There are obvious interconnections between climate change and biodiversity. However, the possible mutual benefits between climate change mitigation and adaptation and biodiversity conservation within projects, are often not recognised and addressed. Likewise, the potential negative impacts of climate change projects to biodiversity and ecosystem services are often neglected.

The report outlines the main findings from a research and development project on biodiversity criteria for the design, selection and evaluation of climate change adaptation and natural carbon sinks/REDD+ projects in forests and wetlands under the German International Climate Initiative (IKI).

The accompanying policy brief, Addressing climate change: Why biodiversity matters highlights the importance of considering biodiversity within climate change policies, programmes and projects, and presents opportunities to realise synergies. 

Authors of both the report and policy brief comprise of scientists and practitioners at UNEP-WCMC, BirdLife International and The German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (Bundesamt für Naturschutz – BfN).