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WWF US reviewed 151 NDCs from 179 countries to evaluate the integration of protected areas into national climate strategies. The analysis found that while 37% of countries explicitly mention protected areas, there is significant under-reporting of nature-based solutions, particularly regarding carbon sequestration and ecosystem-based adaptation. Developing nations generally demonstrated higher ambition than developed economies. The report provides five recommendations for Parties to enhance their NDCs, including setting measurable targets for area expansion and managing protected areas for future climate risks.

The document argues that corruption is a primary obstacle to sustainable nature conservation, thriving in environments of secrecy and opaque government processes. It advocates for 'open governance' as a fundamental means of addressing this, detailing how transparency (e.g., beneficial ownership and traceability), accountability (e.g., court monitoring and safeguard standards), and participation (e.g., free, prior, and informed consent) can reduce opportunities for the abuse of public office. The guide emphasizes that these reforms require an enabling environment characterized by political will, the rule of law, and a robust civil society to be effective, while cautioning that interventions must include safeguards to protect participants from reprisals.