Delegates will highlight the key role of landscape architecture strategies in maximizing the benefits of nature for people and communities
ASLA will be represented by two delegates at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. This is the third year ASLA has been an NGO observer to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP) process.
ASLA’s delegate:
- Pamela Conrad, ASLA, PLA, Founder, Climate Positive Design; Fellow, ASLA Biodiversity and Climate Action; Senior Fellow, Architecture 2030; Faculty Design Critic, Harvard Graduate School of Design; Vice Chair, Climate and Biodiversity Group Working Group, International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA)
And the landscape architect delegate of the Government of Thailand:
- Kotchakorn Voraakhom, International ASLA, Founder, Landprocess; Chair, Climate and Biodiversity Group Working Group, IFLA.
At COP29, Conrad and Voraakhom will host Working with Nature: Landscape Action in National Adaptation Plans, a workshop for global policymakers in the blue zone, the delegate area of the conference. The event is organized by the UNFCCC, Climate Positive Design, ASLA, Landprocess, and IFLA.
“Every member nation of the UN has committed to creating National Adaptation Plans by 2025. These plans can either continue business-as-usual – or advance smart nature-based solutions. Pamela and Kotch will show policymakers how to design with nature, so communities can adapt to climate impacts but also reduce emissions and restore ecosystems at the same time. It’s the start of such important global work,” said ASLA CEO Torey Carter-Conneen, Hon. ASLA.
“This is the first major blue zone workshop on landscape solutions hosted by the UN and guided by landscape architects. We’re excited to lead an event where notable country leaders and technical experts will present success stories and lessons learned throughout the world. Together, we will explore pathways to scaling up nature-based solutions,” Conrad said.
At the event, Conrad will introduce WORKS with NATURE, a new guide being developed by Climate Positive Design in collaboration with Landprocess. The guide has been spearheaded by Conrad as part of her two-year ASLA Biodiversity and Climate Action Fellowship.
The guide highlights 100 low-carbon nature-based techniques that help communities adapt to extreme heat, flooding, wildfire, and drought while supporting health and biodiversity.
Half of the techniques are found in developing countries and half in developed countries, with 38 countries represented. There is also an even mix of rural and urban techniques.
Date and time: November 18, 14:00-16:00, Azerbaijan
Event location: UN COP 29 Blue Zone, Thailand Pavilion
Landscape architecture delegates will also present at these blue zone sessions:
Rethinking Our Cities: Leveraging Urban Planning and Design Solutions for Sustainable Buildings, Neighborhoods, and Lifestyles
Buildings and Cooling Pavilion, Blue Zone, International Code Council (ICC) Pavilion, Number G10, 20 November 20, 17:00-18:00, Azerbaijan
Organizers: UN-Habitat, Laudes Foundation, ASLA, IFLA, Climate Positive Design, Architecture 2030, and Harvard University Graduate School of Design
At COP29, our member leaders will explain how landscape architects design nature-based solutions that create real benefits for people and communities:
1) Increased Biodiversity
Nature-positive landscapes are the foundation of terrestrial ecosystems and efforts to achieve the goals of protecting 30 percent of ecosystems by 2030 (30 x 2030) and 10% net biodiversity, restoring global ecosystems, and increasing and protecting biodiversity.
2) Improved Human Health and Livability
Accessible public landscapes, such as parks and recreation areas, provide proven physical and mental health benefits that reduce healthcare costs and increase community cohesion.
3) Going Beyond Net-Zero
Landscapes are the most efficient way to store carbon and achieve zero embodied and operational emissions and double carbon sequestration by 2040.
4) Strengthened Resilience
Healthy, biodiverse landscapes that store carbon in trees, plants, and soils also increase people’s resilience to climate impacts, such as extreme heat, flooding, drought, and sea level rise.
5) Expanded Investment and Sustainable Livelihoods
When woven into communities, nature-based solutions become resilient assets that lead to increased investment in housing, infrastructure, and public amenities, and create sustainable local livelihoods.
