Why investing in Geopark's Natural Heritage could be key in Mitigating Climate Change

Executive Summary

As the world faces escalating environmental crises, the urgency to address climate change and biodiversity loss has never been more apparent. A growing consensus has emerged: addressing both climate change and nature loss requires integrated strategies that focus on both mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing the resilience of natural ecosystems. As the threat of a climate crisis continues to grow, the global community is exploring new and innovative solutions to mitigate environmental damage and adapt to the changing climate. One such approach gaining increasing attention is the use of nature-based climate solutions (NbCS). These solutions leverage natural processes and ecosystems to tackle climate-related challenges, enhancing both climate resilience and biodiversity. Among the many landscapes capable of benefiting from NbCS, geoparks offer a unique and promising environment for implementing these solutions.

Geoparks, designated by UNESCO for their geological significance, represent an intersection of natural beauty, ecological diversity, and cultural heritage. These areas are more than just geologically important; they also embody complex ecosystems that support a wide range of plant and animal species. As climate change intensifies, geoparks have emerged as an important arena for the implementation of NbCS, offering a space where conservation, climate action, and sustainable development can work together to address the environmental challenges of today.

Understanding the Concept of Nature-Based Climate Solutions

Nature-based climate solutions focus on utilizing ecosystems and natural processes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance carbon sequestration, and increase resilience to climate change impacts. These solutions range from restoring degraded ecosystems to managing existing natural resources in ways that improve their ability to store carbon, reduce flooding, prevent soil erosion, and protect biodiversity. Unlike technological solutions, NbCS work with nature to restore balance and functionality to ecosystems, delivering multiple benefits not only for the climate but also for biodiversity and local communities.

The potential of NbCS extends beyond carbon sequestration. Reforestation and afforestation projects are perhaps the most widely recognized nature-based solutions, as forests have a significant capacity to absorb and store carbon dioxide. Wetland restoration is another key strategy, as wetlands act as vital carbon sinks and provide essential services like flood control, water filtration, and habitat for wildlife. Similarly, soil carbon sequestration involves the enhancement of soil management practices that increase the amount of carbon stored in the ground, which can be especially important for agricultural regions. Coastal ecosystem restoration, particularly the restoration of mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes, is also a critical NbCS, as these ecosystems serve as natural barriers against sea-level rise and extreme weather events.

While these solutions have the potential to make a significant impact on climate change, they also bring numerous co-benefits for biodiversity, water resources, and local livelihoods. Through their natural processes, ecosystems not only contribute to mitigating climate change but also enhance the resilience of both natural and human systems to the inevitable changes that are already underway.

However, despite the potential of NbCS, their large-scale implementation faces a series of challenges, including technical barriers, financing issues, and the need for stronger market infrastructure. However, with growing support from both governments and the private sector, the path forward for NbCS is becoming clearer. There is increasing recognition that, in the fight against climate change, nature must play a central role in helping reduce emissions and build resilience, offering both immediate and long-term solutions to the environmental crises facing the world.

Why Geoparks are Ideal for Nature-Based Climate Solution Projects

Geoparks are designated for their geological importance and environmental significance, often encompassing diverse ecosystems, landscapes, and habitats. These characteristics make them well-suited to the implementation of NbCS. Geoparks are typically characterized by varied ecosystems, such as forests, wetlands, grasslands, and coastal zones, each of which plays a distinct role in regulating the climate. These areas provide an excellent foundation for conservation efforts aimed at boosting carbon sequestration and promoting biodiversity conservation.

In particular, the forests found within geoparks are some of the most effective carbon sinks on the planet. By implementing reforestation or afforestation projects within these parks, we can greatly enhance the area’s ability to sequester carbon, helping to offset emissions from other sectors. Wetland ecosystems in geoparks also offer immense potential for carbon capture. By restoring these areas, we not only enhance their role in sequestering carbon but also improve their ability to regulate water flow, reduce flooding, and provide habitat for numerous species, further supporting both climate and biodiversity goals.

