“WCS sees an Amazon COP as a moment to recognise nature, ecological integrity, and Indigenous leadership as critical parts of the climate agenda.”
Close the ambition gap and align the Rio Conventions
WCS says COP30 must close the ambition gap on mitigation and finance, progress a just transition, and advance pledges to phase away from fossil fuels and deforestation. It urges Parties to adopt a full COP/CMA decision calling for stronger coordination between the three Rio Conventions — UNFCCC, CBD and UNCCD — revitalising the Joint Liaison Group and centring cooperation on ecological integrity.
Ecological integrity as a key adaptation metric
WCS calls for COP30 to conclude the UAE–Belém work programme by adopting a robust set of indicators for the Global Goal on Adaptation that captures the role of ecological integrity and the link between ecosystem integrity loss and risk of collapse, with periodic refinement agreed by Parties.
Halting and reversing deforestation by 2030
To implement the COP28 Global Stocktake, WCS urges a clear, time-bound process to halt and reverse deforestation and forest degradation by 2030, with delivery plans embedded in national policies and reporting.
Nature as a mitigation strategy in NDCs
WCS wants countries to expand and strengthen ecosystem conservation within Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), including recognition and demarcation of Indigenous and Traditional Territories (ITTs) as a climate mitigation policy, reflecting their proven role in biodiversity conservation and climate regulation.
Climate-proofing conservation and building resilience
Alongside mitigation, WCS calls for investment to ‘climate-proof’ conservation strategies by linking biodiversity protection with adaptation. It highlights international commitments to safeguard climate-resilient coral reefs as an example that can boost ecosystem resilience and protect coastal communities.
Financing tropical forests
WCS welcomes Brazil’s development of the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) with tropical forest nations and partners. It urges strong capitalisation and technical rigour ahead of COP30 to ensure long-term success.
Indigenous leadership and climate justice
WCS emphasises increased direct funding for Indigenous Peoples and organisations, stronger territorial governance and management, and active participation of Indigenous and traditional communities in decision-making as essential to fair, effective and rights-based climate solutions.
“Protecting nature, respecting Indigenous rights, and restoring ecological integrity are central to stabilising the planet’s climate and securing a just, liveable future. COP30 should be remembered as the turning point where nations chose courage, cooperation and integrity over delay.”
