Kingdom. We are providing our expertise to understand the economics of sequestering carbon and verifying removals under managed services. These projects have already increased agricultural productivity and created habitats for various species, contributing to biodiversity conservation.  

In Africa, regenerative agriculture is also gaining traction as a sustainable farming approach. Integrating traditional knowledge with modern science, as advocated by the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), enhances soil health through biofertilisers and agroecological methods. These practices boost agricultural productivity and contribute to biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.  

Protecting Biodiversity and Endangered Species: A Climate Strategy  
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Africa's endangered species play crucial roles in maintaining ecosystem balance. Their conservation is integral to preserving biodiversity and, by extension, the ecosystem services that mitigate climate change. Additionally, supporting frontline conservation workers is essential. Initiatives providing rangers with training, insurance, and leadership development are crucial for safeguarding biodiversity hotspots and combating illegal wildlife trade.  

Integrating biodiversity conservation into climate strategies is essential for sustainable development. Nature-based solutions like afforestation with native trees and regenerative agriculture offer multifaceted benefits, addressing climate change, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting livelihoods.  

As we reflect on UN International Day for Biological Diversity, it's evident that protecting biodiversity is not just about preserving nature—it's a strategic imperative for climate resilience and human well-being. By investing in and scaling up these initiatives, Africa and the world can lead the way in demonstrating how biodiversity conservation and climate action go hand in hand.  

Click here to learn more about how OCW is supporting nature-based solutions worldwide, and how you can support them too.    

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Sources:

1) https://abcg.org/the-urgent-need-for-climate-change-adaptation-and-biodiversity-conservation-in-africa/

2) https://www.unccd.int/our-work/ggwi

3) https://news.mongabay.com/2023/08/progress-is-slow-on-africas-great-green-wall-but-some-bright-spots-bloom/