Phl bats for climate collaborations in Abu Dhabi conference

The Climate Change Commission stressed the importance of enhancing collaboration on nature-based solutions to address the impacts of climate crises by 2030. 

Speaking at the recently concluded Pre-28th Session of Conference of the Parties or Pre-COP28 dubbed "Accelerating Collaboration on Nature to Close the Climate Action Gap to 2030" held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera also underscored the importance of carbon sequestration as a fundamental aspect to reducing greenhouse gas concentrations world wide. 

Herrera, in her remarks, said ecosystems, including forests and wetlands, act as vital carbon reservoirs that stock and sequester carbon.

These also serve as buffers for storm surges made more dangerous by rising sea levels and as havens for the spawning of fish to ensure food security, she added.

"By accounting for and valuing these ecosystem services, new financial flows may be generated from carbon and biodiversity credit systems that also manage climate risks locally and globally," she continued. 

Understanding this matter, Herrera said the Philippines is developing a "geospatial database" in support of a new system of natural capital accounting "to recognize its real economic and social contributions to sustainable development" amid confronting climate change. 

Herrera highlighted the country's National Adaptation Plan, which provides a clear picture of climate gaps parallel to necessary actions that should be undertaken "to minimize climate change losses and damages."

The key adaptation strategy, she added, would scale up nature-based solutions to climate change. 

Meantime, Herrera said progress assessment of the strategy will require the use of standardized metrics and MRV (measurement, reporting and verification) systems for nature-based solutions, including robust scientific research, data transparency, and accessibility to assess the performance and impact of these solutions.

"It is only by recognizing the interconnectedness of human, natural and engineered systems that we can collectively drive transformative change and close the climate action gap by 2030," she added. 

The Pre-COP28 event was hosted by Razan Al Mubarak, the United Nations  Change High-Level champion. Al Mubarak serves as President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. 

Other  Filipino delegates who attended the event included Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Alfonso Ferdinand Ver, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary and Official Representative of the Chairperson to the CCC Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and DENR Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh.