Regenerative Development to Reverse 2 \

My aim is to create an integrated framework so that countries can develop evidence-based strategies to reduce global warming and regenerate their communities, while achieving economic growth at the same time.

Acknowledgements: We wish to thank everyone who has been directly and indirectly involved in informing the vision and shape of this publication. Special acknowledgement is due to our partner, the Cloudburst Foundation, which has been instrumental in the launch of our Regenerative Development to Reverse Climate Change initiative. In particular, this publication draws heavily from the Cloudburst Foundation’s work on Regenerative Development to Reverse Climate Change on pages 6, 9 and 10. \ 3

Foreword

Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, QC Secretary-General of the Commonwealth

Stepping out of the still-whirring helicopter and I left Iwokrama ready to roll up my sleeves and get onto the lush green grass of Iwokrama, Guyana’s to work on exploring the potential of regenerative tropical rainforest reserve, I knew I was about to development. In partnership with the Cloudburst begin an amazing journey. Foundation, the Commonwealth held the first Regenerative Development to Reverse Climate The two-hour ride from Georgetown, the country’s Change (RDRCC) event in London less than five capital, had given me a bird’s eye view of this hidden months later and then another in May 2017. paradise where the air is so clean it is often referred to as the earth’s lung. In the first workshop, sixty eminent academics, economic and social scientists, activists and Now, as I stood beneath the never-ending stretch climate action financiers from all parts of the world of treetops, I knew I was in the midst of an explosion came together to answer a question: ‘is it possible of exotic life, with at least 1,250 plant species, more to reverse climate change using a regenerative than 500 species of birds, and endangered species approach?’ The answer was a resounding yes. such as the world’s largest otter. In May we received strong backing from climate In many ways it was a milestone trip. Firstly because of action advocates such as Prince Charles, former the sheer inspirational power of the habitat, but also president of Kiribati Anote Tong and former because of the insights I gained as I sat with Dane president of Ireland Mary Robinson. Mr Tong, who Gobbin, CEO of the Iwokrama International Centre planned for a possible evacuation of people from his for Rainforest Conservation and Development, and island as a result of severe sea level rises, described Sydney Allicock, a member of the nearby Macushi the regenerative development model as a “light at tribe and Guyana’s fourth Vice President and Minister the end of the tunnel”. of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs. What we have seen recently in the Caribbean, It was much more than a conversation about Africa, Asia and the Pacific is unprecedented. This conservation. It was about the sacred principles sharp increase in monster storms, floods and that govern the Macushi tribe’s interaction landslides and the sheer scale of the devastation with their environment. Minister Allicock spoke they cause, is irrefutable proof that climate change about understanding our role in the ecosystem is an ominous threat to our very existence and the and benefitting from nature while preserving its starkest reminder that urgent action is a must. This pristine state. is why I have called for a task force to co-ordinate His words resonated with the message of a rapid response to natural disasters affecting regenerative development which is being promoted member countries. by some of the globe’s leading academics, Ultimately, my aim is to create an integrated scientists and environmentalists. This recognises framework so that countries can develop evidence- that people are part of nature and part of the based strategies to reduce global warming and ecosystem in which we live. It is based on the idea regenerate their communities, while achieving that we can simultaneously improve ecological economic growth at the same time. To accomplish health, socio-cultural vitality, economic value and this goal, I need everyone to work together. I hope you human potential in an integrated manner. will join me on this exciting journey to save our planet.

4 \

The Climate Change Challenge

If you live in Kiribati, a collection of 33 coral atolls and reef islands in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, climate change is a stark reality. The islands’ 114,395 people, dispersed over 3.5 million sq. km, live with regular flooding that is destroying their houses, killing their crops and poisoning their drinking water.

The main island, Tarawa, is only a few metres above frequent, coral reefs are dying in warming acidic sea level. And with that level predicted to rise by oceans and marine ecosystems are being disrupted up to a metre and a half by the end of the century, or destroyed. there is concern that children born today in Kiribati On land, climate change is leading to desertification, may live to see their island completely disappear droughts, wildfires, decreasing crop yields and into the ocean. diminishing food and water security. In 2017, In the Caribbean, vulnerable countries are suffering hundreds of people perished in mudslides in Sierra the onslaught of some of the deadliest storms Leone. There were also floods in Bangladesh, since records began. With increasing frequency Pakistan and India, displacing millions and taking and ferocity, natural disasters such as Storm Erica lives. In recent times, East African countries have and Hurricanes Irma and Maria are demolishing suffered some of the worst droughts, causing infrastructure, businesses and homes, decimating severe food shortages and a refugee crisis. economies and destroying lives and livelihoods. There is also concern about increasing diseases These challenges, scientists believe, are largely the such as dengue, malaria and Lyme disease. Climate result of an increase in carbon dioxide and other change, brought about by unsustainable human gasses from industrial processes that are having activity, has also been linked to an increasing rate of a heat-trapping effect on our atmosphere. As a animal and plant extinctions.. result, temperatures are warming up, oceans are becoming more acidic and climate patterns are changing. Storms are becoming more violent and \ 5

