Completed
Taxonomy Term List
National Adaptation Plan to advance medium and long-term adaptation planning in Armenia
With financing from the Green Climate Fund, the "National Adaptation Plan (NAP) to advance medium and long-term adaptation planning in Armenia" project will support the Government of Armenia to develop a national plan for climate change adaptation through an iterative process focused on strengthening foundational capacities to ensure that they are institutionalized for long-term sustainability. The project aims to address existing barriers, support the prioritization of climate change adaptation investments in priority sectors including water resources, agriculture, energy, health, tourism and human settlement, and increase the identification of finance options. With the development of a NAP process, Armenia will lay the groundwork for the systemic and iterative identification of medium- and long-term risks, establish adaptation priorities and build out specific activities that ensure no one is left behind in the country’s work to reach its goals outlined through the Paris Agreement and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As part of the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the NAP process will contribute to the formulation of corresponding national climate-responsive indicators and targets.
The Government of Armenia launched its national stakeholder’s consultations for the national adaptation plan (NAP) process in June 2016. A preliminary action plan for NAP implementation was formulated during the stocktaking exercise and approved by the representatives of key sectors and the Ministry of Nature Protection. The government sees the NAP process as a key step to achieving the adaptation objectives of its 2015 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
The NAP is addressing the main challenges to the integration of climate change adaptation into national, sectorial and local government planning and budgeting, as identified in the 2016 stakeholders’ consultations and the NAP Stocktaking report. The focus is on strengthening foundational capacities for adaptation and on ensuring that they are institutionalized for long-term sustainability (beyond the life of the project). It is expected that at least two NAP iterations will be required for a complete and comprehensive mainstreaming of CCA into the national development framework and into the development plans of all sectors.
NDCs and NAPs
Armenia’s vulnerability to climate change requires greater investments and greater integration of climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction (DRR). In 2016, the government began discussing the NAP process by conducting national consultations and undertaking a rapid stocktaking exercise. The stocktaking provides a qualitative assessment of the institutional framework and capacities relevant to the NAP process. The NAP is fully aligned with the adaptation component of the NDC and is seen as one key in establishing a constructive feedback loop between Armenia’s national and international decision-making on climate change.
With the development of a NAP process, Armenia will lay the groundwork for systemic and iterative identification of medium- and long-term risks, CCA priorities and specific activities that promote climate adaptive and resilient growth in its key sectors. In the pivot away from ad-hoc, project-based approaches to a more coherent and strategic CCA approach that is integrated with implementation of the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Armenia can realize a long-term paradigm shift towards reducing the climate risks it faces.
Stakeholder Consultations
As an integral part of the NAP process a stakeholder communication and engagement plan, including a gender action plan, will be formulated to ensure that a wide range of stakeholders will be consulted and engaged at all stages of the NAP. Outreach and engagement activities will include sensitization, consultations and training workshops, and they will be tailored to reflect the needs of stakeholders to ensure that they can successfully implement the activities being undertaken. In general, engagement activities will focus on increasing stakeholder ownership and on increasing awareness and knowledge of climate adaptation’s role in addressing climate change impacts to sustain long-term engagement. Stakeholders will represent government institutions, financial and technical partners, international and national non-governmental organizations and local civil society.
Strengthening institutional arrangements for the NAP process
Supported the Government of Armenia in developing:
- “National Action Program of Adaptation to Climate Change and the List of Measures for 2021-2025” (Decree #749-L of 13 May 2021)
- Updating the structure and mandate of Inter-Agency Coordination Council for the Implementation of the Requirements and Provisions of the UNFCCC (PM Decree #719-A of 6 July 2021)
- Defining responsibilities and forming three permanent working groups to support the Inter-Agency Coordination Council (Deputy PM Decree #894-A of 5 November 2021)
Contributed to including climate change considerations in 2 law amendments of:
- Water Code of the Republic of Armenia (approved on 02 June 2022)
- Environmental Impact Assessment of the Republic of Armenia
Facilitated the update and revision of:
- Irrigation norms for 5 crops in Ararat valley
- River Basin Management Plans for the Southern and Ararat River Basin districts of Armenia
Contributed to promoting secondary / alternative water use through:
- Developing and submitting recommendations to the Ministry of Environment for wastewater treatment and production of secondary / alternative water use based on international benchmark
- Conducting an assessment of the potential for application of incentive mechanisms for double water use in Armenia (in partnership with EU4Sevan project)
Promoting institutionalization of mudflow risk management:
- An interagency working group formed
- Recommendations on institutional arrangements on mudflow risk management in the country prepared and circulated to the stakeholder ministries
Assessing gaps, climate risks and vulnerabilities, and developing sectoral and provincial adaptation plans with respective list of adaptation measures
- Climate risk and vulnerability assessments (CRVA) have been conducted in priority sectors water, tourism, and agriculture and sectoral adaptation plans have been developed. The draft government decrees have been prepared and submitted. In addition, climate risk and vulnerability assessments have been conducted and provincial adaptation plans have been developed in the Tavush and Shirak regions. The CRVA and the development of the adaptation plan in the energy and healthcare sectors are currently ongoing.
Contributing to Improved access to and use of climate data
- Concept and technical specifications for development of a new website and mobile application for Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center of the Republic of Armenia prepared
Awareness raising, education, capacity building
- Over 40 workshops/trainings/public events organized
- Numerous interviews and roundtable discussions attended
Output 1: Gaps assessed and national mandate, strategy and steering mechanism established
Output 2: Climate evidence and knowledge-base for the compilation of a NAP strengthened
Output 3: NAP implementation facilitated
Output 4: Mechanisms for Reporting, Monitoring and Review of NAPs and adaptation progress in place
Output 5: Funding strategy for the NAP and CCA formulated
Video: Climate change adaptation in agriculture in Armenia (2022)
Public hearing on updates of Ararat Basin Management Plan held in the frame of UNDP-GCF NAP project (2022)
Public hearing on updates of Southern Basin Management Plan held in the frame UNDP-GCF NAP project (2022)
"Climate Change and Women in Armenia” awards ceremony announced in the frame of UNDP-GCF NAP project (2022)
Climate change and adaptation awareness raising campaign in the frame of UNDP-GCF NAP project (2021)
RA National Adaptation Plan submitted to UNFCCC Secretariat (2021)
Draft RA water sector adaptation plan presented and discussed in the frame of UNDP-GCF NAP project (2021)
Climate Change challenges and opportunities present in Tavush discussed during a regional visit (2021)
Mudflow risk management in Armenia in the center of attention of the UNDP-GCF NAP project (2020)
UNDP-GCF NAP Project continues raising awareness on climate change adaptation processes (2019)
National Adaptation Plan development process continues in Armenia (2019)
NAP Project Inception Seminar (2019)
Readiness for the National Adaptation Plan Process in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The project “Advance the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process for medium-term investment planning in climate sensitive sectors in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H)” supported the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina to advance the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process and reach goals outlined in the Paris Agreement and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The project activities enabled the government to integrate climate change-related risks, coping strategies and opportunities into ongoing development planning and budgeting processes.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) builds on the country’s Climate Change Adaptation and Low Emission Development Strategy of 2013. The strategy is based on four specific outcomes: supporting evidence-based policy development for climate change risks, vulnerabilities and opportunities; creating effective institutional and regulatory frameworks; mainstreaming climate change adaptation approaches into decision making; and effectively assigning resources and reaching implementation goals. The implementation of the strategy has slowed mainly due to lack of knowledge and institutional capacity to undertake adaptation measures.
To overcome these challenges, the project advanced adaptation planning in B&H with a focus on sectoral approaches, upgrading the knowledge base for adaptation, prioritizing adaptation interventions for the medium term, building institutional capacities for integrating climate change adaptation, and demonstrating innovative ways of financing adaptation at sub-national and local government levels. The project activities resulted in the compilation of a NAP and an implementation strategy focused on scaling-up adaptation in key sectors for the medium-term. Through the project, the Government of Bosnia-Herzegovina developed municipal-level investment financing instruments with public and private sector engagement, and built national, sub-national and sectoral capacity to integrate and mainstream risk informed planning and budgeting.
Extreme climate events in Bosnia and Herzegovina are becoming more frequent; with seven out of the past 16 years experiencing drought and frequent floods. Annual temperature increases and change of precipitation are resulting in extreme weather conditions: heat waves, waves of extreme cold, and windstorms. The economic damages are vast, especially in the water, agricultural and housing sectors. The total economic impact of the 2014 floods is estimated to have reached EUR 2.04 billion, or 15 percent of the country’s GDP in 2014.
The NAP process in Bosnia and Herzegovina was officially launched in 2016 with a national consultation that engaged sector ministries and local government units via associations of cities and municipalities in Republika Srpska and Federation of B&H. B&H has put great emphasis on climate change as one of the most significant development challenges facing the country. The importance of adaptation was clearly reflected in its National Communications to the UNFCCC and Climate Change Adaptation and Low Emission Development Strategy (CCA LEDs), adopted in 2013. This strategy is based on four specific outcomes covering climate change risks, vulnerabilities and opportunities supporting evidence-based policy development, effective institutional and regulatory framework, mainstreaming CCA approaches into decision making, and effective resourcing with timely and effective implementation. However, its implementation has slowed mainly due to lack of knowledge and institutional capacity to attract finances and undertake adaptation measures.
