The 25th Conference of the Parties (COP25) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) takes place in Madrid from Monday 2 to Friday 13 December. Originally due to be hosted by Santiago, Chile, this COP will still be held under Chilean presidency.
COP24 marked the end of a cycle in the negotiation process by setting the rules for the application of the Paris Agreement. However, it was more reserved when it came to moving the ambitions ahead. This explains why the upcoming COP has action at its core, as indicated by the theme chosen by its Chilean organizers: Time for Action.
COP25 represents a crucial stage in climate negotiations. It comes just a few months before the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are due to be submitted, and these have to be stepped up in comparison with the initial submissions of 2015. This COP will therefore be an opportunity to assess whether the countries’ climate ambitions are capable of meeting the challenges, and whether their commitments are being translated into national and local policies and strategies (and/or through international cooperation).
As far as negotiations are concerned, some elements of the Paris Climate Agreement Rulebook are yet to be finalized, particularly the international carbon markets. Discussions should also be held on the issues of Loss and Damage.
In naming COP25 the Blue COP, Chile wished to place the oceans front and center. COP25 will therefore emphasize the link between the oceans and climate action, whether in terms of mitigation and adaptation strategies, or of the role of Nature-based Solutions in the fight against climate change. COP25 should be a decisive point in view of the important milestones for 2020 represented by the World Conservation Congress and COP15 on biodiversity, an opportunity to coordinate climate ambitions with those relating to biodiversity.
Please, find the FWP recommendations, publications and program for COP25 in the press kit below:
Water and climate: In the face of emergency, time for action!
Program of FWP events at COP25
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3TH
Water, an opportunity to respond to the impacts of climate change – solutions from French stakeholders in water
- Description: To mark the publication of “Water & Climate, Time for Action: Initiatives and projects by French stakeholders”, FWP members will share concrete actions developed in the regions for managing water and aquatic environments, which also contribute towards achieving the many objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement AND the 2030 Agenda.
- When: Tuesday, Decembre 3th, from 10:00am to 11:30pm
- Where: French Pavilion
- Organizers: FWP
- Program
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6TH
MPGCA water action event – Just Add Water: Solutions for the 2020 NDCs and beyond
- Description: This session aims to bring together water stakeholders and specialists from other fields to help disseminate best practices in the areas of water and climate. It will be divided into two sub-sessions: (i) urban resilience via a balance of green and grey solutions, (ii) the “food and forestry” value chain: connecting projects from source to sea.
- When: Friday, Decembre 6th, from 10:00am to 1:00pm
- Where: Global Climate Action event, Hall 4, Room 6
- Organizers: FWP, AGWA, SIWI, GafWaC, IUCN, FAO, UNESCO-IHP, WWC
- Program
It’s Time for Climate Action! Initiatives and projects by French stakeholders in water
- Description: Through this event, the FWP wishes to present concrete actions developed in the regions and at various levels to manage water and aquatic environments: an opportunity for stakeholders in water to issue a reminder that water is a lever in the fight against climate change, and also in meeting the targets of the 2030 Agenda!
- When: Friday, Decembre 6th, from 1:00pm to 2:30pm
- Where: Pavilion Francophonie
- Organizers: FWP
- Program
Aquatic Nature-based Solutions: Adapting to climate change & delivering multiple benefits across sectors
- Description: By presenting model projects carried out by signatories to the International Declaration on Nature-based Solutions, this event will show how aquatic solutions can respond to both the climate and the biodiversity challenges. This will also be an ideal opportunity to promote the Nature4Water platform, which documents these solutions with their many benefits for all sectors.
- When: Friday, Decembre 6th, from 4:00pm to 4:45pm
- Where: Action hub
- Organizers: INBO/GafWaC, FWP, IUCN, AGWA, SIWI, WWC
- Program
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7TH
Objective 2023 revision: the “water” component of the Nationally Determined Contributions in the public policies and national strategies of French-speaking African countries
- Description: Water is a core component of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), particularly in French-speaking African countries. However, their content varies from one country to the next. The event aims to share and discuss feedback from public and private stakeholders and civil society in France and French-speaking African countries on their experience of drawing up NDCs, national plans, and water-related projects and their financing.
- When: Saturday, December 7th, 11:00am-12:30pm
- Where: Pavilion Francophonie
- Organizers: FWP and RC&D
- Program
Ecosystem-based adaptation in the water sector: when green and grey make blue!
