International Climate Collaboration at COP29

At INTO we are passionate believers in the power of international collaboration.

We’ve seen the impact we can have, using our global network to deliver climate adaptation projects which will protect built and natural heritage for generations to come. Not only have precious places been restored, but communities have also been catalysed to join the conversation on climate, traditional techniques have been revived and powerful learning has been shared.

As an NGO observer organisation, INTO can use our platform to partner with others, amplify their messaging and strengthen our own voice. Through our members, their staff, volunteers and supporters, we represent millions of people worldwide who care passionately about heritage, climate and nature.

While the big players, financiers, governments and celebrities grab the headlines, there is industrious work happening behind the cameras.

This year, the INTO team have been working with small islands and supporting knowledge sharing, advocacy and profiles on our Islands Incubator, through our Heritage Leaders programme and through our continued collaboration with SMILO. We are delighted our representative at COP29 is Noelle Young, from Bermuda National Trust.

Tell us about what inspires you to speak out about protecting climate, nature and heritage?

Growing up in Bermuda, I developed a deep respect for the natural world and our unique cultural heritage, rooted in our island’s landscapes and the stories of our ancestors. Our oceans, our history and our way of life are interconnected.

I speak out because I believe that safeguarding our environment is about honouring those who came before us and protecting what we’ll pass down to future generations. It’s a responsibility to ensure that the communities that have depended on these ecosystems for centuries can continue to thrive. This is more than environmental work; it’s preserving our legacy.

What are the challenges facing Bermuda? Do you think they are common to other places?

Bermuda faces significant challenges from climate change – rising sea levels, more intense hurricanes and the risks to our food security, as we import most of our food. The vulnerability of small island states is amplified by limited land, resources and a heavy reliance on healthy oceans.

How are you going to bring your message to a wider audience?

I’m committed to making our voices heard on global platforms, from international conferences to partnerships with organisations working on environmental justice. My aim is to build bridges between Bermuda and the world, showcasing the resilience and innovation of island communities facing climate impacts head-on.

Through social media, writing and speaking engagements, I want to create a movement that amplifies our stories and pushes for concrete actions that protect small islands and vulnerable regions.

The climate emergency has no borders – how can we work together globally to make meaningful impacts?

The climate crisis is a global challenge that demands solidarity. We need a unified front that acknowledges both the shared impacts and the inequities between regions. By advocating for policies like the High Seas Treaty and international climate financing, we can ensure that small islands and marginalized communities aren’t left to face this crisis alone.

Collaboration among nations, sharing technological advancements and creating legally binding commitments are essential. We have to work together to build a fair, sustainable future for all.

Making connections and sharing learning is at the heart of INTO’s work – what connections are you hoping to make at COP29?

At COP29, I’m excited to connect with leaders, activists and organisations focused on climate resilience, conservation and sustainable development. I hope to exchange insights with others working on marine protection and climate justice for SIDS. These connections are crucial for building a network of support and shared knowledge, ensuring that solutions are collaborative, inclusive and tailored to the unique challenges faced by island nations.

Another major area of our work has been the ‘Withstanding Change’ project. INTO was awarded £1.7 million in funding from the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund, to undertake a programme of climate related activity in partnership with organisations across the Middle East and Africa.

Bringing together 6 of our members, this project has tangible learnings to share about climate-focussed heritage restoration, community awareness, skills building and advocacy successes.

We are delighted to be partnering with the British Council at COP29, and to showcase and share learning from this important project.

Significant research has been undertaken and shared by the National Trust on climate adaptation for a huge range of areas across built heritage, landscape, gardens, archives and much more.

Published on the INTO website, this guidance can be used across the world by owners and managers of historic and beautiful places. The guidance aims to help sites become more resilient to climate change, and support teams to take decisions in the face of climate hazards.

We will be showcasing this work for the National Trust at COP29, at our booth in the Blue Zone. Follow our channels to hear the latest news.

Find out more about INTO in our new film – now showing at COP29!