The main identified barriers are:
- Limited institutional capacities and weak vertical and horizontal coordination for adaptation planning and implementation caused by complex administrative structure and top-down approach, limited stakeholders’ participation in B&H strategic planning for adaptation, inadequate level of technical knowledge on climate change adaptation of staff in sectoral ministries, limited training on climate change issues and low capacity to monitor, forecast, archive, analyse, communicate, and use climate risks and impacts for sectors.
- Limited climate Information to support integration of climate change into planning and budgeting due to limited scientific data and information on climate impacts and vulnerability assessments, limited knowledge of current climate variability, and a lack of systematic information on environmental protection.
- Alternative sources of finance, including innovative funds are not optimized as neither climate change adaptation, nor disaster-risk reduction (DRR) activities are included in budgeting on any level (municipal, cantonal, entity), and effective finance plan for securing adequate funds from a range of sources for adaptation does not exist.
The key results of the project include:
- An institutional framework to coordinate adaptation processes was established. The framework is based on four levels (NDA, nominated institutional coordinators, nominated interagency working group, and formed multi-disciplinary NAP drafting team).
- The first BiH NAP document was drafted identifying most vulnerable sectors and necessary adaptation actions in agriculture, water management, biodiversity, forestry, human health and tourism, with planned actions estimated over US$4.2 billion. Information on climate change impact and scenarios have been upgraded and vulnerability assessments have been completed for the most vulnerable sectors agriculture and water. The NAP document is currently under adoption at the state level.
- The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for horizontal and vertical institutional cooperation on climate data exchange as well as the corresponding M&E framework have been adopted as part of the NAP document. The SOPs will enable cross-sectoral climate data/information exchange to support an effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework, track implementation and assess the effectiveness of adaptation actions taken to enable regular updates of the NAP.
- The Project supported adjustments to the regulatory framework necessary for successful implementation of climate change adaptation activities in the country and for meeting B&H’s obligations to the EU and the UNFCCC. This included amendments to the Law on Environment and development of strategic documents related to flood risk management to achieve alignment with the EU Approximation.
- The NAP Communication Strategy has been developed and implemented leading to the development of numerous communication products to increase knowledge and awareness on adaptation processes including a presentation at the COP 26. Project stakeholders are particularly proud of the Photo Essay on adaptation activities and potential for actions in B&H cities, which was also shared by the GCF.
- Studies on the socio-economic impacts of climate change on hydro-energy potential for two river basins (Trebisnjica and Vrbas) were undertaken, as well as a Study on socio-economic impacts of climate change on agriculture in one of most productive agricultural areas within the Sava Basin. These studies constitute the basis for informing planning and implementation of adaptation actions in water management and agriculture sectors.
- Studies assessing risks of urban torrential waters were conducted in two pilot cities (Tuzla and Banja Luka) and adaptation options were developed to improve adaptation planning in local communities.
- Trainings were conducted to build capacity of over 900 government staff for assessment, prioritization, and implementation of climate change adaptation actions as well as for development of reporting, monitoring and review mechanisms.
- Climate change data management system has been designed for the first time in B&H to enable climate data collection, exchange and assessment. The Platform is based on agreed SOP and the corresponding M&E framework will enable regular update of the NAP and other climate reports, tracking of climate data trends, implemented adaptation actions and its effects.
- Finance mechanisms, tools, and new financing approaches for adaptation finance are developed in four municipalities (Laktasi, Zenica, Sanski Most and Trebinje) to enhance adaptation investments at the local level. All four municipalities have developed and adopted their local Climate adaptation finance strategies and investment plans, developed project concepts, and were trained on adaptation finance mechanisms, benefiting over 320 participants from the four pilot municipalities.
- The Project developed two GCF Project Concept Notes (for water and agriculture sectors as the most vulnerable to climate change) and prepared the first Climate Adaptation Finance Strategy at the country level.
Outcome 1: Effective national adaptation coordination system established to drive the NAP process
Outcome 2: Capacity for climate vulnerability assessments, development of socio-economic scenarios strengthened, and adaptation options prioritized for two key sectors
Outcome 3: Innovative financing strategy for adaptation investments developed and tested in four to five selected municipalities
Exposure story: A race against nature (2019)
Exposure story: Giving trees (2019)
Exposure story: Fixing farming (2019)
Exposure story: Managing risk (2019)
Choosing peaches over apples (2021)
True Value (2021)
The Peak of Resilience (2021)
Climate change academy trainings held (2021)
Changing what we eat to help the planet (2021)
Exposure story: Financing for survival (2022)
Exposure story: Cities at the crossroads (2022)
NAP Bulletin PDF (2022)
NAP Bulletin PDF (2021)
U Tesliću održan okrugli sto na temu prilagođavanja klimatskim promjenama u Bosni i Hercegovini (2022)
Readiness for the National Adaptation Plan Process in Ecuador
The Government of Ecuador is working to develop a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) which will constitute the basis for adaptation management at the national level, in accordance with the National Climate Change Strategy. For the formulation of the NAP, the development methodologies, tools, indicators, policies, capacity building programs and studies are foreseen to create the enabling conditions for the reduction of vulnerability and climate risk in the six sectors prioritized for adaptation: Water Heritage; Food Sovereignty, Agriculture, Livestock, Aquaculture and Fisheries; Natural Heritage; Health; Productive and Strategic Sectors; and Human Settlements, as well as new or ongoing programs and projects in those sectors.
The National Adaptation Plan Project in Ecuador (PLANACC) is aligned with the Constitution of Ecuador, which establishes that the state will adopt measures to respond to climate change and protect populations at risk. In addition, the project also aligns with the National Strategy for Climate Change 2012-2025 and the Nationally Determined Contributions 2020-2025. Likewise, the Organic Code of the Environment (2018) and its Regulations (2019) determine that the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) is a key instrument for climate action and enables the implementation of the National Climate Change Strategy 2012-2025.
The PLANACC Project (NAP Project) is the instrument through which the enabling conditions for adaptation to climate change in the country are generated and the NAP is formulated, constituting a public policy document and a management instrument.
In addition to the implementing partner, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition, project partners include the National Planning Secretariat and the sectoral ministries that provide technical and political support related to development planning.
The project enables the Government of Ecuador to contribute to the creation and strengthening of technical capacities (individual and institutional) to facilitate the integration of climate change adaptation into the central and local governments' development planning and budget processes. The resources will also enable the generation of climate information with better resolution and scale, as well as assessments of vulnerability and climate risks at sectoral, territorial and local levels. In addition, the funds allow for the design of technical tools and instruments (guidelines, standards, strategies, etc.) to guide the integration of climate change adaptation into development planning and enable the dissemination of results. The project also supports the formulation of financing strategies for adaptation at sectoral, territorial and local levels.
Key results:
The project has focused generating technical information and creating the enabling conditions that allow, on the one hand, the design of the National Adaptation Plan and, on the other hand, the strengthening of institutional capacities of sectoral entities and local governments on adaptation management, as listed below. The Project is currently in its final phase, with the National Adaptation Plan is expected in October 2022.
Datasets:
- Updated climate projections for Ecuador.
- Backfilling, updating, and homogenization of official hydrometeorological data.
- Numerical model of the wave dynamics on the Ecuadorian coast.
Guidelines and technical studies:
- Portfolio of conservation and recovery practices for rural production land that are resilient to climate change.
- Adaptation guidelines for risk management in Human Settlements.
- Several guidelines to integrate climate change adaptation into development planning processes.
- Methodologies for sectoral climate risk assessments, applying impact modeling for the identification of biophysical impacts.
Political instruments:
- Integration of the climate change adaptation variable into Ecuador's Wetlands Action Plan.
- Update of the management plan for the Ecological Reserve “Los Ilinizas”, including the variable of adaptation to climate change.
- Design of the implementation strategy for prioritized adaptation actions as part of the NDC Implementation Plan- adaptation component.
Capacity Building Products and Processes:
- Design of a Toolbox to integrate climate change into development plans and territorial planning at subnational level and complementary training program, training more than 1000
- Design of a MOOC about fire management and climate change adaptation and conducted complementary training workshops
- Conducted workshops on climate migration and its impact on women and children: needs, challenges and recommendations for action.
Gender responsive instruments:
- Development of a Wikipedia on gender and climate change adaptation (included in the Adaptation platform).
- Database of good adaptation practices with a gender perspective.
- Inventory of shortcomings and gaps of the social, economic, and environmental information using a gender responsive focus to prepare assessments of climate risk in the prioritized sectors for climate change adaptation.
Communication:
- Adaptation platform (repository, newsletters, courses, information on initiatives, NAP data)
- Communication and Awareness-Raising Strategy to integrate climate change adaptation into development planning processes.
- Creation of a temporary exhibition based on children's stories on climate change adaptation (includes youth competition for story creation).
Output 1: National mandate, strategy and steering mechanisms are in place and gaps are assessed and addressed.
Output 2: Preparatory elements for the NAP are in place to develop a knowledge base and formulate the NAP.
Output 3: NAP implementation is facilitated.
Output 4: Mechanisms for reporting, monitoring and review of NAPs and adaptation progress in place.
Output 5: Funding strategy for the NAP and CCA is available.
