Protected and conserved areas sign first-ever joint statement on climate change and biodiversity

The South Downs National Park Authority is backing a milestone international statement calling upon world leaders to unite for nature.

Spearheaded by National Parks UK, which includes the South Downs National Park, the statement has been signed by more than 25 international organisations, including the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)/ World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), EUROPARC, Parks Canada and the United States National Park Service.

The statement says:

‘As a family of Protected and Conserved Areas we recognise that no single site or organisation can address the global crisis of climate change nor the exacerbating impact of climate change on biodiversity loss.

[This family] is well placed to respond to the calls to action from the IPCC, IPBES, IRP and UNEP and to support the ambition of countries around the world, including the G7 and the members of the HAC, by taking rapid and far-reaching actions to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss.

We can be the first 30 percent that inspires and informs land and sea use choices across the remainder of the planet, and we can be the places where billions of people connect with nature and become inspired to play an active part in combatting the dual crises.’

The full text of the statement can be read here.

Trevor Beattie, Chief Executive of the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “Our family of protected landscapes is united in the fight against biodiversity loss and the climate emergency. Nature is our ally and best advocate.  National Parks and AONBs are championing nature recovery across the country but we need reinforcements.  Today we call on world leaders to support our vital work to support nature-based solutions to the climate crisis.

“Situated in the busiest part of the UK, the South Downs National Park is delivering dynamic nature recovery and climate action that supports, people, wildlife and a sustainable green recovery.

“Our innovative 10 year, £100m #ReNature campaign to create an extra 13,000 hectares of wildlife habitat has captured the public’s imagination and underlines the importance of local solutions to the global crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.”

James Stuart, Convener of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park and architect of the statement, said: “In the fight against biodiversity loss and climate emergency, if we fail here, we will fail everywhere. We’re star players, don’t leave us on the bench.

“Climate change is not confined within national borders, and I believe this unique agreement can help spread innovation and good practice to our collective benefit. In turn we can show the way for countries, landowners and individuals across the world – inspiring them to put nature and nature-based solutions at the heart of their thinking and their economic and life choices.”

Mr Stuart signed the statement on behalf of UK National Parks in the UK Pavilion at COP26 as part of the Youth Day events.  The most prominent signature was reserved for the front of the document and provided by Catriona Manders, Youth Committee & Junior Ranger, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, which is just 20 miles from the COP26 venues in Glasgow. She signed on behalf of future generations, charging Governments and conservation organisations with a duty to work together more closely.

Catriona commented: “We are no longer at a point where we can have world leaders ignore the climate and biodiversity crises. We must act now. And we, as protected areas, have a duty of care to be the catalyst that sparks change. We know what we’re fighting for, so let’s fight.”

Catriona urged others to join her call to action and support for the statement using the hashtag #UniteForNature.

Founding signatories to the statement include:

• Bureau of Land Management (USA)
• Centre for National Parks and Protected Areas
• EUROPARC
• European Ranger Federation
• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
• Israel Nature and Parks Authority
• IUCN/WCPA
• Korea National Park Service
• The National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (USA)
• National Park Service (USA)
• National Parks UK
• Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic
• NatureScot
• New South Wales National Parks & Wildlife Service
• Nigeria National Park Service
• Parks and Wildlife Finland
• Parks Australia
• Parks Canada
• Parks Victoria
• Sabah Parks
• Quebec-Labrador Foundation/Atlantic Center for the Environment
• South African National Parks
• US Bureau of Reclamation
• US Fish and Wildlife Service
• US Forest Service
• World Urban Parks