LDCs consider new opportunities for adaptation support
Submitted by esther.lake@undp.org on 26 May 2017
9 May 2017, Bonn, Germany: The Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG) organised a side event entitled 'Work of the LEG in supporting the LDCs on adaptation' during the SB sessions to discuss the experiences and progress made by the least developed countries (LDCs) in addressing adaptation, and the support provided to them, with a focus on the process to formulate and implement national adaptation plans (NAPs) and on the national adaptation programmes of action (NAPAs).
Speakers addressed the vision of the LEG in supporting adaptation in the LDCs, how to enhance synergies in planning and implementation of the SDGs and NAPs, progress on NAPs and experience in accessing funding from the GCF for NAPs, development benefits of adaptation to climate change, as well as support to the LDCs on adaptation and the Paris Agreement.
Mr. Clifford Polycarp of the GCF Secretariat presented on Adaptation Planning Support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF). He considered country strategies and plans, including NAPs and NDCs, which provide a starting point to define a country's GCF planning priorities. Following the approval of Liberia and Nepal, draft proposals prepared and submitted by 16 countries. These are Armenia, Bosnia & Herzegovnia, Antigua & Barbuda, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Ecuador, Uraguay, Argentina, Niger, Gabon, DRC, Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, Mongolia and Pakistan. A majority of the countries sought the support of delivery partners, UNDP and UN Environment, as GCF accredited entities in the preparation of the proposals.
Mr. Polycarp outlined the GCF timeline and steps in the approval process.
Benjamin S. Karmorh, Jr, Climate Change Focal Point, Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia, presented on Liberia: Progress on Accessing GCF Funds for Readiness Support and NAPs. Speaking of his country's experience in accessing GCF funds, he said, "The GCF provides a new window of opportunity in addressing climate change. It is anticipated that the readiness and preparatory support will enable Liberia to address climate change issues at the national level."
Mr. Dustin Schinn of the GEF Secretariat outlined the work of the GEF and LDCF in supporting NAPs - including the LDC NAP-GSP since 2013, and the non-LDC NAP-GSP. In addition, national NAP support has been processed for approval for Senegal, Rwanda, Chad, Niger, Bangladesh, Timor Leste, Laos PDR, and Malawi - and there are many other projects with NAP elements.
Country delegations present were interested to learn more about the advancements in adaptation support options now available to them, in particular about steps being put in place to simplify processes for accessing financing, in view of their capacity constraints and to enable them to address their adaptation priorities as soon as possible.