Scientific dissemination, a key pillar for understanding climate change
Updating climate projections, a comprehensive process
Adaptation to climate change is possible by promoting capacity building processes
The country's higher education has a new master's degree in climate change
The country's higher education has a new master's degree in climate change
Talking about climate change from different perspectives of communication
Climate migration, time to join forces
Advancing adaptation and gender equality in Ecuador (also on Exposure)
Development of a virtual skills course focused on adaptation to climate change
Ecuador presented the results of the report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Updating climate projections, a comprehensive process
Ministry promotes illustrated story contest for children on climate change
Technicians are trained in numerical model to predict floods on the coasts of Ecuador
Ministry presented the first digital platform for adaptation to climate change in the country
GCF National Adaptation Plans project in Liberia
The GCF-funded project "To advance the National Adaptation Plans (NAP) process for medium-term investment planning in climate-sensitive sectors (i.e. agriculture, energy, waste management, forestry and health) and coastal areas in Liberia" will work to strengthen institutional frameworks and coordination for the implementation of the NAP process, expand the knowledge base for scaling up adaptation, build capacity for mainstreaming climate change adaptation into planning, and budgeting processes and systems, and formulate financing mechanisms for scaling-up adaptation, including public, private, national and international.
National partners will include the Environment Planning Authority and the National Climate Change Secretariat. Other key partners are the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Ministry of Agriculture, National Disaster Management Commission, National Port Authority of Liberia, Liberia Maritime Authority, Bureau of National Fisheries, Liberia National Department of Meteorology, Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services and University of Liberia.
Liberia, like other developing countries, especially Least Developed Countries (LDCs), is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. While Liberia has a low carbon footprint, the impact and effects of climate change may have severe consequences in multiple sectors and areas. Changes in temperature and precipitation may affect several sectors and areas across Liberia, including agriculture, fisheries, forests, energy production related to the availability of water resources, coastal areas and health.
At the sectoral level, 70% of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihoods, while rural areas are as much as 80% vulnerable to food insecurity, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. In the 350 miles of coastal areas, these are exposed to the combined effects of ongoing coastal erosion, climate change induced sea level rise, change in the frequency and intensity of storms, and increases in precipitation and warmer ocean temperatures. For health, climate change may lead to increased vulnerability to malaria, cholera and diarrheal diseases, as well as increased incidence of other diseases. Finally, climate change may negatively impact hydroelectric generation from the Mount Coffee hydropower plant.
Liberia began its National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process in 2015 with the development of a Road Map in consultation with the main stakeholders in the country. This road map was based on an evaluation of the existing climate adaptation and mitigation initiatives, an assessment of the knowledge, capacity and implementation gaps, as well as an assessment of the capacity development needs. The road map provides a guideline for implementation of the NAP process in Liberia, and the areas to work in the short, medium and long term.
Output 1: Strengthening of Institutional Frameworks and coordination for the NAPs process
1.1. Development of a climate change strategy and action plan for adaptation, in support of the on-going development of the Climate Change Policy
Prior to the NAP, the GoL has implemented a number of climate change related initiatives; including the NAPA in 2008, Initial National Communication in 2012, National Climate Change Policy and REDD+ in 2012. The lack of institutional and technical capacity on climate change adaptation in Liberia prevents the GoL and the stakeholders to integrate fully ACC into planning and budgeting processes, and to implement successfully adaptation strategies.
1.2. Development of sector-based climate change strategies and actions plans in agriculture and coastal management
The coastal development and management and agriculture have been identified as priority sectors for NAP in Liberia. The present project will focus primarily on these sectors. In order to integrate the CCA in sectoral policy, it is important to evaluate all current adaptation options and integrate adaptation into all sectoral policies. Updated and relevant climate vulnerability and risk assessment, studies on the economic impacts of climate change as it relates to the key sectors and most important resources give decisions makers and the most vulnerable population adequate tools/information to integrate climate change into their planning strategies. Also, it enables them to better plan their medium and long-term adaptation programs/policies/strategies.
Output 2: Expansion of the knowledge base for scaling up adaptation
At the moment, there is limited scientific data (resources, socio-economic indicators, meteorological, etc.) and information on climate impacts in Liberia, with limited knowledge of current climate variability, climate risks and no early warning system data. There is a need to develop and disseminate socio-economic scenarios to project the future impacts of climate change in Liberia and develop vulnerability studies at the sector and national level. Related to climate services, there is limited capacity to monitor, forecast, archive, analyse and communicate hydro-meteorological and climate change information. The modelling capacity, infrastructures and human capacity of the meteorological department and other climate services need to be reinforced in order to identify climate change hazards and to explore/ evaluate suitable adaptation options in the vulnerable sectors.
2.1. Effective Climate data and related information knowledge sharing platform created
Actual and past climate data collection and analysis are essential to the NAP process. Furthermore, with climate change cutting across multiple sectors, it’s necessary for Liberia to implement a platform to make accessible climate data and related information across all sectors, and to engage all stakeholders in the process (producers and beneficiaries). Related to climate services, there is limited capacity to monitor, forecast, archive, analyze and communicate hydro-meteorological and climate change information.
2.2. Natural disasters risk management and reduction strategies developed
Climate related hazards (floods, windstorms, fire, and sea erosion) are likely to worsen with climate change in Liberia. This in turn will have significant impact on local communities livelihood, the key sectors and overall national economic performances. One possible entry point for NAP is the integration of natural disasters risk management and reduction strategies for in Liberia public financing.
Output 3: Development of guidelines and criteria for mainstreaming climate change adaptation in Government budgeting and planning, climate-proofing projects, and reporting
3.1. Development of technical guidelines for the personnel of Ministry of Finance & Development Planning (MFDP) and other relevant Ministries to include climate change into budgeting and planning.
The NAP process as a transversal process integrates multiple sectors. Mainstreaming climate change adaptation into policy and budgeting processing (at the sectoral, national and subnational) implies identifying and evaluating all current and on-going CCA options and developing guidelines for the personnel of key Ministries to include climate change into all planning and budgeting processes.
3.2. Capacity building for the private sector, financial intermediaries and other stakeholders in the implementation of adaptation activities.
In addition to strong institutions and coordination mechanisms, adequate level of technical knowledge on climate change and ACC of staff of sectoral ministries, private sector, financial intermediaries and other stakeholders are needed to implement and prioritize adaptation options.
3.3. Development of tools (screening tools, scorecards) for climate proofing of investments in infrastructure and other areas that may be sensitive to the impacts of climate change, to be able to withstand those impacts.
Climate-proofing a project is to reduce the climate change potential impact on the project activities. The final goal is to increase resilience to climate change, protect investments and increase the project sustainability. Generally, it involves assessing the risks posed by climate change and modifying the project design to reduce those risks. In order to climate proof investments in infrastructure and other areas that may be sensitive to the impacts of climate change, it is important to develop and apply tools (such as, the Climate Proofing for Development, designed by GIZ) enabling the inclusion climate aspect into planning and designing of project at national, sectoral, and local levels.
3.4. Implement reporting system to track investments and other climate related finance in adaptation.
The NAP process being an ongoing process with iterative steps, it is essential to periodically monitor and evaluate the progress made. The guidelines of the LEG on the NAP insist on the importance of the M&E process (Axis D). Moreover, M&E is useful for reporting to the international and bilateral donors and as well as to the UNFCCC.
Output 4: Formulation of financial mechanisms for scaling up adaptation In Liberia, like many other developing countries, a significant handicap is the non-appropriation of processes at all levels and the lack of local funds to sustain previous investments.
4.1. Designing of procedures to scale up adaptation investments and address financial gaps.
The GCF resources will allow the GoL to identify and provide adequate alternative funding to support adaptations strategies implementation. Additionally, inclusion of climate change into the planning and national budget process at an early stage will secure co-financing of internationally funded projects by the GoL.
4.2. Fostering Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to support adaptation investments
Public private partnerships (PPP) in identifying and managing climate variability and to manage climate change, is essential planning climate change adaptation actions. The private sector companies, for their own economic interest, collect and analyse climate data. To be cost effective, it is necessary to learn and capitalize the private sector’s experience in identifying climate variability and managing climate change. The importance of the private sector in supporting Liberia’s CCA actions is well established in its Initial National Communication (2013) and INDC (2015). With Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), the private sector (petroleum and industrial companies) is a major producer of GHGs in Liberia (the energy and agricultural sector GHGs production amount to 67.5% and 31.9% of the national total, respectively). The role of the private sector in CCA in Liberia can be summarized in the following: (i) identification and implementation of strategies to reduce GHGs emissions, (ii) provision and sales of climate-sensible technologies and services, and (iii) funding of CCA projects.
Need for Collective Partnership to Avoid Natural Hazards Stressed
Liberian Observer
Monday 5 November 2018
“Liberia is exposed to natural hazards and climate-related risks including floods, windstorms, wildfire, and coastal erosion and, therefore, there is a need for collective partnership and coordination among state and non-state agencies in executing the assessment findings,” EPA Executive Director, Nathaniel T. Blama, said over the weekend. The threats being faced are likely to worsen with climate change, which will have a significant impact on local communities’ livelihoods, he said. In an effort to curtail such natural threats, the National Disaster Management Agency, in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), on October 26, 2018, launched the National Disaster Risks Assessment in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, through the hosting of an inception workshop under the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) project that is funded by the Green Climate Fund.