- Description: Ecosystem-based Adaptation in the water sector mobilizes “no-regret” Nature-based Solutions, including management of resilient lands and forests that operates optimally at basin, river and aquifer-level. The session presents studies from all over the world, including Andean, East Asian, and African regions.
- When: Saturday, December 7th, 1:15am-2:45pm
- Where: Room 2
- Organizers: INBO, FWP, Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation
- Program
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10TH
Climate-resilient water management approaches
- Description: The aim of this event is to inform participants and UNFCCC negotiators about the main conclusions of the UN-Water brief, which are illustrated by the initiatives and projects presented by the Member States and experts on the various themes identified in this brief.
- When: Tuesday, December 10th, from 6:30pm-8:00pm
- Where : Room 1
- Organizers: UNESCO, UNECE, WMO, UNDP, UNU-INWEH, UNCCD, ESCWA, SIWI, AGWA, WWC, GWP, FWP, ILO, WHO, IOM, OHCHR, UNICEF, CBD, IWMI
- Program
Our productions for COP25
Better knowledge for better decision making: Complementarity between field data and satellite data
Towards a better understanding of field hydrology
Thorough knowledge of water resources is crucial if we are to act effectively. The acquisition of hydrological data is therefore crucial to decision-making. Following the initial edition of the “FWP Expertise” collection, on the challenges related to knowledge, and the expertise developed to respond to these challenges in France and worldwide, this latest edition is dedicated to the acquisition of spatial hydrological data and presents a number of initiatives and projects by French stakeholders in water, highlighting the ways in which satellite data can complement and help improve our knowledge of hydrological data from the field. Publication in French here, in English here and in Spanish here.
Water & Climate, Time for Action: Initiatives and projects by French stakeholders
Climate change demands unprecedented efforts from all the countries of the world in terms of both mitigation and adaptation. Water is both a particularly vulnerable sector and a vehicle for solutions. With the aim of helping to get the Action Agenda back on track, the FWP is publishing a booklet of solutions that presents a sample of concrete actions developed in France and overseas for managing water and aquatic environments. This booklet is an opportunity for water stakeholders to issue a reminder that water is a lever in the fight against climate change, and for achieving the 2030 targets too! Publication in French here, in English here and in Spanish here.
The French policy for the management of water resources and aquatic biodiversity
A source of inspiration for implementing the 2030 Agenda
One thing that makes France’s management of water resources and aquatic biodiversity unique is that it acts in a spirit of solidarity at every level by including both the small and large water cycles. The benefits of such an approach to management, which is able to adapt to a changing context, make a major contribution to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. With the support of the Ministry of Ecological and Solidarity Transition, and in partnership with the International Office for Water, the Water Agencies, the French Biodiversity Agency, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and the Martinique Water Office, the FWP has produced a guide that aims to provide information about French policy, which could be of interest to other stakeholders for their own policies and projects. It provides the keys to understanding, the major principles governing this dynamic, progressive approach, in accordance with the challenges, growing awareness, and innovative projects. Publication in French here, in English here, en espagnol here and mandarin here.
Climate change and water
Text of UN-Water recommendations
Climate risk and the increasing demand for water are putting pressure on water resources. To reduce these risks, national and regional climate policy and planning must take an integrated approach in order to manage water resources and the impacts of climate change as effectively as possible. Worsening water stress coupled with the growing demand for water will require increasingly difficult decisions, particularly about how the resource is allocated between its various users, and including decisions about adapting to climate change. “Business as usual” is no longer an option, and the management of water resources must always be part of an approach that builds resilience to the effects of climate change. More investment is therefore needed, to improve hydrological knowledge and the assessment of risks, and also to strengthen governance, education and capacity. Policies need to ensure the representation, participation, behavioral change and accountability of all stakeholders, including the private sector and civil society. Publication in French here, in English here.
On-site contacts:
- Marie-Laure Vercambre, Director General, FWP –
marie-laure.vercambre@partenariat-francais-eau.fr
- Jean – Luc Redaud, President of the Water and Climate Working Group, FWP
- Jennifer Fernando, Project Manager, FWP –
jennifer.fernando@partenariat-francais-eau.fr
- Isabelle Censi, press contact –