Additionally, many geoparks are located in regions that are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including coastal areas, mountain ranges, and wetlands. This makes them prime locations for implementing NbCS that enhance resilience. Coastal areas within geoparks, for example, can benefit from the restoration of mangroves and salt marshes, which can provide natural barriers to rising sea levels, storms, and coastal erosion. Similarly, mountainous geoparks can focus on erosion control and soil stabilization, helping to prevent landslides and other destructive events exacerbated by climate change.

Enhancing Climate Resilience in Geoparks

The role of geoparks in enhancing climate resilience is critical. These areas, with their natural landscapes and diverse ecosystems, are often in regions particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts, such as extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and droughts. NbCS strategies implemented within geoparks can significantly contribute to building resilience by restoring and preserving natural ecosystems that provide essential services.

Geoparks, with their variety of ecosystems and geological features, are often situated in areas that are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. Coastal zones, wetlands, mountain regions, and arid areas are all susceptible to the consequences of shifting weather patterns, rising sea levels, and more frequent extreme weather events. These areas, while vulnerable, also offer significant opportunities for nature-based climate solutions to reduce the impacts of climate change and build resilience within local ecosystems and human communities.

One of the primary ways NbCS contribute to resilience is by improving the ability of natural systems to adapt to changing conditions. Wetland restoration projects, for instance, can enhance the capacity of wetlands to absorb and retain water, reducing the likelihood of flooding and mitigating the impact of heavy rainfall events. Similarly, restoring forests and grasslands can prevent soil erosion, which can otherwise be worsened by intense rainfall or droughts. These natural solutions can reduce the vulnerability of local communities to extreme weather while improving the long-term sustainability of the ecosystems on which they rely.

Geoparks also provide an opportunity to integrate sustainable land management practices, which are crucial for adapting to the effects of climate change. In mountainous regions, for example, promoting sustainable grazing practices, preventing deforestation, and supporting ecosystem restoration can help mitigate the risk of landslides and protect fragile landscapes. These measures not only help preserve the natural beauty of the geopark but also ensure that communities living in or near these areas are better equipped to face climate-related challenges.

Engaging Local Communities through Leveraging Culture, Education, and Public Awareness

An essential aspect of geoparks is their emphasis on involving local communities in the management and preservation of the area’s natural and cultural heritage. This community-based approach is critical to the success of any climate solution, as local knowledge, practices, and active participation are key to the long-term sustainability of NbCS. By engaging communities in nature-based climate actions, we can foster a greater sense of ownership and responsibility, empowering individuals to take proactive steps in addressing climate change.

In many geoparks, local communities rely on the natural resources provided by the land for their livelihoods, such as agriculture, tourism, and fishing. Nature-based solutions that prioritize ecosystem restoration and sustainable resource management can therefore directly benefit local communities by enhancing the health and productivity of these ecosystems. For example, the restoration of forests or wetlands can improve water quality and reduce the incidence of floods or droughts, directly benefiting agriculture and local infrastructure. In turn, this improves the resilience of communities to the impacts of climate change and provides them with new opportunities for sustainable development.

Geoparks also offer a platform for environmental education and capacity building. By integrating NbCS into their operations, geoparks can serve as living classrooms where local residents and visitors alike can learn about the importance of ecosystem conservation and climate action. Education about the benefits of NbCS can inspire both residents and tourists to adopt more sustainable practices in their daily lives, further enhancing the park’s impact in the fight against climate change.

Public awareness and education are critical components of successful climate action, and geoparks are ideally suited to serve as educational hubs. These areas are often visited by tourists, scientists, students, and local residents who come to learn about the area’s geological and environmental significance. This offers a unique opportunity to engage the public in the conversation about climate change and the role of NbCS in addressing this global challenge.

By integrating NbCS into the educational programming of geoparks, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of how natural processes can contribute to mitigating climate change. Interpretive programs, guided tours, and visitor centers can highlight the role of specific ecosystems, such as forests, wetlands, and coastal zones, in sequestering carbon and enhancing resilience. Moreover, these educational efforts can demonstrate how communities are actively working to restore ecosystems and protect their natural heritage in the face of climate change. This can inspire others to adopt similar strategies in their own regions.

