Bundesamt für Naturschutz

Biodiversity and Climate: Integrated Solutions for a Resilient Future

Internationale Naturschutzakademie
Tagung
Datum, Uhrzeit
05.07.2026 (So.) 18:00 Uhr
 
10.07.2026 (Fr.) 12:00 Uhr
Veranstaltungsort
International Academy for Nature Conservation Isle Vilm
Veranstalter*in
Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), KfW Development Bank
Leitung
Nada Rohloff (BfN), Sandra Gmelin (KfW), Barbara Lang (GIZ)
Zielgruppe
Closed group of participants
Veranstaltungssprache
English
The global climate and biodiversity crises are deeply interconnected. Driven by shared pressures – rising energy consumption, unprecedented land- and sea use change, and the overexploitation of natural resources - they fuel a vicious cycle: climate change drives biodiversity loss, while ecosystem degradation reduces the ability of ecosystems to absorb carbon and buffer climate impacts. Therefore, addressing these crises in isolation is not enough. It requires integrated approaches that are resilient and adapted to uncertainty, e.g. responsive to shifting climatic zones, human migration, species migration and ecosystem change. Fragmented or one-sided measures risk being ineffective or even causing unintended harm that further exacerbates both crises. This seminar will explore how biodiversity–climate synergies can be realized and where trade-offs arise -from global policy frameworks to local implementation - highlighting the role of nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based approaches as practical measures for turning policy ambition into results on the ground. It will also situate these efforts within the wider landscape of international environmental governance, introducing synergies that extend beyond the Rio-Conventions to other treaties such as the recently adopted BBNJ agreement on marine biodiversity or conventions dealing with migratory species, wetlands, and related issues, as well as discuss their role in a shifting geopolitical environment. Drawing on recent scientific insights and recognizing the importance of traditional and local knowledge and community engagement, the seminar offers a holistic perspective on maintaining and restoring nature’s functions to sustain human development and help mitigate climate change. With a strong focus on shaping policy and translating it into practice, it will showcase best practices from around the world that advance integrated climate and biodiversity action.

Participants

The target audience of the seminars are practitioners working at the interface of international cooperation, biodiversity conservation, and climate change, such as experts from ministries and affiliated organisations in partner countries of German international cooperation, GIZ, KfW, BMUKN, BMZ, consulting companies, NGOs, and universities. Participation is limited to 20 participants for the seminar “Biodiversity & Development: Delivering nature-positive development pathways” and to 25 participants for the seminar “Biodiversity and Climate – Integrated Solutions for a Resilient Future”.

Objectives

Participants will

  • Gain a comprehensive overview of current global trends, challenges, and opportunities in enhancing biodiversity and climate synergies at policy, planning and implementation level.
  • Expand their knowledge of ecosystem-based approaches for building resilience to the impacts of global change factors.
  • Understand the role of policy frameworks and financial mechanisms in supporting synergistic biodiversity and climate action.
  • Discuss and develop practical strategies for integrating scientific, policy, local and traditional perspectives to accelerate synergistic action.
  • Learn about current approaches for the monitoring of biodiversity and climate measures and discuss their strengths and weaknesses.

Contents

The seminar will feature a mix of expert presentations, case studies, interactive group work, discussions, and a field trip. Topics include:

  • Scientific foundations: Background on synergies and trade-offs between biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation and adaptation.
  • Policy coherence across scales: Approaches for aligning international, national, and subnational policy frameworks to advance integrated climate and biodiversity action.
  • Local implementation: A deep-dive into on-the-ground measures such as nature-based solutions, complemented by a demonstrative field trip.
  • Financing mechanisms: A discussion of financial instruments that mobilize resources for synergistic biodiversity and climate action.

Costs

2nd seminar (6 - 10 July), arrival Sunday, 5 July: approx. 1300 € per participant (including full board and lodging)

The final fee can only be set by mid-May 2026. A late cancellation of your registration within 30 days prior to the start of the seminar will imply a fee of about 500 € in case no substitute can be found. There are no reductions possible. Before applying, please ensure that all costs (incl. travel) will be covered by the applicant or his/her organisation.

How to apply

Please apply by completing and submitting the attached application form. Kindly note that there are separate application forms for each seminar.

Deadline for applications: 28 February 2026
Confirmation of acceptance will be sent by 15 March 2026.

Weiterführende Downloads

Application form for Biodiversity and Climate: Integrated Solutions for a Resilient Future 2026 (pdf, 175.24 KB)

Kontakt im BfN

Nada Rohloff
Fachgebiet I 2.1 Internationale Naturschutzakademie und Veranstaltungsmanagement
038301 86-122
nada.rohloff@bfn.de