COP30 Side Event: Nature-based Solutions and the Power of International Partnerships for Climate Protection

Belém, 20.11.2025 – How can Nature-based Solutions drive global climate protection? This question was discussed at the side event ‘Nature-Based Climate Action as a Key Instrument for Achieving Germany’s Climate Target’ at COP 30 in Belém on 20 November 2025, hosted by the WBNK. Members of the WBNK explored the importance of international cooperation for the global scaling of Nature-based Solutions with experts from various countries. A particular focus was placed on the role of peatlands as important natural carbon sinks. Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider opened the event with a strong message of commitment and cooperation.

At the start of the event, WBNK co-chairs Anke Herold and Professor Matthias Drösler presented Germany’s Federal Action Plan on Nature-based Solutions for Climate and Biodiversity (ANK) including recommendations for its further development. The WBNK has identified key fields of action and developed recommendations aimed at consistently utilising the considerable climate mitigation potential of natural ecosystems — particularly the significant ability of peatlands, forests, and agricultural landscapes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and store carbon. In addition, floodplains, coasts and seas, as well as settlements and protected areas offer substantial potential for climate mitigation, climate adaptation, and the preservation of biodiversity.

Im Anschluss diskutierten die Teilnehmenden, wie sich Ökosysteme – insbesondere Moore – stärker und systematisch in nationale Klimastrategien integrieren lassen. David Okurut aus Uganda, Doktor Suelma Silva aus Brasilien, Professor Haruni Krisnawati aus Indonesien sowie Doktor Franziska Tanneberger, Mitglied des WBNK, gaben Einblicke in ihre Arbeit. Sie berichteten über konkrete Ansätze zur systematischen Erfassung, zum Schutz, zur Wiederherstellung und zur nachhaltigen Nutzung von Mooren. Dabei machten sie deutlich: Moore sind ein entscheidender Faktor für die Erreichung nationaler Klimaschutzziele.

The participants then discussed how ecosystems – especially peatlands – can be integrated more strongly and systematically into national climate strategies. David Okurut from Uganda, Dr Suelma Silva from Brazil, Professor Haruni Krisnawati from Indonesia and Dr Franziska Tanneberger, member of the WBNK, provided insights into their work. They reported on concrete approaches to the systematic recording, protection, restoration and wise use of peatlands. In doing so, they made it clear that peatlands are a crucial factor in achieving national climate targets.

One outlook focused on the Peatland Breakthrough, a new international initiative within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 2030 Breakthrough Agenda.

The side event at COP30 in Belém demonstrated the enormous potential of Nature-based Solutions. However, in order to realise this potential worldwide, decisive national strategies and close international cooperation are required.

You can stream the event here.