Liberia Faces Natural Hazards Threat, EPA, UNDP Warn
Front Page Africa
Tuesday 30 October 2018
Liberia is exposed to natural hazards and climate related risks including floods, windstorms, wildfire and coastal erosion. There is a need for collective partnership and coordination amongst state and non-state agencies in executing the assessment findings”, EPA Executive Director, Nathaniel T. Blama said. The threats being faced are likely to worsen with climate change, which will have significant impact on local communities’ livelihoods. In an effort to curtail natural threats being experienced, the National Disaster Management Agency in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) over the weekend, October 26, 2018 launched the National Disaster Risks Assessment in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County through the hosting of an inception workshop under the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) project that is funded by the Green Climate Fund.
University of Liberia to Commence Environmental Studies Soon
Wednesday 17 October 2018
In preparation for the commencement of University of Liberia (UL)’s graduate program in environmental studies, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) concluded a four-day technical workshop to develop a curriculum for Master’s in Environmental Studies for the tertiary institution. The technical training which ran from 18-21 October 2018 in Gbarnga, Bong County attracted 30 participants including UL President and Vice President of Graduate studies, heads of curriculum development and various departments at UL, as well as representatives of the EPA and partners of regional programs were tasked on developing a draft curriculum, reviewing and producing a final draft, which is expected to be submitted for further review and validation by relevant authorities of UL.
Liberia: 51 Vulnerable Youth and Women Trained in Production of Energy Efficient Cook Stoves
Tuesday 16 October 2018
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted a 3-day technical training session to train 51 local inhabitants from seven counties, in the production of energy efficient cook stoves. This initiative is supported by the National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) project implemented by the EPA with support from United Nations Development Programme and funded by the Green Climate Fund. The participants (27 females and 24 males), are unemployed vulnerable youth and women without skills, that were selected from communities in Bong, Margibi, Nimba, Grand Cape Mount, Bomi, Lofa and Grand Bassa Counties by the EPA. During the exercise which took place in the City of Gbarnga, Bong County, the Deputy Executive Director of the EPA, Randall Dobayou emphasized that the right to a conducive environment is a human right that the EPA and its partners are committed to supporting. He noted that the training, besides boosting efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emission and air pollution, will reduce the health risks associated with the use of traditional cook stoves, reduce the time spent by women in cooking and enable them time for additional activities.
Integrating gender in the mitigation of climate change
Monday 17 September 2018
The Focal Point of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change for Liberia at the EPA says the issue of climate change continues to be one of the major threats to development. Benjamin Karmoh, said the situation is posing danger to every sector including health, agriculture, education, water and sanitation, energy, and other sectors of the country thereby requiring the collective effort of everyone in addressing the issues of climate change. Karmoh speaking during a two-day inception training on the integration of gender perspective, through the use of sex disaggregated data and gender analysis tools in programme formulation and monitoring. The training targeted staff from line ministries, agencies, and corporations with specific functions in planning, monitoring and evaluation and was held in the port City of Buchannan. The event was organized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under its National Adaptation Plan Project) with funding from the Green Climate Fund.
EPA, UNDP Hold SDGs Training in Nimba
7 September 2018
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia in collaboration with United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is expected to commence a two day training workshop on Friday, September 7, in Ganta, Nimba County for capacity-building and operation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Liberia. The training, which is being funded by the Green Climate Fund of the National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), is held under UNDP’s NAPs Project, which supports government to advance its NAP process in climate sensitive sectors. According to a release from EPA’s Media Section, the UNDP’s NAPs project focuses on strengthening institutional frameworks and coordination for the implementation of the NAP process, expanding the knowledge based for scaling up adaptation, building capacity for mainstreaming climate change adaptation into planning, and budgeting processes and systems. The two day training, according the EPA, will focus on the SDGs that relate to environment, natural resource management, energy, gender and climate change. The training seeks to educate and inform stakeholders on the SDGs related to environment, natural resource management, energy and gender and raise awareness on the link between the NAPS, and SDGs and the importance of Climate Change Adaptation processes for the achievement of SDGs. It also intends to improve understanding on SDGs and climate change adaptation challenges at local and national levels and as well build synergies within environmental actors for their successful implementation of their respective programs and initiatives for climate change adaptation in Liberia. The Project supports the government to advance its NAP process in climate sensitive sectors. It also focuses on strengthening institutional frameworks and coordination for the implementation of the NAP process, expanding the knowledge base for scaling up adaptation, building capacity for mainstreaming climate change adaptation into planning, and budgeting processes and systems, and formulating financing mechanisms for scaling-up adaptation, including public, private, national and international.
Liberia Launches National Policy and Response Strategy on Climate Change
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) through the National Adaptation Plans (NAP) has launched the National Policy & Response Strategy on Climate Change. Declaring the official launch of the policy on behalf of the Liberian Government, the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Samuel Tweah said the climate change policy and response strategy represent a significant milestone in Liberia’s effort to combat the hazard of climate change. Minister Tweah added that the document demonstrates the country’s commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement which Liberia’s ratified a fortnight ago. According to the Finance Minister, climate change has the potential to reverse the gains of the past decades and is partly responsible for Liberia’s failure to achieve any of the Millennium Development Goals.
UNDP and partners sign agreement on graduate programme for environmental studies
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA and the University of Liberia have signed an agreement for support toward the setting up of a graduate program in environmental science at the University of Liberia. The agreement was signed during the launch of the National Policy & Response Strategy on Climate Change. The programme is being funded by the Green Climate Fund through UNDP's National Adaptation Plans project. The Programme is designed to prepare students to address the social and biophysical complexities of environmental problems. Along with the required core courses, the program will draw upon the strengths of current curriculum and resources to develop a unique course. This course combines the features of interdisciplinary, environmental literacy, integration of qualitative and quantitative skills, problem solving in the context of climate change resilience and adaptability. UNDP Liberia Country Director Pa Lamin Beyai signed on behalf of his Agency, while the President of the University of Liberia, Ophelia Weeks and EPA's Executive Director Nathaniel Blama, signed on behalf of their respective institutions.
Liberia set to launch National Policy and Response Strategy on Climate Change
The National Legislature of Liberia ratified the Paris Agreement on climate change this June with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Liberian Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), bringing the country one step closer to reaching its goals for low-carbon, climate-resilient development. “After reviewing and critically analyzing the Paris Agreement, Liberia stands to benefit from the financial and technological support in maintaining low-carbon climate-resilient development through effective adaptation to climate change and greenhouse-gas emission reduction,” the committee headed by Maryland County Senator H. Dan Morais said. Despite having contributed little to climate change, Liberia, like many other developing countries, is especially vulnerable to its impacts. Sea-level rise, soaring temperatures and increased rainfall threaten economic and social gains. The agricultural sector, which ensures the livelihoods of around 70 percent of the population, is especially vulnerable, with flooding, erosion and changing rainfall patterns putting lives at risk in a country where nearly eight out of ten people do not have secure access to food.
UNDP Equips EPA Monitoring System
Liberian Observer
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) yesterday donated 25 motorbikes and basic accessories to authorities of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for environmental monitoring and data collection initiatives across the country. UNDP Country Director, Dr. Pa Lamin Beyai, made the donation in Monrovia, which was received by EPA Executive Director, Nathaniel T. Blama. Dr. Beyai said that the donation is necessary because there are numerous current environment and climate change challenges in the country, including deforestation, coastal erosion, pollution of rivers and coastal waters, raw sewage, change in temperature and rainfall patterns that demand partners to adequately equip the EPA to face these challenges. “This donation is intended to boost EPA’s capacity to monitor and collect data for environmental compliance, while at the same time supporting adaptation planning,” Beyai said. He spoke of the agency’s limited capacity to monitor, coordinate and supervise the sustainable management of the environment that was recognized in 2015 during a stock-taking exercise UNDP conducted at the formulation process of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP). The NAP’s project, which is supporting the country to advance its preparation for medium-term investment planning in climate sensitive sectors, presents a unique opportunity for UNDP and EPA to work together to build resilience across the sectors.
National Disaster Management Agency, UNDP-Liberia Conduct Training on National Disaster Readiness
Front Page Africa
Thursday 7 June 2018
The training was funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). According to E. Abraham T. Tumbey, NAP’s project manager, the training session focused on strengthening national disaster response and helped citizens understand the steps to be adopted to respond to various disaster situations. Tumbey added that the training increased participants’ knowledge disaster preparedness by increasing each agencies’ understanding of participants’ roles and responsibilities before and during a disaster. Tumbey said planning, coordination and high state of preparedness were the necessary steps to handle crisis successfully. The NAP project manager said the training was also meant to create awareness among participants about the firefighting techniques and the ways to respond swiftly in times of such emergency situation.
Government, Partners Launch National Adaptation Plan of Liberia
Front Page Africa
Friday 16 March 2018
The National Adaptation Plan (NPA) is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) created to support the effort of developing countries to response to the challenge of climate change in line with the 2015 Paris Agreement. The project was launched at the National Adaption Plans Inception workshop implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the National Climate Change Secretariat March 12 at a local hotel in Monrovia. Outlining the NAP’s priorities at the launch, the EPA’s new Executive Director, Nathaniel T. Blama, Sr. noted that Liberia is the first country that have started the implementation of NAP; even though the country received approval alongside the Republic of Nepal. “The strategic priorities of the NAP are to mainstream climate change adaptation into development policies, plans and strategies; build long-term capacities of institutional structures involved in NAP; implement effective and sustainable funding mechanisms, advance research and development in climate change adaptation, and improve knowledge management” he said.
