Outlook on climate change adaptation in the Tropical Andes mountains

Loss of ecosystem functions and biodiversity

Globally and also within the Tropical Andes countries, biodiversity policies are more aligned with the goals and strategies of theConventiononBiological Diversity (CBD) than of the UNFCCC. For example, biodiversity policies are mainly aimed at conserving species and landscapes threatened by human activities e.g. land use. However, biodiversity policies are increasingly acknowledging the threats of climate change to species, ecosystems and ecosystem functions. Opportunities Climate change is modifying the ranges of species’ habitats and ecological niches, whereby species are moving to new locations or disappearing when suitable conditions no longer exist. In this context, protected areas may not be covering what used to be habitats and landscapes of endangered species. It is also possible that such species have moved beyond the area’s boundaries. This represents an opportunity for linking conservation and climate change while revising the location and function of protected areas. Protected areas – and more specifically, mountain protected areas – have been identified and are increasingly recognized, as instruments for climate change adaptation policies (Dudley et al. 2010; Hoffmann et al. 2011). Considering the long-term impact of climate change, it may be worth exploring how protected areas ought to be selected and designed, bearing in mind that species’ ranges and habitats will continue to shift due to climate change. Furthermore, there is increasing global recognition of the links between biodiversity and climate change and the opportunities provided through ecosystem-

based approaches to adaptation to climate change (EbA), which links the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystem services with climate change adaptation. Policy gaps • Adaptation policies have generally not yet included actions to prevent climate change impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity (although Peru, for example, has included EbA within its INDCs).

• Systematic and functional linkage of CBD and UNFCCC programmes and strategies. • Insufficient protection of the full range of ecosystem services contributing to human well-being. This is more acute in the case of services provided by mountains, probably based upon the little recognition of both the services themselves and the role played by their inhabitants in their maintenance. • Insufficient recognition of protected areas on sub-national levels as important instruments for climate change adaptation.

Flamingos, Uyuni Salt flat, Bolivia

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