IFRC and WWF Join Forces to Protect Nature and Combat Climate Crisis

In light of the increasing impacts of climate change and extreme weather events, especially in developing nations like Nepal, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) have emphasized the importance of nature-based solutions to address the climate crisis and protect biodiversity.

Announcing their strategic partnership under the theme “Working with Nature to Protect People,” IFRC and WWF in Nepal underscored the critical role of nature-based solutions in both mitigating and adapting to climate change while enhancing resilience among communities directly affected by the crisis.

Nature-based solutions, such as forest restoration, water resource management, wetland rehabilitation, and riverbank plantations, have demonstrated effectiveness in Nepal, offering benefits beyond disaster risk reduction. “We emphasize that confronting climate crises necessitates safeguarding wildlife and biodiversity on an ecosystem scale, crucial for fostering a future where humans and nature thrive in harmony,” they reiterated.

Dr. Ghana Shyam Gurung, Country Representative of WWF Nepal, highlighted the partnership’s potential to make a significant impact. “The collaboration between IFRC and WWF Nepal is an opportunity to make a difference at scale, and we call on partners to support our joint efforts,” he stated.

Leveraging their combined expertise and extensive networks, IFRC and WWF will address the ongoing climate crisis, emerging risks, and societal challenges. Through local action and collaboration with governments, partners, development agencies, donors, and the private sector, they aim to integrate nature into climate adaptation strategies.

This entails engaging with authorities at all levels to provide policy advice and coordinate initiatives as part of broader humanitarian and development endeavors. Azmat Ulla, Head of Delegation at IFRC, emphasized the importance of protecting biodiversity and wildlife in tackling climate crises. “The IFRC and WWF collaboration presents a significant opportunity to make a difference, and we call on partners to lend their support,” he remarked.