Increasing deployment of renewable energy on a global scale has been identified as a key mechanism to reduce emissions and limit warming to 1.5°C. At the same time, threats to biodiversity are rapidly multiplying. Renewable energy can help revitalize the economy by generating green jobs, ensuring energy security, improving clean air and health benefits. However, incorrectly located and inadequately safeguarded developments can have significant detrimental impacts on wildlife, key areas for biodiversity and the wider contributions to people that nature provides.

Building on the momentum of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP26 in Glasgow, the handover of the UNFCCC COP Presidency to Egypt for COP27, and the upcoming Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP15, we must now act urgently to ensure positive outcomes for nature, climate, and people with strong leadership from the MENA region.

This webinar will showcase key mechanisms and innovative tools for the nature-sensitive deployment of renewable energy, including those established through the Convention on Migratory Species’ Energy Task Force (CMS ETF), a leading global multi-stakeholder platform. Regional experts will share examples and highlight opportunities, barriers and challenges for the mainstreaming and scaling-up of nature-sensitive renewable energy deployment across the MENA Region.

Speakers

• Osama Al Nouri, Project Manager, BirdLife International (moderator)
• Iván Ramírez Paredes, Head, Avian Species Team, Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)
• Dr Ute Collier, Deputy Director, Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
• Osama El-Gebaly, Manager: Migratory Soaring Birds Project, Ministry of Environment, Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA).

Further details can be found in the event brochure.