FINAL EVALUATION OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE SUPPORT FOR THE NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN GLOBAL NETWORK

The evaluation concludes that the NAP GN has been a valuable contributor to the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process, exceeding its grant targets for training and institutional capacity building. While highly effective in providing neutral knowledge brokering and tailored country support, the report identifies needs for improved impact measurement, better coordination with multilateral entities, and a strategic shift toward supporting the implementation phase of NAPs.

• The NAP GN exceeded the quantitative targets set in the USDS grant agreement by June 2020. Specifically, it trained 3,303 people against a target of 2,069, supported 222 institutions with improved capacity to address climate risks against a target of 129, and facilitated the proposal, adoption, or implementation of 79 laws, policies, regulations, or standards across 19 countries, exceeding the target of 42 in at least eight countries.
• The Network serves as a neutral 'honest knowledge broker,' providing a safe space for government representatives to discuss adaptation outside the political pressures of the UNFCCC negotiation context. Its knowledge products have specifically improved practical understanding of gender, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), private sector engagement, and the alignment between NAPs and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• The evaluation found that the 'no one-size-fits-all' approach of tailoring support to specific country needs and circumstances was highly effective. In countries where in-depth support was provided, NAP processes became more dynamic, faster, and better integrated into sustainable development and political landscapes.
• While the Network improved the enabling environment for NAPs, the report notes that this is not always sufficient to secure on-the-ground financial investments. However, 10 countries receiving USDS funding saw a medium or high contribution to greater climate-resilient investments.
• The Network lacks a robust system for measuring long-term impacts beyond quantitative indicators and donor reporting. The current Theory of Change is described as a first step that is insufficient for full impact assessment.
• Sustainability of benefits is higher at the country level, particularly where support focused on resource mobilization, than at the global level. The report warns that ending global support for the NAP GN would terminate the benefits generated by its work due to the ongoing global need for adaptation capacity.

APA

Volonte, C., Garcia, J., & Gonzalez, M. (2020). FINAL EVALUATION OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE SUPPORT FOR THE NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN GLOBAL NETWORK. NAP Global Network. https://napglobalnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/napgn-en-2021-evaluation-baastel-2020-executive-summary.pdf

Chicago

Volonte, Claudio, Jon Garcia, and Margarita Gonzalez. FINAL EVALUATION OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE SUPPORT FOR THE NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN GLOBAL NETWORK. NAP Global Network, 2020. https://napglobalnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/napgn-en-2021-evaluation-baastel-2020-executive-summary.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Volonte |first1=Claudio |last2=Garcia |first2=Jon |last3=Gonzalez |first3=Margarita |title=FINAL EVALUATION OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE SUPPORT FOR THE NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN GLOBAL NETWORK |publisher=NAP Global Network |date=21 September 2020 |url=https://napglobalnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/napgn-en-2021-evaluation-baastel-2020-executive-summary.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{volonte2020final, author = {Volonte, Claudio and Garcia, Jon and Gonzalez, Margarita}, title = {{FINAL EVALUATION OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE SUPPORT FOR THE NATIONAL ADAPTATION PLAN GLOBAL NETWORK}}, institution = {NAP Global Network}, year = {2020}, month = sep, url = {https://napglobalnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/napgn-en-2021-evaluation-baastel-2020-executive-summary.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }