1. Draft GEF-5 Adaptation Strategy GEF-NGO Consultations June 21, 2009
Washington, D.C
Bonizella Biagini
Coordinator, Adaptation to Climate Change
Global Environment Facility

2. UNFCCC Guidance to the GEF on Adaptation
Preparation (COP1 & 4)
Studies, assessments and capacity building
Implementation (COP7 & 9 & 11)
GEF Trust Fund Strategic Priority on Adaptation (SPA) for Global Benefits
Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF)
Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF)
→ GEF responsible to assist developing countries to meet the goals of the Convention

3. Least Developed Countries Fund under the UNFCCC
Special needs of the LDCs under the UNFCCC → National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs) on urgent and immediate adaptation needs
Principle of balanced access
48 NAPAs financed, 41 completed
UNFCCC-estimated costs of NAPA implementation
range from $800 million to $1.5 billion
5 implementation projects endorsed and initiated
24 further implementation projects approved
~ Total millions: pledged $180; approved $106; available $62

4. Special Climate Change Fund under the UNFCCC
Active windows: Adaptation and Technology Transfer
Adaptation priority areas: water, land management, agriculture, health, infrastructure development, fragile ecosystems, integrated coastal zone management, disaster risk management and prevention
21 adaptation projects approved in over 32 countries
~ Total millions for adaptation: $100; approved $91; available $5.5
Current waiting list for adaptation exceeds $250 million

5. Key Programming Elements of GEF-5 Adaptation Strategy
Scientific consensus and public awareness
Increasing gap between adaptation finance demand and supply
Lessons learned from the SPA, LDCF and SCCF
Climate resilient development on the ground
Evolution of UNFCCC guidance
The LDCF and SCCF are foundation for GEF-5 adaptation investment

6. Rationale for the Strategy
Responsiveness to COP guidance
Responsiveness to Developing Country needs and predictability of resources
Complementary and synergies among the funds (LDCF, SCCF, GEF Trust Fund and Adaptation Fund)

7. Adaptation Strategy
Goal: Support developing countries to increase resilience to climate change through both immediate and longer-term adaptation measures in development policies, plans, programs, projects and actions
Impact: Reduce absolute losses due to climate change, including variability
Objectives: Reduce vulnerability and increase adaptive capacity

8. Adaptation and GEF-5 Reform Proposals
Expanded access for additional implementing agencies, e.g. the World Food Program (WFP)
More direct access and National Steering Committees
A pilot initiative on direct access
A 4-year funding cycle concomitant to the GEF replenishment proposed for the LDCF and SCCF to address adaptation needs

9. Thank you for your attention