Introduction
While COP28 had several disappointing outcomes, the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience emerged as a welcome progress[1]. For the first time, forward-looking targets covering thematic areas essential for human well-being and sustainable development were integrated including: Water, food, health, ecosystems, infrastructure/settlements, poverty reduction & cultural heritage. The targets within the thematic areas, especially within Ecosystems and Cultural Heritage include restoration, conservation and protection of all ecosystems. Nature was one of the key pillars of the COP28 presidencies’ Action Agenda Initiatives. Further, parties are continuing to discuss, under the UAE–Belém work programme, on indicators to strengthen the framework. It is also appreciable that under the implementation guidelines, possibly for the first time, it has been indicated that there must be preparation for the significant increase in nature, among others, in the next round of NDCs, NAPs as well as NBSAPs.
Africa has over 3000 protected areas, comprising marine protected areas, wetlands reserves, and biosphere reserves. African protected areas are already in dearth of financial support, thereby severely constraining efforts to manage them leading to the loss of the heritage of mankind. With climate change exacerbating the existing problems the threat of losing the conserved areas is of high probability, putting pressure on national governments. Weather and climate variability continue to shock protected areas’ ecosystems and threaten the survival of other fauna and flora. The depletion of some species is hurting biodiversity in protected areas. Several impacts are observed including a fall in tourism numbers, increased human-wildlife conflicts, habitat quality and infrastructure deterioration, affecting communities living in and within the vicinity of the protected areas among others. Hence, there is a need to ensure that climate change issues are taken into consideration especially developing adaptation strategies within the protected areas.
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