Additionally, geoparks can serve as testing grounds for new ideas and innovative approaches to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Research conducted within these parks can help expand our understanding of the most effective nature-based solutions and provide valuable data for scaling up these practices in other areas. By promoting scientific inquiry alongside public education, geoparks can play a pivotal role in advancing the global conversation about climate solutions.

Support for a Sustainable and Regenerative Geotourism Sector

Sustainable tourism has long been promoted as an economic model that benefits local communities while minimizing environmental impact. In geoparks, tourism is often a significant economic driver, with visitors drawn to the park’s natural beauty and unique geological features. By aligning tourism with nature-based climate solutions, geoparks can create a win-win scenario: fostering economic development while supporting climate action.

Tourism in geoparks can generate the funds necessary for the implementation of NbCS, including ecosystem restoration projects, conservation initiatives, and environmental education programs. Sustainable tourism practices, such as eco-tourism and responsible visitation, can ensure that the park's natural resources are protected while providing economic benefits to local communities. Moreover, geoparks can use tourism as a platform for promoting environmental stewardship, encouraging visitors to participate in conservation activities, or simply raise awareness about the importance of protecting natural resources in the fight against climate change.

As geoparks continue to develop their tourism strategies, they can serve as models for how tourism can contribute to climate action. By promoting sustainable tourism alongside NbCS, geoparks can demonstrate how economic growth and environmental sustainability can go hand in hand.

Challenges and Opportunities Moving Forward in Geopark Climate Action

While the potential for nature-based solutions in geoparks is vast, several challenges must be addressed to fully realize their benefits. Securing adequate funding for large-scale restoration projects and ongoing management efforts can be difficult, especially in regions where financial resources are limited. Balancing conservation goals with the needs of local communities, particularly those who depend on natural resources for their livelihoods, is also crucial. Furthermore, ensuring effective collaboration between local governments, community groups, non-governmental organizations, and private stakeholders will be essential for the success of NbCS initiatives.

Despite these challenges, the opportunities for leveraging nature-based solutions in geoparks are immense. As climate change continues to accelerate, the world must look to all available solutions to mitigate its effects and build resilience. Geoparks, with their unique combination of natural beauty, biodiversity, and community involvement, offer an invaluable opportunity to integrate NbCS into the broader climate strategy. Through careful planning, collaboration, and investment, geoparks can become powerful hubs for climate action, contributing to a more sustainable future for both the environment and the communities that depend on it.

A photo of a Mangrove Plantation project.

Conclusions

Geoparks hold enormous potential to contribute to the global effort to combat climate change. With their rich biodiversity, diverse ecosystems, and strong emphasis on community involvement, they are ideal settings for implementing nature-based climate solutions. From restoring forests and wetlands to promoting sustainable land management practices, geoparks can enhance carbon sequestration, protect vulnerable ecosystems, and build resilience to climate impacts. By embracing NbCS, geoparks offer a pathway to a more sustainable future, where nature and human society work together to address the climate crisis. As the world continues to confront the realities of climate change, geoparks stand as beacons of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of nature in the fight for a healthier planet.

Diemas Sukma Hawkins

Diemas Sukma Hawkins is a Senior Associate at the Geoparks Investment Advisory Council (GIAC), where he leads the Business Advisory Capabilities for Climate Change and Sustainability. He also supports GIAC’s initiatives in Organizational Strategy, Philanthropy, and Social Impact, and serves as Principal Industry Advisor for Agribusiness and Food, Commodities and Trade, and Spa and Wellness sectors. Previously, Diemas contributed to Indonesia’s national development as an Energy Policy Analyst at the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) and the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment. He also held the role of Secretary General of the Indonesian Geoparks Youth Forum (IGYF), a youth-led organization focused on sustainable development in geopark communities. Diemas has also served as an Investment Fellow at Stella Capital, further broadening his expertise in strategic advisory and investment.