From Cali to Belem: Subnational governments leading nature action to adapt to climate change

This article is a summary of the original text, which can be downloaded from the right-hand column. We highlight some of the publication’s key messages below, but please access the original text for more comprehensive detail, full references, or to quote text.
Introduction
Launched at UNFCCC COP21 in Paris in 2015 by Regions4, the RegionsAdapt initiative supports the key role of subnational governments in climate resilience, especially in linking local actions to global goals. With 40 reporting members worldwide, the initiative fosters knowledge-sharing and advocacy for climate adaptation. Supported by Québec, this year’s report focuses on nature-based strategies as a dual solution to biodiversity loss and climate change, highlighting best practices from members who disclosed data through the Disclosure Insight Action (CDP) platform.
The report provides key insights into member actions, barriers, enablers, and outcomes, emphasizing the transformative role of subnational governments in advancing global climate and biodiversity goals, with Nature-based Solutions (NbS) playing a vital role. It also features 12 “Stories of Progress” from members in India, Ecuador, Senegal, Australia, Brazil, the UK, Canada, Côte d’Ivoire, Italy, South Africa, and Spain. These stories spotlight innovative and impactful adaptation actions, showcasing leadership and resilience for both nature and people
Methodology
The report synthesizes data from 40 RegionsAdapt members, obtained through the CDP States and Regions platform. States, Provinces, and Regions’ progress was analyzed across four commitments:
- Assessing climate risks;
- Planning adaptation strategies;
- Implementing actions; and
- Monitoring progress.
Special attention was given to initiatives that intertwine climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation.
Key strategies and approaches
- Nature-based Solutions (NbS):
Governments are prioritizing ecosystem restoration, reforestation, and sustainable land use as cost-effective, scalable strategies. These actions not only mitigate climate impacts but also enhance community resilience. For example, restoring coastal wetlands sequesters carbon while reducing flood risks, showcasing the dual benefits of climate mitigation and adaptation. - Territorial Approaches:
Multifunctional landscapes like biosphere reserves and biological corridors integrate biodiversity conservation with community needs. These approaches exemplify the interconnectedness of healthy ecosystems, climate stability, and human well-being, reinforcing the need to view ecosystems as natural buffers against climate variability and extremes. - Governance Integration:
Aligning climate and biodiversity priorities with global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) fosters systemic change. By embedding these priorities into policies and practices, subnational governments contribute to a broader transformation, illustrating how multilevel governance enables collaboration and scalability of successful practices.
Challenges to adaptation
Despite their progress, subnational governments face persistent barriers:
- Limited access to climate finance remains a critical challenge, with less than 10% of global funds reaching local levels. Accelerating financial flows through grants, public-private partnerships, and accessible funding mechanisms like the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund is essential to overcoming this gap.
- Insufficient integration of biodiversity and climate policies within national frameworks hampers systemic solutions. Subnational actors are pivotal in addressing these gaps through tailored policies that bridge local needs with global goals.
- Capacity constraints hinder the implementation of large-scale initiatives. Stakeholder engagement, particularly involving Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, is vital to overcoming these challenges by fostering inclusive and sustainable approaches.
Enabling conditions for success
The report emphasizes that innovative governance models and multilevel collaboration are key enablers for impactful adaptation. By aligning local actions with global objectives, subnational governments play a transformative role in mainstreaming biodiversity and climate solutions. Furthermore, accelerating financial support and fostering partnerships are crucial for ensuring that resources are directed to initiatives with the greatest potential for systemic change.
Regions in action: Inspiring stories of impact
The report highlights 12 stories of progress that integrate nature-based solutions to address the biodiversity and climate crises. We include 5 below:
Nature
PARANÁ, BRAZIL | Paraná Pioneers Biodiversity Credit Policy at the subnational level: Paraná has become the first subnational government in the world to establish a biodiversity credit policy, launched at CBD COP16 in Cali, Colombia. The State Biodiversity Credit Policy aims to offset the environmental impact of companies by partnering with the private sector to fund services for environmental preservation, conservation, and restoration. Developed with the Life Coalition and supported by the BRDE bank, the program allocates R$ 2 million for businesses to purchase biodiversity credits from certified natural reserves. Initially benefiting 25 reserves, the program is set to expand to other conservation areas, positioning Paraná as a global pioneer in biodiversity preservation.
Water
BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA | Healthy Watersheds Initiative Boosts Climate Resilience in British Columbia: The Healthy Watersheds Initiative in British Columbia, Columbia, focuses on strengthening water ecosystems to enhance resilience against climate change impacts like flooding and drought. By collaborating with watershed stewards, Indigenous communities, and conservation leaders, the initiative supports projects that conserve and rehabilitate streams and wetlands, monitor water quality, and maintain critical infrastructure. Since fall 2020, the Province has invested nearly $27 million, facilitating over 60 projects through grants to First Nations, non-profit organizations, and local governments. Budget 2022 allocated an additional $30 million to further protect these essential ecosystems, highlighting their crucial role in climate adaptation and community well-being.
Agriculture
LOMBARDY, ITALY | Life ‘Gestire2020’ Project Transforms Conservation Practices in Lombardy: The LIFE “Gestire2020” Integrated Project in Lombardy, Italy, is transforming conservation efforts by improving governance and taking action to protect local ecosystems. Since 2017, the project has funded 146 initiatives, investing around 15 million euros. Key activities include managing invasive species, monitoring conservation status, and enhancing ecological networks within the Natura 2000 sites. The project also highlights agriculture’s crucial role in conservation, showcasing how it supports and integrates within broader environmental goals.
Human Settlements
GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA | Gauteng’s 1 Million Tree Program Drives Green Transformation in South Africa’s Urban Areas: In Gauteng Province, South Africa, a remarkable initiative is taking root: the 1 Million Tree Program. Targeting areas with scant tree coverage like townships and informal settlements, this program aims to plant 400,000 indigenous trees and 600,000 fruit trees. This green push not only combats environmental degradation and enhances carbon sequestration, but it also fights climate change by reducing pollution and increasing green spaces. This effort aligns with the President’s pledge to plant 10 million trees in five years, supporting South Africa’s contribution to the Global Peace’s 75 Million Trees Campaign which launched in Durban in 2019. Each tree planted in Gauteng represents a step towards a more resilient environment and a sustainable future.
Coastal Areas
BASQUE COUNTRY, SPAIN | Basque Country Greens Tonpoi Cliffs for a Climate-Resilient Coast: The Tonpoi cliffs in Bermeo, Spain, have been transformed from a degraded area into a model of climate-adaptive coastal restoration. Now part of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, the restored cliffs feature native trees, biodiversity-supporting microhabitats, and pedestrian paths, offering locals a peaceful green space. This project enhances climate resilience while fostering a connection between community and nature.