ENACT initiative, which will coordinate global efforts to address climate change, land, and ecosystem degradation, and biodiversity loss through Nature-based Solutions (NbS), was launched as part of the COP Presidency's official programme.

The initiative will also produce an annual State of Nature-based Solutions report to update COP28 and subsequent meetings on progress in implementing NbS commitments.

A voluntary coalition of state and non-state actors, ENACT is co-chaired by Egypt and Germany.

IUCN will host the ENACT Secretariat, which will lead the implementation of the initiative.

As a key outcome of ENACT, the secretariat will compile an annual State of Nature-based Solutions report, to be delivered to the COP Presidencies ahead of future UN Climate Change gatherings. The report will provide the most comprehensive quantitative overview of global progress in implementing NbS commitments by both state and non-state actors.

The ENACT initiative aims to enhance the protection from and resilience to climate impacts of at least 1 billion vulnerable people, including at least 500 million women and girls as well as to secure up to 2.4 billion hectares of healthy natural and sustainable agricultural ecosystems, through the protection of 45 million ha, sustainable management of 2 billion ha, and restoration of 350 million ha.

ENACT also aims to significantly increase global mitigation efforts through protecting, conserving, and restoring carbon-rich terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems.

The work of ENACT will focus on seven areas: food security and land productivity; adaptation and disaster risk reduction; oceans and sustainable blue economy; urban resilience; green-grey infrastructure; NbS in national and subnational mitigation strategies; mobilising private investment in NbS; and health, climate and NbS.

"Nature-based solutions are making significant contributions to efforts to address climate change, but their huge potential is still largely untapped. Egypt is championing the ENACT initiative as it will boost integrated, well-coordinated Nature-based Solutions on a global scale, in line with the scale and urgency of the climate crisis," said Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment of the Arab Republic of Egypt and COP27 Climate Envoy.

"Nature is our most powerful ally in combating the climate and biodiversity crises. Intact ecosystems store carbon dioxide, secure our food and water supplies and protect us against disasters. Furthermore,  Nature-based Solutions can create jobs and contribute to economic and social development.," said Steffi Lemke, German Federal Environment Minister, adding that the achievement of these solutions requires support by effective safeguards and standards.

"This COP has reinforced that the time for climate action is now, and Nature-based Solutions have a key role to play as they must deliver high-integrity outcomes, consistent with robust environmental and social safeguards and It is time to bring together Parties and Nature-based Solutions experts around the world to accelerate meaningful integrated climate-biodiversity action. “said Razan Al Mubarak, IUCN President.