IFRC, WWF call for global action to protect nature, address climate crisis

KATHMANDU: In the wake of escalating climate change impacts and extreme weather events, particularly in the developing countries like Nepal, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) have stressed nature-based solutions to address the climate crisis for protecting nature.

The IFRC and WWF in Nepal informed that they were launching a strategic partnership with the theme “Working with Nature to Protect People.” This joint initiative aims to recognise the critical role of nature-based solutions in both mitigating and adapting to climate change while fostering resilience among communities on the front lines of the crisis.

Nature-based solutions, such as forest restoration, water source management, wetland rehabilitation, and river-bank plantations, have proven effective in Nepal, offering benefits beyond disaster risk reduction, they reminded, adding, “We reiterate that tackling climate crises requires protecting wildlife and biodiversity at an ecosystem scale, which is vital to create a future in which people and nature thrive together.”

“The collaboration between IFRC and WWF Nepal is an opportunity to make a difference at scale, and we call on partners to support our joint efforts,” remarked Country Representative of WWF Nepal in Nepal, Dr Ghana Shyam Gurung.

The partnership between IFRC and WWF will be leveraging their combined expertise and extensive networks to address the ongoing climate crisis, emerging risks, and societal challenges. Through local action and collaboration with government, partners, development agencies, donors, and private sectors, IFRC and WWF aim to integrate nature into climate adaptation strategies.

This also includes engagement with authorities at all levels to provide policy advice and coordinate the initiatives as part of wider humanitarian and development efforts.

Moreover, Head of Delegation at IFRC, Azmat Ulla, observed, “Tackling climate crises requires protecting diversity and wildlife, and this is vital towards sustaining future generations. The IFRC and WWF collaboration is a great opportunity to make a difference and we call on partners to support.”