The Trillion-dollar Question

This existential threat will wreak havoc, not just on the natural environment but also on economies and pace of development. It poses a tough question: ‘action or inaction, which is costlier?’

Last year, the London School of Economics agreed to “significantly increase technological estimated that climate change could eliminate and technology support to developing countries US$2.5 trillion of the globe’s financial assets. A to facilitate the deployment and diffusion of clean United Nations report later found that economic technologies through a range of mechanisms.” This growth as measured by GDP would be 10%, agreement influenced the 15th Conference of the or US$12 trillion, higher if the 1.5°C threshold Parties (COP15) of the United Nations Framework is achieved. Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Copenhagen later that year. The Commonwealth has been at the forefront of efforts to address climate change since 1989. At their summit in 2015, Commonwealth Heads That year, Commonwealth Heads of Government of Government agreed to a powerful climate signed the Langkawi Declaration, for the first change statement with an enforceable two degrees time committing their countries to an active role limit on global temperature rise with aspirations in protecting natural balances and preventing to 1.5 degrees, just days before COP21 in Paris. environmental deterioration. Their consensus contributed to the landmark international agreement in which governments Since then, the 52-member intergovernmental committed to action that would limit global warming organisation’s work on climate action has to two degrees. accelerated. In 2009, at their summit in Port of Spain, Trinidad, leaders signed the Port of Spain In 2016, the Commonwealth opened the doors to Climate Change Consensus: The Commonwealth its Climate Finance Access Hub, to help countries Climate Change Declaration. make successful applications for funding from climate change financing mechanisms. Later the The agreement acknowledged that humanity same year the Commonwealth Secretariat, in had a “few short years” to avert the “catastrophic partnership with the Cloudburst Foundation, gave impacts” of climate change. Heads of governments birth to the RDRCC initiative. 6 \

The Regenerative Development Revolution

Tackling climate change requires a complete between social systems and economies. In creating revolution in the way we interact with our interlinked systems, it stimulates the creative environment. The agreement to take action to limit potential of people and places. temperature rises to two degrees was historic, and By working to conserve biological mitigation and adaptation strategies are vital. But and reverse both and climate the global community must do more if it is to save change, regenerative development will create the countries most vulnerable to climate change, sustainable investment opportunities across such as Kiribati. the Commonwealth using approaches such as Regenerative development has the potential to public‑private partnerships and private finance realise and exceed the Paris Agreement on climate ventures. It will also help countries achieve the change, and the Sustainable Development Goals to objectives of other conventions such as the UN end poverty and hunger, boost economic growth, Convention to Combat Desertification. reduce inequality and maintain peace and stability. The concept is consistent with, and furthers the It is a re-thinking of the way we live with our land, principles of, the Commonwealth Charter, which forests, cities and oceans. It is based on the idea includes environmental protection, preservation that we can rebuild ecological health, socio-cultural and conservation of natural ecosystems, and vitality, economic value and human potential in an social equity and economic progress as part integrated way. of sustainable development. The Charter calls In contrast to economic development which largely for adaptation and mitigation actions and the uses natural resources once for human benefit generation and adoption of clean technology and then discards what remains as waste, the and waste management strategies, which are all regenerative approach seeks reciprocity between elements of regenerative development. human beings and their natural environment, \ 7

The Commonwealth Effect

The benefits of regenerative development are clear, but why is the Commonwealth ideally placed to lead this initiative?