Environment chief: Why we’re prioritizing climate governance in Liberia
UNDP connects with the Executive Director of Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency to explore new steps towards climate resilient development
8 March 2018
Climate change poses significant risks to Liberia in reaching its goals for sustainable development and climate action. Strong governance will be a key in building the enabling and transformative institutions necessary to protect the people of Liberia from sea level rise and other climate impacts, propel development gains to reduce hunger and poverty so that no one is left behind, and protect peaceful climate-resilient economic and social development. Madam Anyaa Vohiri is a climate hero from Liberia. Her work as the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency provides unique insights into how least developed countries can plan for climate change and build for the future.
Liberia receives first instalment of US$2.2 million GCF grant for climate adaptation
10 July, 2015, Green Climate Fund
The Government of Liberia has recently received US$805,000 as part of a US$2.2 million Green Climate Fund grant to support its national climate adaptation planning process. The release of funds to the West African country represents GCF’s first transfer of adaptation resources to a least developed country (LDC). Supported through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the GCF-funded project "to advance the National Adaptation Plans (NAP) process for medium-term investment planning in climate-sensitive sectors (i.e. agriculture, energy, waste management, forestry and health) and coastal areas in Liberia" will work to strengthen institutional frameworks and coordination for the implementation of the NAP process, expand the knowledge base for scaling up adaptation, build capacity for mainstreaming climate change adaptation into planning, and budgeting processes and systems, and formulate financing mechanisms for scaling-up adaptation, including public, private, national and international.
GCF approves first grants for National Adaptation Planning in Liberia and Nepal
15 November 2016, Green Climate Fund
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) today announced the approval of its first grants in support of processes to develop National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). Under the GCF's Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme, Liberia will receive USD 2.2 million with UNDP acting as its delivery partner to implement its NAPs activities, whilst Nepal will receive a grant of USD 2.9 million via UNEP.
Output 1 - Strengthen institutional frameworks and coordination for the implementation of the NAP process
Output 2 - Expand the knowledge base for scaling up adaptation
Output 3 - Build capacity for mainstreaming climate change adaptation into planning, and budgeting processes and systems
Output 4 - Formulate financing mechanisms for scaling-up adaptation, including public, private, national and international.
GCF National Adaptation Plans project in Liberia
The GCF-funded project "To advance the National Adaptation Plans (NAP) process for medium-term investment planning in climate-sensitive sectors (i.e. agriculture, energy, waste management, forestry and health) and coastal areas in Liberia" will work to strengthen institutional frameworks and coordination for the implementation of the NAP process, expand the knowledge base for scaling up adaptation, build capacity for mainstreaming climate change adaptation into planning, and budgeting processes and systems, and formulate financing mechanisms for scaling-up adaptation, including public, private, national and international.
National partners will include the Environment Planning Authority and the National Climate Change Secretariat. Other key partners are the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Ministry of Agriculture, National Disaster Management Commission, National Port Authority of Liberia, Liberia Maritime Authority, Bureau of National Fisheries, Liberia National Department of Meteorology, Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services and University of Liberia.
Liberia, like other developing countries, especially Least Developed Countries (LDCs), is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. While Liberia has a low carbon footprint, the impact and effects of climate change may have severe consequences in multiple sectors and areas. Changes in temperature and precipitation may affect several sectors and areas across Liberia, including agriculture, fisheries, forests, energy production related to the availability of water resources, coastal areas and health.
At the sectoral level, 70% of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihoods, while rural areas are as much as 80% vulnerable to food insecurity, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. In the 350 miles of coastal areas, these are exposed to the combined effects of ongoing coastal erosion, climate change induced sea level rise, change in the frequency and intensity of storms, and increases in precipitation and warmer ocean temperatures. For health, climate change may lead to increased vulnerability to malaria, cholera and diarrheal diseases, as well as increased incidence of other diseases. Finally, climate change may negatively impact hydroelectric generation from the Mount Coffee hydropower plant.
Liberia began its National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process in 2015 with the development of a Road Map in consultation with the main stakeholders in the country. This road map was based on an evaluation of the existing climate adaptation and mitigation initiatives, an assessment of the knowledge, capacity and implementation gaps, as well as an assessment of the capacity development needs. The road map provides a guideline for implementation of the NAP process in Liberia, and the areas to work in the short, medium and long term.
Output 1: Strengthening of Institutional Frameworks and coordination for the NAPs process
1.1. Development of a climate change strategy and action plan for adaptation, in support of the on-going development of the Climate Change Policy
Prior to the NAP, the GoL has implemented a number of climate change related initiatives; including the NAPA in 2008, Initial National Communication in 2012, National Climate Change Policy and REDD+ in 2012. The lack of institutional and technical capacity on climate change adaptation in Liberia prevents the GoL and the stakeholders to integrate fully ACC into planning and budgeting processes, and to implement successfully adaptation strategies.
1.2. Development of sector-based climate change strategies and actions plans in agriculture and coastal management
The coastal development and management and agriculture have been identified as priority sectors for NAP in Liberia. The present project will focus primarily on these sectors. In order to integrate the CCA in sectoral policy, it is important to evaluate all current adaptation options and integrate adaptation into all sectoral policies. Updated and relevant climate vulnerability and risk assessment, studies on the economic impacts of climate change as it relates to the key sectors and most important resources give decisions makers and the most vulnerable population adequate tools/information to integrate climate change into their planning strategies. Also, it enables them to better plan their medium and long-term adaptation programs/policies/strategies.
Output 2: Expansion of the knowledge base for scaling up adaptation
At the moment, there is limited scientific data (resources, socio-economic indicators, meteorological, etc.) and information on climate impacts in Liberia, with limited knowledge of current climate variability, climate risks and no early warning system data. There is a need to develop and disseminate socio-economic scenarios to project the future impacts of climate change in Liberia and develop vulnerability studies at the sector and national level. Related to climate services, there is limited capacity to monitor, forecast, archive, analyse and communicate hydro-meteorological and climate change information. The modelling capacity, infrastructures and human capacity of the meteorological department and other climate services need to be reinforced in order to identify climate change hazards and to explore/ evaluate suitable adaptation options in the vulnerable sectors.
2.1. Effective Climate data and related information knowledge sharing platform created
Actual and past climate data collection and analysis are essential to the NAP process. Furthermore, with climate change cutting across multiple sectors, it’s necessary for Liberia to implement a platform to make accessible climate data and related information across all sectors, and to engage all stakeholders in the process (producers and beneficiaries). Related to climate services, there is limited capacity to monitor, forecast, archive, analyze and communicate hydro-meteorological and climate change information.
2.2. Natural disasters risk management and reduction strategies developed
Climate related hazards (floods, windstorms, fire, and sea erosion) are likely to worsen with climate change in Liberia. This in turn will have significant impact on local communities livelihood, the key sectors and overall national economic performances. One possible entry point for NAP is the integration of natural disasters risk management and reduction strategies for in Liberia public financing.
Output 3: Development of guidelines and criteria for mainstreaming climate change adaptation in Government budgeting and planning, climate-proofing projects, and reporting
3.1. Development of technical guidelines for the personnel of Ministry of Finance & Development Planning (MFDP) and other relevant Ministries to include climate change into budgeting and planning.
The NAP process as a transversal process integrates multiple sectors. Mainstreaming climate change adaptation into policy and budgeting processing (at the sectoral, national and subnational) implies identifying and evaluating all current and on-going CCA options and developing guidelines for the personnel of key Ministries to include climate change into all planning and budgeting processes.
3.2. Capacity building for the private sector, financial intermediaries and other stakeholders in the implementation of adaptation activities.
In addition to strong institutions and coordination mechanisms, adequate level of technical knowledge on climate change and ACC of staff of sectoral ministries, private sector, financial intermediaries and other stakeholders are needed to implement and prioritize adaptation options.
3.3. Development of tools (screening tools, scorecards) for climate proofing of investments in infrastructure and other areas that may be sensitive to the impacts of climate change, to be able to withstand those impacts.
Climate-proofing a project is to reduce the climate change potential impact on the project activities. The final goal is to increase resilience to climate change, protect investments and increase the project sustainability. Generally, it involves assessing the risks posed by climate change and modifying the project design to reduce those risks. In order to climate proof investments in infrastructure and other areas that may be sensitive to the impacts of climate change, it is important to develop and apply tools (such as, the Climate Proofing for Development, designed by GIZ) enabling the inclusion climate aspect into planning and designing of project at national, sectoral, and local levels.
3.4. Implement reporting system to track investments and other climate related finance in adaptation.
The NAP process being an ongoing process with iterative steps, it is essential to periodically monitor and evaluate the progress made. The guidelines of the LEG on the NAP insist on the importance of the M&E process (Axis D). Moreover, M&E is useful for reporting to the international and bilateral donors and as well as to the UNFCCC.
Output 4: Formulation of financial mechanisms for scaling up adaptation In Liberia, like many other developing countries, a significant handicap is the non-appropriation of processes at all levels and the lack of local funds to sustain previous investments.
