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Adaptation to Climate Change to Save Biodiversity: Lessons Learnt From African and European Experiences Dr. Kees Bastmeijer Prof. Jonathan Verschuuren Saja Erens, LL.M, MPhil “There are three kinds of death in this world. There’s heart death, there’s brain death, and there’s being off the network.” Guy Almes Research Question “Should the role of law in the protection of large natural areas and in the establishment of ecological networks in Europe and Africa, be strengthened to enable them to adapt to climate change and to halt biodiversity loss?” Approach • Comparing experiences in Africa – Europe • Africa: huge transboundary protected areas • Europe: policy to create ecological networks (most ambitious one: Natura 2000) • Lots of differences: scale, impacts, sensitivity, activities,… • Goal: to be inspired The threats climate change poses: • • • • • Lack of fresh water Problems in the food chain Overpopulation of particular species Invasion by alien species Et cetera… What to do? • Limit human causes of climate change • Help species, habitats and ecosystems to adapt: biodiversity cannot be protected without ecologically connected natural areas. The role of law • On the international level, ecological networks and the connectivity of natural areas are not yet the subject of clear ‘hard law’ obligations for states. • More concrete initiatives have been taken at a regional level (e.g., EU, SADC). Is this enough? No, because: • Climate change was not an issue when initiatives were adopted. • In the EU, ecological networks are usually not the subject of ‘hard law’. • In Africa, doubts exist about the practical implementation of ‘hard law’ obligations. • Interrelationships between networks and areas are generally unclear. General conclusion We feel that nature protection related to climate change should be the subject of more clear, ‘hard law’ obligations. Recommendations • Stricter control and responsibility at a regional (SADC, EU) level. • More explicit attention to the adaptation of species and habitats to climate change. • The application of the precautionary principle. • Further research. • Acknowledge the value of the last big areas of true wilderness and take far reaching measures to protect them. Questions to be dealt with: • On what scale should measures be taken? • Top down or bottom up? • What is the worth of establishing networks in the EU when their main elements (agricultural areas) are left untouched due to a lack of will to change the Unions agricultural policy? “For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man. All things are connected.” Chief Seattle (1851) Thanks for your attention!