Fifty-two countries make up the Commonwealth, of our member countries border an ocean). The 31 of which are small states. They span Africa, Asia, empowerment of young people and women are the Caribbean and the Americas, Europe and the also key considerations. These are translated into Pacific, constitute one fifth of the world’s land mass major programme areas for the Commonwealth and are home to one third of all humanity. They Secretariat, which provides vital support to include the world’s largest, smallest, richest and governments and which can help build sound poorest countries. An astonishing 60 per cent of regenerative models. the Commonwealth’s population is under 30 years For example, the recently announced of age. All major faith groups are represented. Commonwealth Blue Charter will be critical for One of the Commonwealth’s greatest advantages the protection of oceans, by developing ocean is its convening power. The Commonwealth governance in line with the 16 principles and Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) brings values of the Commonwealth Charter. These together the 52 leaders to discuss global, regional principles include environmental protection, good and national issues and to set the agenda for the governance, justice and peace, human rights and Commonwealth’s work. Climate change remains gender equality, and recognition of the needs of a top agenda item, and the meeting provides an vulnerable nations and young people. The Blue important opportunity to discuss cutting-edge Charter will further intensify the Commonwealth solutions and agree on strategies. Secretariat’s commitment to seek durable and equitable ocean development solutions. RDRCC requires strong and compatible policies in education, health, trade and debt, development financing and oceans management (forty-five 8 \

Financing climate action is a major concern for its wide experience in floating debt instruments in governments, so the Commonwealth’s Climate bond markets, the Commonwealth is well-equipped Finance Access Hub is an essential element of to help member countries mobilise financial the RDRCC model. The main hub is hosted by resources through green and climate bonds. Mauritius and financed by . It manages In the area of human rights, its work includes a network of national and regional experts who actions to end child marriage and violence against help governments make applications for funding women and girls. These initiatives are key for the on climate action from international financing empowerment of women, who are disproportionally mechanisms. The climate finance experts affected by climate change and are an essential part collaborate with countries and regional partners to of the regenerative development solution. develop transformative climate change projects that will successfully attract investment. The Commonwealth’s health and education programme is assessing the impact of climate The Commonwealth is also well placed to help change on the spread of disease. As host of the countries develop trade models that are in line 2018 Commonwealth Conference of Education with the RDRCC approach. It is facilitating the Ministers, and with the presidency of COP23, Fiji development of multi-billion dollar industries has placed climate change high on the agenda of through its New Markets New Products initiative, education ministers. This priority is an imperative if and helping countries to develop effective National emerging generations are to create cutting-edge Export Strategies. solutions to climate change. The Commonwealth also helps governments RDRCC also recognises the power and vitality manage public debt effectively, so that more of young people. The Commonwealth Youth money is available for climate change projects. Climate Change Network (CYCN) is central to Its flagship debt management software is used global activism on the issue. Its #WalkingtheTalk by more than 1,000 agencies, 45 Commonwealth campaign promotes innovative green solutions, and 15 non‑Commonwealth countries. The education and empowerment programmes at local system has a global portfolio of more than levels, and enhances advocacy at UNFCCC for a $2.5 trillion of public debt and is part of a world below 1.5 degrees. Commonwealth debt management programme that also includes advocacy, policy advice, All in all, the Commonwealth’s shared history, development of debt management strategies common legal frameworks, ideals of democratic and capacity‑building initiatives. government and wide use of English create a unique platform for transforming ideas into action. The Commonwealth is exploring the feasibility This special Commonwealth effect makes it a of a vulnerability index linked to the issue of debt prime catalyst and instrument for global action on management. The index would improve the eligibility climate change. of middle income countries for multilateral funding if they were highly vulnerable to climate change. The Commonwealth is instrumental in promoting the use of innovative financial tools such as catastrophe bonds or other event-linked securities including counter-cyclical instruments - provision for natural disasters through loans and bonds. With \ 9

Regenerative Development Case Studies

Maya Mountain Research Farm (Belize) mmrfbz.org

With kind permission of Maya Mountain Research Farm

Local communities are working to regenerate exhausted land once used to farm cattle into a multi-strata food forest, in the process growing a fertile landscape, hurricane-proof buildings, bio-fuel driven electricity, drinking water, irrigation systems and sanitation.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy (QCC) queenscommonwealthcanopy.org

With kind permission of The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy

The QCC presents a rare opportunity to unite the whole Commonwealth family and save one of the world’s most important natural habitats – forests. 10 \

Next Steps The Commonwealth Secretariat, the Cloudburst Foundation and their partners are developing an integrated work plan that will test the implementation of regenerative development initiatives in selected Commonwealth countries. The work plan will involve the brightest and most diverse minds tackling climate change and be guided by stakeholders across finance, government, development and private- sector fields.

This action plan will be shared at the ‘Planetary Health’, it seems to me that this holistic, Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting systems-based approach is key to informing the (CHOGM) in April 2018 and afterward, to the world. new policy agenda.”