4.1. Designing of procedures to scale up adaptation investments and address financial gaps.
The GCF resources will allow the GoL to identify and provide adequate alternative funding to support adaptations strategies implementation. Additionally, inclusion of climate change into the planning and national budget process at an early stage will secure co-financing of internationally funded projects by the GoL.
4.2. Fostering Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to support adaptation investments
Public private partnerships (PPP) in identifying and managing climate variability and to manage climate change, is essential planning climate change adaptation actions. The private sector companies, for their own economic interest, collect and analyse climate data. To be cost effective, it is necessary to learn and capitalize the private sector’s experience in identifying climate variability and managing climate change. The importance of the private sector in supporting Liberia’s CCA actions is well established in its Initial National Communication (2013) and INDC (2015). With Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), the private sector (petroleum and industrial companies) is a major producer of GHGs in Liberia (the energy and agricultural sector GHGs production amount to 67.5% and 31.9% of the national total, respectively). The role of the private sector in CCA in Liberia can be summarized in the following: (i) identification and implementation of strategies to reduce GHGs emissions, (ii) provision and sales of climate-sensible technologies and services, and (iii) funding of CCA projects.
Need for Collective Partnership to Avoid Natural Hazards Stressed
Liberian Observer
Monday 5 November 2018
“Liberia is exposed to natural hazards and climate-related risks including floods, windstorms, wildfire, and coastal erosion and, therefore, there is a need for collective partnership and coordination among state and non-state agencies in executing the assessment findings,” EPA Executive Director, Nathaniel T. Blama, said over the weekend. The threats being faced are likely to worsen with climate change, which will have a significant impact on local communities’ livelihoods, he said. In an effort to curtail such natural threats, the National Disaster Management Agency, in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), on October 26, 2018, launched the National Disaster Risks Assessment in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, through the hosting of an inception workshop under the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) project that is funded by the Green Climate Fund.
Liberia Faces Natural Hazards Threat, EPA, UNDP Warn
Front Page Africa
Tuesday 30 October 2018
Liberia is exposed to natural hazards and climate related risks including floods, windstorms, wildfire and coastal erosion. There is a need for collective partnership and coordination amongst state and non-state agencies in executing the assessment findings”, EPA Executive Director, Nathaniel T. Blama said. The threats being faced are likely to worsen with climate change, which will have significant impact on local communities’ livelihoods. In an effort to curtail natural threats being experienced, the National Disaster Management Agency in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) over the weekend, October 26, 2018 launched the National Disaster Risks Assessment in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County through the hosting of an inception workshop under the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) project that is funded by the Green Climate Fund.
University of Liberia to Commence Environmental Studies Soon
Wednesday 17 October 2018
In preparation for the commencement of University of Liberia (UL)’s graduate program in environmental studies, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) concluded a four-day technical workshop to develop a curriculum for Master’s in Environmental Studies for the tertiary institution. The technical training which ran from 18-21 October 2018 in Gbarnga, Bong County attracted 30 participants including UL President and Vice President of Graduate studies, heads of curriculum development and various departments at UL, as well as representatives of the EPA and partners of regional programs were tasked on developing a draft curriculum, reviewing and producing a final draft, which is expected to be submitted for further review and validation by relevant authorities of UL.
Liberia: 51 Vulnerable Youth and Women Trained in Production of Energy Efficient Cook Stoves
Tuesday 16 October 2018
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted a 3-day technical training session to train 51 local inhabitants from seven counties, in the production of energy efficient cook stoves. This initiative is supported by the National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) project implemented by the EPA with support from United Nations Development Programme and funded by the Green Climate Fund. The participants (27 females and 24 males), are unemployed vulnerable youth and women without skills, that were selected from communities in Bong, Margibi, Nimba, Grand Cape Mount, Bomi, Lofa and Grand Bassa Counties by the EPA. During the exercise which took place in the City of Gbarnga, Bong County, the Deputy Executive Director of the EPA, Randall Dobayou emphasized that the right to a conducive environment is a human right that the EPA and its partners are committed to supporting. He noted that the training, besides boosting efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emission and air pollution, will reduce the health risks associated with the use of traditional cook stoves, reduce the time spent by women in cooking and enable them time for additional activities.
Integrating gender in the mitigation of climate change
Monday 17 September 2018
The Focal Point of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change for Liberia at the EPA says the issue of climate change continues to be one of the major threats to development. Benjamin Karmoh, said the situation is posing danger to every sector including health, agriculture, education, water and sanitation, energy, and other sectors of the country thereby requiring the collective effort of everyone in addressing the issues of climate change. Karmoh speaking during a two-day inception training on the integration of gender perspective, through the use of sex disaggregated data and gender analysis tools in programme formulation and monitoring. The training targeted staff from line ministries, agencies, and corporations with specific functions in planning, monitoring and evaluation and was held in the port City of Buchannan. The event was organized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under its National Adaptation Plan Project) with funding from the Green Climate Fund.
EPA, UNDP Hold SDGs Training in Nimba
7 September 2018
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia in collaboration with United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is expected to commence a two day training workshop on Friday, September 7, in Ganta, Nimba County for capacity-building and operation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Liberia. The training, which is being funded by the Green Climate Fund of the National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), is held under UNDP’s NAPs Project, which supports government to advance its NAP process in climate sensitive sectors. According to a release from EPA’s Media Section, the UNDP’s NAPs project focuses on strengthening institutional frameworks and coordination for the implementation of the NAP process, expanding the knowledge based for scaling up adaptation, building capacity for mainstreaming climate change adaptation into planning, and budgeting processes and systems. The two day training, according the EPA, will focus on the SDGs that relate to environment, natural resource management, energy, gender and climate change. The training seeks to educate and inform stakeholders on the SDGs related to environment, natural resource management, energy and gender and raise awareness on the link between the NAPS, and SDGs and the importance of Climate Change Adaptation processes for the achievement of SDGs. It also intends to improve understanding on SDGs and climate change adaptation challenges at local and national levels and as well build synergies within environmental actors for their successful implementation of their respective programs and initiatives for climate change adaptation in Liberia. The Project supports the government to advance its NAP process in climate sensitive sectors. It also focuses on strengthening institutional frameworks and coordination for the implementation of the NAP process, expanding the knowledge base for scaling up adaptation, building capacity for mainstreaming climate change adaptation into planning, and budgeting processes and systems, and formulating financing mechanisms for scaling-up adaptation, including public, private, national and international.
Liberia Launches National Policy and Response Strategy on Climate Change
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) through the National Adaptation Plans (NAP) has launched the National Policy & Response Strategy on Climate Change. Declaring the official launch of the policy on behalf of the Liberian Government, the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Samuel Tweah said the climate change policy and response strategy represent a significant milestone in Liberia’s effort to combat the hazard of climate change. Minister Tweah added that the document demonstrates the country’s commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement which Liberia’s ratified a fortnight ago. According to the Finance Minister, climate change has the potential to reverse the gains of the past decades and is partly responsible for Liberia’s failure to achieve any of the Millennium Development Goals.
UNDP and partners sign agreement on graduate programme for environmental studies
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA and the University of Liberia have signed an agreement for support toward the setting up of a graduate program in environmental science at the University of Liberia. The agreement was signed during the launch of the National Policy & Response Strategy on Climate Change. The programme is being funded by the Green Climate Fund through UNDP's National Adaptation Plans project. The Programme is designed to prepare students to address the social and biophysical complexities of environmental problems. Along with the required core courses, the program will draw upon the strengths of current curriculum and resources to develop a unique course. This course combines the features of interdisciplinary, environmental literacy, integration of qualitative and quantitative skills, problem solving in the context of climate change resilience and adaptability. UNDP Liberia Country Director Pa Lamin Beyai signed on behalf of his Agency, while the President of the University of Liberia, Ophelia Weeks and EPA's Executive Director Nathaniel Blama, signed on behalf of their respective institutions.
Liberia set to launch National Policy and Response Strategy on Climate Change
The National Legislature of Liberia ratified the Paris Agreement on climate change this June with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Liberian Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), bringing the country one step closer to reaching its goals for low-carbon, climate-resilient development. “After reviewing and critically analyzing the Paris Agreement, Liberia stands to benefit from the financial and technological support in maintaining low-carbon climate-resilient development through effective adaptation to climate change and greenhouse-gas emission reduction,” the committee headed by Maryland County Senator H. Dan Morais said. Despite having contributed little to climate change, Liberia, like many other developing countries, is especially vulnerable to its impacts. Sea-level rise, soaring temperatures and increased rainfall threaten economic and social gains. The agricultural sector, which ensures the livelihoods of around 70 percent of the population, is especially vulnerable, with flooding, erosion and changing rainfall patterns putting lives at risk in a country where nearly eight out of ten people do not have secure access to food.
