Realizing the potential of protected areas as natural solutions for climate change adaptation: insights from Kenya and the Americas

Abstract

Protected areas play a fundamental role in national, regional, and global climate change adaptation strategies. They safeguard and enhance the resilience of ecosystems and protect clean water and other vital services that human communities rely on for their well-being. This paper highlights how protected areas agencies and their partners in four countries have begun working together to implement ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaptation. By sharing experiences and knowledge, protected area agencies in Kenya, Mexico, Chile and Colombia have increased local and national capacity to contribute to climate adaptation strategies through research, monitoring, planning, active management and ecological restoration projects. By also identifying opportunities to engage communities and offer meaningful visitor and learning experiences as part of on-the-ground activities, the projects are inspiring citizens and building understanding of how protected areas help address global challenges like climate change.