Getting involved Sydney Allicock, Guyana’s fourth Vice President and Minister of Indigenous RDRCC requires everyone working together and Peoples’ Affairs pooling resources. To find out more about the initiative and to get involved, contact… “Today I see a circle, we are coming back to a Natricia Duncan recognition of the value of the indigenous way Senior Communications Officer of life and our principles about how we treat the [email protected] environment, how we conserve and take just what we need, not be greedy. We need to understand our Voices on climate change role in the ecosystem so we can benefit from the forest while keeping it in its pristine state.” HRH Prince Charles Bilal Anwar, Manager, Commonwealth “Some in the North may be ambivalent (quite Climate Finance Access Hub unbelievably) about the difference between a limit “Regenerative development offers the most of 2 degrees or 1.5 degrees of global warming, but realistic solution to the recurring challenge of of course for some countries, particularly the small balancing developmental aspirations with climate island developing states of the Commonwealth, resilience for countries. It effectively means the difference could scarcely be more critical as it returning back to nature for solutions, curing the may literally mean the survival of their countries or damage caused to the planet through the means their extinction…. and forces of nature. By combining the practical focus of Project I am pleased to see the Commonwealth taking Drawdown with the key concept of Regenerative the lead on this initiative and making it part of its Development, this initiative embodies a welcome global developmental agenda. The Commonwealth shift towards a more holistic approach to climate Climate Finance Access Hub is aligning its country issues from which I believe other initiatives can draw support functions to the principles of regenerative strength – whether that be the work now seeking development to provide a comprehensive and to link climate, agriculture, soils and landscape holistic support to climatically vulnerable countries.” restoration, or the increasing global, scientific effort to understand the links between human and \ 11

Ben Haggard, Founding Principal, basis for this approach; recognising that taking Regenesis Group, and Programme climate action and ensuring a safer world for future Director the Cloudburst Foundation generations is about a just transition; eliminating fossil fuel emissions while ensuring that people “The technologies and strategies we are talking everywhere have their rights upheld and share the about need to be undertaken in consultation with benefits of sustainable development. local people. This is key to the idea of regeneration. What we are really up to here is building new Regenerative development can play a significant capacity into every community, nation and role in ensuring we stay below 1.5 degrees ecosystem where these strategies are applied. Celsius and avoid the worst consequences of So it is not just the strategies, it’s also the capacity climate change.” that is being built into the systems surrounding those strategies. This is how reversing climate Anote Tong, former President of Kiribati change also becomes an engine for social and “What is being proposed here, even the title of the economic regeneration.” conference, regenerative development, reversal of Dr David McConville, co-chair of the climate change, is a bold statement, very ambitious. Buckminster Fuller Institute, founder of But what alternatives do we have? If we don’t do that, we are acknowledging that we are heading to Spherical and Creative Director of the doom with nothing beyond.” Cloudburst Foundation “We can’t address global challenges in isolation, Dr Ulric Trotz, Deputy Director and and as we start to consider what is the next phase Science Advisor, Caribbean Community beyond sustainable development, we have to move Climate Change Centre beyond just capital access, technology access, and “Having in the last few years shifted some of our really think about these issues qualitatively. The attention to Ecosystem Based Adaptation (EBA), we notion of regenerative development is not only are fully supportive of this (RDRCC) initiative. The affiliating with, restoring and mimicking nature, but basic tenet which informs our action in this direction actually realising that we are part of this system.” is that the healthier our ecosystems are, the more Richard Muyungi, Assistant Director of likely they will survive the ravages of climate change. Environment, Tanzania Caribbean populations, like those in other SIDS, are heavily dependent on healthy terrestrial and marine “You cannot address climate change in isolation, ecosystems and the ecosystem services these you have to look at all of the Sustainable provide, for their livelihoods and wellbeing. Development Goals in combination to be able “Regeneration” of degraded marine and terrestrial to address all the challenges a country like ecosystems (reef, mangroves, seagrass beds, Tanzania faces. forests, wetlands, watersheds) is a sine qua non for I do believe that the Regenerative Development the attainment of our Sustainable Development to Reverse Climate Change model, as proposed Goals and the achievement of a climate-resilient by the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, future. We at the Caribbean Climate Change Centre is the best model. Applying this model, we will look forward to being fully involved with this exciting be able to comprehensively look at a country’s initiative.” development challenges and be able to address them comprehensively.”

Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland

“A new vision for global partnership must weave together the interlinked challenges of advancing sustainable development and stabilising the climate system. Climate justice, I believe, can provide the 12 \

Commonwealth Secretariat Marlborough House, Pall Mall London SW1Y 5HX

thecommonwealth.org P15439