The intersection of marine and coastal conservation and nature-based solutions to climate change: Governance insights from Indian Ocean small island States

Despite an array of global interventions, climate change and biodiversity loss remain pressing environmental problems. Nations in the global south, and in particular small island developing states (SIDS), are frequently more vulnerable to climate change than other nations. Furthermore, these nations rely heavily on biodiversity for sustenance, livelihoods and economies. Yet, capacity and resources to address the challenges are often limited. Finding effective and efficient ways to respond to both climate change and biodiversity loss is, therefore, critical. This research explores natured-based solutions (NbS) to climate change and how these can simultaneously support marine and coastal biodiversity conservation. The paper focuses on international law and specifically the commitments made by Indian Ocean SIDS in their Nationally Determined Contribution documents (NDCs) submitted under the Paris Agreement. The commitments in these NDCs provide a foundation for climate change action, and now must be implemented if goals are to be achieved.

Automated summary

Despite global interventions, climate change and biodiversity loss remain urgent environmental problems. Vulnerability to climate change is greater in the global south, especially in small island developing states (SIDS) that heavily rely on biodiversity. However, capacity and resources to address these challenges are often limited. Finding effective ways to simultaneously respond to climate change and conserve marine and coastal biodiversity is critical.