UNDP Equips EPA Monitoring System
Liberian Observer
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) yesterday donated 25 motorbikes and basic accessories to authorities of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for environmental monitoring and data collection initiatives across the country. UNDP Country Director, Dr. Pa Lamin Beyai, made the donation in Monrovia, which was received by EPA Executive Director, Nathaniel T. Blama. Dr. Beyai said that the donation is necessary because there are numerous current environment and climate change challenges in the country, including deforestation, coastal erosion, pollution of rivers and coastal waters, raw sewage, change in temperature and rainfall patterns that demand partners to adequately equip the EPA to face these challenges. “This donation is intended to boost EPA’s capacity to monitor and collect data for environmental compliance, while at the same time supporting adaptation planning,” Beyai said. He spoke of the agency’s limited capacity to monitor, coordinate and supervise the sustainable management of the environment that was recognized in 2015 during a stock-taking exercise UNDP conducted at the formulation process of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP). The NAP’s project, which is supporting the country to advance its preparation for medium-term investment planning in climate sensitive sectors, presents a unique opportunity for UNDP and EPA to work together to build resilience across the sectors.
National Disaster Management Agency, UNDP-Liberia Conduct Training on National Disaster Readiness
Front Page Africa
Thursday 7 June 2018
The training was funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). According to E. Abraham T. Tumbey, NAP’s project manager, the training session focused on strengthening national disaster response and helped citizens understand the steps to be adopted to respond to various disaster situations. Tumbey added that the training increased participants’ knowledge disaster preparedness by increasing each agencies’ understanding of participants’ roles and responsibilities before and during a disaster. Tumbey said planning, coordination and high state of preparedness were the necessary steps to handle crisis successfully. The NAP project manager said the training was also meant to create awareness among participants about the firefighting techniques and the ways to respond swiftly in times of such emergency situation.
Government, Partners Launch National Adaptation Plan of Liberia
Front Page Africa
Friday 16 March 2018
The National Adaptation Plan (NPA) is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) created to support the effort of developing countries to response to the challenge of climate change in line with the 2015 Paris Agreement. The project was launched at the National Adaption Plans Inception workshop implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the National Climate Change Secretariat March 12 at a local hotel in Monrovia. Outlining the NAP’s priorities at the launch, the EPA’s new Executive Director, Nathaniel T. Blama, Sr. noted that Liberia is the first country that have started the implementation of NAP; even though the country received approval alongside the Republic of Nepal. “The strategic priorities of the NAP are to mainstream climate change adaptation into development policies, plans and strategies; build long-term capacities of institutional structures involved in NAP; implement effective and sustainable funding mechanisms, advance research and development in climate change adaptation, and improve knowledge management” he said.
Environment chief: Why we’re prioritizing climate governance in Liberia
UNDP connects with the Executive Director of Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency to explore new steps towards climate resilient development
8 March 2018
Climate change poses significant risks to Liberia in reaching its goals for sustainable development and climate action. Strong governance will be a key in building the enabling and transformative institutions necessary to protect the people of Liberia from sea level rise and other climate impacts, propel development gains to reduce hunger and poverty so that no one is left behind, and protect peaceful climate-resilient economic and social development. Madam Anyaa Vohiri is a climate hero from Liberia. Her work as the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency provides unique insights into how least developed countries can plan for climate change and build for the future.
Liberia receives first instalment of US$2.2 million GCF grant for climate adaptation
10 July, 2015, Green Climate Fund
The Government of Liberia has recently received US$805,000 as part of a US$2.2 million Green Climate Fund grant to support its national climate adaptation planning process. The release of funds to the West African country represents GCF’s first transfer of adaptation resources to a least developed country (LDC). Supported through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the GCF-funded project "to advance the National Adaptation Plans (NAP) process for medium-term investment planning in climate-sensitive sectors (i.e. agriculture, energy, waste management, forestry and health) and coastal areas in Liberia" will work to strengthen institutional frameworks and coordination for the implementation of the NAP process, expand the knowledge base for scaling up adaptation, build capacity for mainstreaming climate change adaptation into planning, and budgeting processes and systems, and formulate financing mechanisms for scaling-up adaptation, including public, private, national and international.
GCF approves first grants for National Adaptation Planning in Liberia and Nepal
15 November 2016, Green Climate Fund
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) today announced the approval of its first grants in support of processes to develop National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). Under the GCF's Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme, Liberia will receive USD 2.2 million with UNDP acting as its delivery partner to implement its NAPs activities, whilst Nepal will receive a grant of USD 2.9 million via UNEP.
Output 1 - Strengthen institutional frameworks and coordination for the implementation of the NAP process
Output 2 - Expand the knowledge base for scaling up adaptation
Output 3 - Build capacity for mainstreaming climate change adaptation into planning, and budgeting processes and systems
Output 4 - Formulate financing mechanisms for scaling-up adaptation, including public, private, national and international.
Advancing medium and long-term adaptation planning and budgeting in Niger
The project activities aim to strengthen adaptation-related prioritization and planning, financing and capacity development, supporting Niger in integrating climate change into medium- and long-term development planning and budgeting through the NAP process. Reducing Niger’s vulnerability to climate change requires greater investments and greater integration of climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction into ongoing development programmes. The project works in synergy with other initiatives. It supported the National Disaster Risk Prevention and Management Facility to integrate climate change into its strategy, and the development of the NDC through gender studies and climate scenarios. The project also enables the implementation of Niger's national climate change strategy. The project addresses the main challenges in integrating climate change adaptation into planning and budgeting in Niger, as identified in its NAP Stocktaking Report.
The exposure to climate risks, associated with its position as a Sahelian landlocked country, makes Niger one of the most vulnerable countries in the world. The 42.8 percent of the GDP, and 80 percent of the workforce are employed in the agriculture, forestry and livestock sectors. Climate change is expected to worsen climate risks over the next decades, with an increase in the frequency of droughts, resulting in a decrease in agricultural production, an increase in grazing pressure on pastoral ecosystems, and consequently soil erosion on a mass scale, threatening food security; and floods resulting from the heavy rainfall. The country was ranked 188 out of 188 in the UNDP’s Human Development Index in 2015, with 89.8 percent of the population living in multidimensional poverty.
The foundations for the NAP process have been built through the preparation of the National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) in 2006 with support from UNDP and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The NAPA identified urgent and most immediate needs in seven vulnerable sectors and fourteen priority adaptation interventions. The National Climate Change Policy (PNCC) adopted in 2013 provides the overall strategic framework to tackle climate change. To move beyond urgent and immediate needs, and towards a medium-term approach, Niger intends to integrate climate change into medium- and long-term development planning and budgeting through the NAP process, under its obligation to the UNFCCC and as stated in its PNCC. This process will contribute to ensuring that the country’s long-term development strategy - starting with its Sustainable Development and Inclusive Growth Strategy (SDDCI) and its National Economic and Social Development plans - be based on an understanding of climate-related risks and opportunities for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Niger has been advancing its NAP process by conducting a preliminary stock take of relevant initiatives on climate adaptation and mainstreaming to identify gaps and needs. A NAP roadmap was subsequently drafted, which outlined the main steps and timeline of advancing the NAP process in Niger.
This project will be steered at country level by the Executive Secretariat of the National Council of Environment for Sustainable Development (SE/CNEDD), which is the coordinating body for all Rio Conventions and climate change-related initiatives and the National Designated Authority to the GCF. It will closely engage the Ministry of Planning and the Ministry of Finance, as well as key sectoral ministries, national training and research institutions and civil society, including the private sector. It will closely coordinate with other related initiatives such as the GEF-LDCF adaptation planning in the water sector project, the EU-funded PARC-DAD and the World Bank Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience. The project is aligned with the “Nigeriens Nourish the Nigeriens” Initiative (Initiative 3N), the Sustainable Development and Inclusive Growth Strategy (SDDCI), the National Economic and Social Development Plan (PDES), and the National Climate Learning Strategy.
Project updates
The draft NAP was developed through consultations (ministries and technical institutions, representatives of communities, the private sector, religious and traditional leaders, women's and youth organizations, civil society and media), combined with an analyses of climate data and vulnerability to climate change and assessments and capacity building of stakeholders. 25 adaptation options were identified and prioritized for the five sectors (livestock, health, transport, forestry and wetlands) and the draft NAP document was enriched and validated through regional workshops; the final validation through a national workshop is scheduled for 2022.
In collaboration with other entities, including the Executive Secretariat of the National Environment Council for Sustainable Development (CNEDD), a monitoring and evaluation system is being set up to track the progress of climate change adaptation initiatives.
In addition, a communication and knowledge management strategy has been developed to disseminate the results of the NAP process.
Output 1: National mandate, strategy and steering mechanism are in place and gaps are assessed and addressed
Output 2: Preparatory work for the NAP undertaken to develop a knowledge-base and compile a NAP
Output 3: NAP implementation facilitated
Output 4: Mechanisms for Reporting, Monitoring and Review of NAPs and adaptation progress in place
Output 5: Funding strategy for the NAP and CCA is available
Advancing the National Adaptation Plan of Papua New Guinea
Country background, Sustainable Development Goals and Paris Agreement
How has the NAP-GSP supported to date?
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Supported a stocktaking activity
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In June-July 2017, the NAP-GSP supported the government with a stocktaking of the current climate change adaptation initiatives. Through desk reviews of existing documentation, policies and strategies and, an assessment of relevant initiatives on climate mainstreaming and of the institutional framework and capacities relevant to the NAP process was conducted.
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Production of a Stocktaking Report
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Based on the desk research, a Stocktaking Report was produced. The findings were validated through a stakeholder consultation mission and a two-day training workshop on the NAP process, that took place in Port Moresby during 9-10 August 2017.
