Earlier this month, durning International Development Week, in partnership with Global Affairs Canada, we brought together climate and development practitioners in Ottawa for a day of learning, exchange, and dialogue.
The event, “Advancing Climate Resilience: Nature-based Solutions, Partnerships, and Indigenous Knowledge”, was part of the Government of Canada’s Partnering for Climate initiative, and the Nature and Climate Community of Practice.
The morning session explored opportunities and challenges for nature-based finance and partnerships, with discussions on how nature-based solutions can connect to carbon and nature revenue streams, value chains, blended finance, and private-sector partnerships.
In attendance was the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), who shared remarks on the intersection of climate resilience, the economy, and Canada’s approach to international development: “Climate change and biodiversity loss do not respect borders. Biodiversity conservation is critical for economic stability and sustainable development.”
He also highlighted placing more emphasis on innovative finance and engaging the private sector: “Focus on innovative finance and engaging with the private sector. This is an area where many [Canadian] projects have been ahead of the curve.”
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to insights from Indigenous partnerships and knowledge sharing with a panel focused on program design and governance in nature-based solutions.
The day also featured the formal launch of the Global Affairs Canada-funded report, Working with Knowledge Holders to Advance Inclusive and Equitable Nature and Climate Initiatives.
Hosted as part of the 36th International Development Week, the event highlighted this year’s theme, Prosperity through Partnership, and the role of collaboration in advancing climate and development action.
Thank you to all our speakers and panelists:
- Lewis Archer, Director, National Reconciliation Program, Save the Children
- Jane Boles, Land Use Carbon Professional, Tayo Climate Partners
- Trevor Jones, Forest Carbon and Geospatial Scientist, Tayo Climate Partners
- Veronica Lo, Senior Policy Advisor, International Institute for Sustainable Development
- Céline Heinbecker, Director, Environment and Climate Partnerships Division, Global Affairs Canada
- Kerry Max, Deputy Director, Partnering for Climate, Global Affairs Canada
- Erin Myers, Director of Environment, Climate Change and Emergency Management, Métis National Council
- Jennifer O’Neill, Director of Nature-Based Solutions, Cascadia Seaweed
- Patricia Peña, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, International Assistance Partnerships and Programming Branch, Global Affairs Canada
- Ali Ravi, Director Climate Change and Energy Transition, International Union for Conservation of Nature
- Graeme Reed, Strategic Advisor, Assembly of First Nations
- The Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development)
- Jason Taylor, Founder and CEO, Climate Finance Advisor
- Terry Teegee, BC Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief
- Anita Tzec, Senior Program Manager, International Union for Conservation of Nature
- Peigi Wilson, Indigenous Advisor
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