IUCN WCPA Climate Change Specialist Group
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IUCN COMMISSION GROUP

IUCN WCPA Climate Change Specialist Group

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Overview and description

Description:
The WCPA Climate Change Specialist Group focuses on the role of protected and conserved areas in mitigating and adapting to climate change while simultaneously addressing biodiversity loss and human ...

The WCPA Climate Change Specialist Group focuses on the role of protected and conserved areas in mitigating and adapting to climate change while simultaneously addressing biodiversity loss and human well-being. We do this by preparing guidelines and publications, coordinating advocacy efforts, and influencing national and international processes related to climate change and biodiversity protection. The Specialist Group works in both the terrestrial and marine realms.

Group leadership

Dr Risa SMITH
Co-Chair

Dr. Risa Smith is an ecologist and current Co-Chair of Protected Areas Climate Change Specialist Group, World Commission on Protected Areas, International Union for the Conservation of Nature (WCPA). Some of her recent activities for WCPA include; leading a Best Practices Guidelines for Climate Change Mitigation in Protected Areas; representing WCPA on IUCN’s Nature-Based Solutions Expert Group; participating in the IUCN Climate Change Task Force; preparing briefings and positions on Protected Areas and Climate Change; participating in an Horizon Scan of emerging issues in protected areas management; leading the protected areas stream for the Summit on Nature-Based Climate Solutions in Canada; and publishing a report on Enhancing Canada’s Climate Change Ambitions with Natural Climate Solutions, including a related story map. Her most recent publications focus on the importance of tackling the biodiversity loss and climate change crises together, and understanding the role of protected and conserved areas in climate change mitigation, adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

Dr. Risa Smith is an ecologist and current Co-Chair of Protected Areas Climate Change Specialist Group, World Commission on Protected Areas, International Union for the Conservation of Nature (WCPA) ...

Ms Lauren WENZEL
Co-Chair
As the Director of the National Marine Protected Areas Center at the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminsitration (NOAA), Lauren Wenzel focuses on connecting and strengthening the nation’s diverse marine and coastal protected area programs through capacity building, information and tools, and communication and engaging stakeholders. Her focus is on building partnerships among U.S. and international marine and coastal programs and stakeholders to demonstrate and communicate the value of protecting the ocean’s most important places. Lauren has been with the MPA Center since 2004.
As the Director of the National Marine Protected Areas Center at the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminsitration (NOAA), Lauren Wenzel focuses on connecting and strengthening the nation’s ...