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Helped build capacity and facilitated access to additional climate finance
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From August 2017, with UNDP and NAP-GSP support, the government of PNG began preparing a Readiness and Preparatory Support Proposal to submit to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), outlining a NAP project for potential funding. The initial submission of the - Advancing Papua New Guinea’s National Adaptation Plan – project outlined in the Readiness proposal was made in October 2017. The proposal focuses on strengthening a mechanism for multi-sectoral coordination at various levels of government to integrate climate risks in development planning and establishing a financing framework for climate adaptation for medium-to long-term.
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Advancing the National Adaptation Plan of Papua New Guinea
Country background, Sustainable Development Goals and Paris Agreement
How has the NAP-GSP supported to date?
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Supported a stocktaking activity
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In June-July 2017, the NAP-GSP supported the government with a stocktaking of the current climate change adaptation initiatives. Through desk reviews of existing documentation, policies and strategies and, an assessment of relevant initiatives on climate mainstreaming and of the institutional framework and capacities relevant to the NAP process was conducted.
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Production of a Stocktaking Report
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Based on the desk research, a Stocktaking Report was produced. The findings were validated through a stakeholder consultation mission and a two-day training workshop on the NAP process, that took place in Port Moresby during 9-10 August 2017.
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Helped build capacity and facilitated access to additional climate finance
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From August 2017, with UNDP and NAP-GSP support, the government of PNG began preparing a Readiness and Preparatory Support Proposal to submit to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), outlining a NAP project for potential funding. The initial submission of the - Advancing Papua New Guinea’s National Adaptation Plan – project outlined in the Readiness proposal was made in October 2017. The proposal focuses on strengthening a mechanism for multi-sectoral coordination at various levels of government to integrate climate risks in development planning and establishing a financing framework for climate adaptation for medium-to long-term.
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Supporting Chad to advance their NAP process
Country background, Sustainable Development Goals and Paris Agreement
The Republic of Chad is located in north-central Africa and is dominated by the Saharan desert, covering half of its 1,284,634 km2. The Sahelian ecological zone runs through the center of the country, and is characterized by poor soils and scrubland. In the south, the wetter Sudanian savanna zone is dominated by forest and wooded savannah. The country’s unique position within the Middle Africa region aligns it with both the Congo Basin and the Sahel (as a member of both the Central African Forests Commission and the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel). Landlocked, the country is home to about 15.4 million people (2018 estimate), with only 28 percent of the population lives in urban areas.
According to the IPCC, Chad is projected to experience a moderate increase in temperature of between 0.6 and 1.3 Celsius (under a medium warming scenario) by 2023 and 1 to 2.5 Celsius of warming expected by 2050. It is expected that the number of “hot” days and nights will increase, while there will be a decrease in the number of “cold” days and nights. With respect to precipitation changes, model simulations for the Sahel remain widely divergent; some models estimate that mean annual precipitation could decrease by up to 28 percent, while others suggest that it could increase by up to 29 percent by the 2090s. A significant increase in extreme rainfall events (greater than 50 mm in the maximum five-day precipitation) has also been projected—a change that could increase runoff and flooding conditions.
In September 2015, Chad submitted its Nationally Determined Contribution to the UNFCCC. In order to provide a better living environment for Chadians, the government has drawn up "Vision 2030, the Chad we want," which is broken down into three national development plans. The first, covering the period 2017-2021. Chad, through its commitment, will pursue efforts to reduce social inequalities and improve the wellbeing of populations, protect the environment and economic diversification. In response to these expected climate change impacts, the United Nations Development Programme is working with the Government of Chad to implement The Chad National Adaptation Plan Advancement Project is intended to integrate climate change adaptation into medium- and long-term planning and budgeting of climate-sensitive sectors. Chad’s NAP will be anchored in the Chadian Vision 2030 and contribute to the effective integration of adaptation. It incorporates priorities including new productive capabilities and opportunities for the creation of decent work, the development of human capital, the fight against desertification, environmental protection, and adaptation to climate change and improved governance. Under the first component in the NAP, it includes the development of integrated information systems and a climate and socioeconomic database, the project will support planning and decision-making based on scientific evidence. As a result, Chad will be endowed with a national framework able to produce forecasts and assess the vulnerability of production systems to the adverse effects of climate change. In addition, Chad is receiving support from UN Environment to access funding from the Green Climate Fund on adaptation planning.
How has the NAP-GSP supported to date?
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Supported the NAP regional workshop |
In 2014, Chad attended the NAP-GSP Francophone Africa Regional Training Workshop, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to share best practices from countries in the region. Key stakeholders from Chad identified six barriers for implementing the NAP during the project-planning meeting held on 26 May 2017 in N'Djamena.
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Supported the formulation of a Roadmap |
In Chad, a basic need for analysis was identified, the NAP GSP supported Chad carry out the preparations for a road map for conducting the NAP process.
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Helped build capacity for accessing climate financing for launch of NAP
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The government of Chad launched their NAP project at the end of 2019. The NAP project is implemented by the Ministry of the Environment and Fisheries in Chad and is funded through the Global Environment Facility LDC Fund. It was developed with the support of the NAP-GSP. |
Vers une atténuation et une acclimatation du Tchad aux effets du changement climatique
Le Plan National d’Adaptation au changement climatique (PNA) opérationnel dans la zone méridionale - February 2020 - Permettez-moi de remercier l’équipe du PNA pour avoir lancer le projet dans la zone soudanienne et de proposer cette formation sur le changement climatique. Pendant longtemps, on a pensé que le changement climatique est une affaire des autres et qu’on ne peut pas être touché. On s’est rendu compte maintenant que le changement climatique est un phénomène réel qui affecte tout le monde.
Lancement du « Plan National d’Adaptation aux changements climatiques » - Octobre 2019 - Le PNUD et le Ministère de l’Environnement, de l’Eau et de la Pêche, ont lancé officiellement le projet « Plan National d’Adaptation aux changement climatiques » (PNA), ouvrant sa mise en œuvre à l’échelle nationale.
Supporting Burkina Faso to advance their NAP process
Country background, Sustainable Development Goals and Paris Agreement
Due to its geographical position, Burkina Faso is characterized by a dry tropical climate, which alternates between a short rainy season and a long dry season. Burkina Faso’s climate is prone to strong seasonal and annual variation due to its location in the hinterland and within the confines of the Sahara. Climate change may affect the Sahelian region of Africa through severe variations in rainfall, water shortage and low agricultural yield. This should amplify drought risks and evaporation, and reduce agricultural productivity (a 10% drop in rainfall is expected by 2050). In addition, climate change will probably result in higher temperatures (a 1.4-1.6°C rise is expected by 2050), potentially increasing the risk for forest fires or bushfires.
Since ratifying the UNFCCC in 1993, Burkina Faso qualified for the Adaptation in Africa Programme (AAP) launched by the UNDP with funding from the Japanese government. In October 2008, between the UNDP and Japan and the implementation of the AAP, twenty African countries, including Burkina Faso, were granted funding for their climate variability and change adaptation programmes. Burkina Faso has contextualized the 2030 agenda in its National Economic and Social Development Plan (PNDES), operationalized through 14 sectoral policies and local development plans. The country is focusing on SDG4, SDG8, SDG10, SDG13, SDG 16, and SDG17. Burkina Faso launched its National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process to formulate a medium- and long-term climate change adaptation strategy denoted NAPA programming. In September 2014, Burkina Faso submits its Second National Communication to the UNFCCC and one year later, in September 2015, Burkina Faso submitted its Intended National Determined Contribution to the UNFCCC.
Burkina Faso submitted its NAP to the UNFCCC in October 2015. The methodology for formulating a NAP in Burkina Faso includes four steps or 'elements and also took into account the national circumstance of the country when planning these actions. 1) Laying the ground work and addressing gaps, includes assessing available information on climate change impacts, vulnerability and adaptation, measures taken to address climate change and gaps and needs, at the national and regional levels. 2) The preparatory elements include activities aimed at integrating climate change adaptation into national and sub-national development and sectoral planning, as well as consultation workshops and awareness building. 3) Implementing strategies includes strengthening institutional and regulatory frameworks to support adaptation and training/ coordinating at the sectoral and sub-national levels. 4) Reporting, monitoring and review activities include addressing inefficiencies, incorporating the results of new assessments and emerging science and reflect lessons learned from adaptation efforts.
How has the NAP-GSP supported to date?
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Supported the Regional NAP workshop |
In 2014, Burkina Faso attended the NAP-GSP Francophone Africa Regional Training Workshop, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to share best practices from countries in the region.
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Supported the methodology for identifying gaps and specific priorities
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NAP-GSP supported Burkina Faso in formulated the methodology to lay the groundwork for addressing gaps in their NAP document. As outlined in the NAP, these activities are designed to identify gaps and omissions in intervention frameworks and address them as necessary, to support the formulation of comprehensive adaptation plans, programmes and policies.
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Supported with the preparation of the initial NAP
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In May 2015, NAP GSP supported Burkina Faso with an initial review of the final draft of the NAP document. Burkina Faso submitted the NAP document to the UNFCCC in September later that year.
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Strengthening national resilience capacities - May 2017 - The objective of this workshop is to strengthen the capacities of actors from ministerial departments and NGOs involved in disaster management on the PDNA approach and to adapt the tools.