Conservationists Need to Embrace Innovation to Adapt to Climate Impacts on Species, Ecosystems, and People

Conservation organizations and natural resource agencies must adopt innovative approaches to protect species and ecosystems as they face the challenges of a rapidly unfolding climate crisis. This key finding is highlighted in the guide titled “Innovation in Climate Adaptation: Harnessing the Power of Innovation for Effective Biodiversity and Ecosystem Adaptation.”

Produced by the National Wildlife Federation in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey Climate Adaptation Science Center Network and the IUCN Species Survival Commission Climate Change Specialist Group, the guide was co-authored by an international team of 16 experts, including SANParks’ Specialist Scientist, Dr. Wendy Foden. The guide incorporates lessons and examples of innovation from various sectors, including business and technology.

SANParks is actively engaged in several collaborative projects aimed at addressing the climate crisis by offering protection to species and ecosystems. One such initiative involves specially engineered artificial nest boxes at the Boulders Penguin Colony in Table Mountain National Park. These nest boxes provide cooling for penguins during heatwaves and safeguard eggs and chicks from predatory gulls. This innovative project is a collaboration between SANParks, SANCCOB, and the Dallas Zoo, funded by WWF-US.

Another project, led by Professor Susie Cunningham and Sean Morar from the University of Cape Town, features an experimental shade structure over a water hole in Tankwa Karoo National Park. The structure provides relief for small birds during heatwaves, where ground temperatures can exceed 60°C, by creating shaded opportunities for landing and drinking. This initiative is a collaboration between SANParks and UCT’s FitzPatrick Institute, also funded by WWF-US.

To address the challenges posed by a warming world, institutions must embed climate adaptation into their policies and practices while adopting innovative and transformational conservation strategies. The guide emphasizes that biodiversity, ecosystem services, and societies face increasing threats from climate extremes, novel environmental and ecological conditions, catastrophic events, and complex interactions.

While traditional conservation practices, honed over centuries, remain essential, they are no longer sufficient to address the emerging challenges of climate change. Many conventional methods may become obsolete or require significant modifications. Adapting successfully to climate change will necessitate the rapid development and application of innovative practices, approaches, and policies.