Search Climate Insights Directory

The GCF Secretariat's 2022 work programme focuses on six priorities: enhancing country-driven investments and direct access, building a USP-aligned portfolio, managing portfolio implementation, supporting Board governance, optimizing operational efficiency, and consolidating institutional capacity for the GCF-2 replenishment. The proposed administrative budget for the Board, Secretariat, and Trustee is USD 87,813,586, representing a 5.1% increase over 2021. Key targets include advancing a pipeline of USD 1.77-2.4 billion to review and increasing the share of the portfolio under implementation to over 80%.

The PROACT program has significantly increased the knowledge, confidence, and attitudes of community team members regarding P/CVE, with knowledge levels rising from 18.4% to 90.7% post-training. The program has strengthened County Engagement Forums (CEFs) and implemented County Action Plans (CAPs), though sustainability is challenged by a reliance on external donor funding and inconsistent CEF membership. Key findings highlight a shift in terrorist recruitment from face-to-face to online methods and a need for greater security actor trust in community-led processes. Recommendations include embedding P/CVE funding into county legislation, extending the program duration for sustainable transformation, and developing P/CVE curricula for educational institutions.

The proposal seeks USD 330,171 over 18 months to empower the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) of Sierra Leone as the National Designated Authority (NDA). The programme focuses on establishing a gender-responsive country programme, improving stakeholder engagement, and developing a pipeline of high-priority climate projects. Implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the initiative aims to address Sierra Leone's vulnerability to flooding, rainfall changes, and sea-level rise by enhancing the country's ability to navigate GCF procedures and coordinate inter-ministerial climate efforts.

The proposal seeks USD 599,893 from the GCF to update Chile's 2014 National Adaptation Plan (NAP). It identifies critical gaps in the existing framework, including weak sub-national coordination, rudimentary monitoring systems, and a lack of financial strategies for adaptation measures. The project, implemented by the FAO, aims to strengthen institutional governance, develop specific vulnerability assessments for indigenous peoples and the tourism sector, and create a digital monitoring platform. It also focuses on catalyzing private sector engagement and establishing a financial plan and project portfolio to ensure the implementation of identified adaptation solutions.

The evaluation finds that while the GCF is uniquely positioned to finance large-scale, high-risk adaptation projects, it has not yet fully utilized this potential. The adaptation portfolio is dominated by small-scale grant projects implemented by international accredited entities, with significant delays in project approval and legal arrangements. Private sector engagement remains extremely low, and the Fund lacks a specific strategy for adaptation impact measurement and innovation. Key recommendations include diversifying financial instruments, streamlining the business model for direct access entities, and establishing a clear private sector strategy for adaptation.

The Independent Evaluation Unit (IEU) found that the SAP Pilot Scheme has not significantly accelerated project approvals or simplified requirements for proponents. While the SAP has increased access for African States and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), it has failed to attract Small Island Developing States (SIDS) or the private sector. The median time from concept note submission to Board approval for SAP projects is 365 days, only 8% shorter than comparable regular projects. The IEU recommends developing a formal SAP strategy, simplifying review criteria, and delegating approval authority to the Executive Director.

As of May 24, 2022, 43 companies have committed USD 458 million across 48 countries to support the Zero Hunger Private Sector Pledge. The largest individual commitments come from Bayer (USD 160 million) and PepsiCo (USD 100 million), with significant regional focus on Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

The report reviews the GCF's country ownership framework, finding that while National Designated Authorities (NDAs) are recognized as leaders, they often lack the capacity for inclusive stakeholder coordination and monitoring and evaluation (M&E). It highlights the importance of Country Programmes (CPs) and the role of Direct Access Entities (DAEs), while noting challenges in private sector engagement and long proposal approval timelines. Drawing on best practices from organizations like the Global Fund (GFATM) and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), the report recommends establishing formal country coordination platforms, accelerating DAE accreditation, and improving accountability through mandatory sharing of Annual Progress Reports (APRs) with NDAs.

The GCF's Independent Evaluation Unit (IEU) assessed four pilot RFP programmes: Enhanced Direct Access (EDA), Micro-, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSME), Mobilizing Funds at Scale (MFS), and REDD+ Results-based Payments (REDD+). The assessment concludes that while the RFPs are relevant to the GCF mandate and country needs, they have not been used effectively as a modality. Key failures include a lack of incentives for proponents, an inability to attract new accredited entities, and a project cycle that remains as complex and lengthy as the regular Proposal Appraisal Process (PAP). The REDD+ RFP was the most successful due to its tailored process and specialized expertise. The IEU recommends establishing the RFP as a formal institutional modality with standardized processes, transparent topic selection based on portfolio gap analysis, and incentives such as simplified accreditation.

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) serves as the largest dedicated climate fund for developing countries, accounting for two-thirds of all multilateral climate finance last year. The GCF focuses on bridging the adaptation finance gap, where only one-fifth of global climate funds are currently allocated. To scale action, the GCF employs a strategy involving the translation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) into investment plans, piloting innovative technologies and business models, utilizing blended finance to crowd-in private investment, and strengthening the capacity of domestic financial institutions. Key initiatives include the Global Sub-national Climate Fund and partnerships to de-risk investments in adaptation technologies and coral reef protection.

Fiji has integrated Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) as a strategic priority within its National Adaptation Plan (NAP), which was formally communicated to the UNFCCC on December 12, 2018. The NAP identifies 160 adaptation measures across five priority sectors, emphasizing the role of healthy ecosystems as the foundation for economic growth and the protection of vulnerable groups. Practical implementation is exemplified by the use of vetiver grass for riverbank protection and erosion reduction, supported by a nursery opened in July 2020 in Labasa. The process aligns international commitments, including the Paris Agreement, Sustainable Development Goals, and the Sendai Framework, while engaging the private sector and utilizing both traditional and scientific knowledge.

The Independent Evaluation Unit (IEU) finds that the GCF's accreditation function is overburdened by contradictory goals and lacks a formal strategy, leading to protracted processing times and a project portfolio heavily skewed toward international entities. While the GCF prioritizes direct access, many direct access entities (DAEs) struggle with capacity and have not successfully accessed funds. The report recommends strengthening the governance of the Accreditation Committee and Panel, establishing clear business standards for processing, and implementing a project-specific assessment approach (PSAA) to improve efficiency.

The report details the Green Climate Fund (GCF) pipeline, which consists of 467 total projects with a combined total value of $82,847M (including co-financing). The pipeline is divided into funding proposals and concept notes, with significant concentrations in mitigation and adaptation across Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean.

The NAP Global Network responds to an external evaluation of its 2015–2020 activities, committing to integrate findings into its 2021–2025 Strategy. Key commitments include revising its Theory of Change, expanding support to 30 new countries by 2025, and shifting focus from 'paper NAPs' toward the actual implementation of adaptation priorities. The Network also aims to enhance private sector engagement, vertical integration, and the alignment of NAP processes with the Paris Agreement's Global Stocktake and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The GCF Board's 27th meeting resulted in the adoption of the Updated Strategic Plan (2020–2023), which sets goals for the first replenishment period (GCF-1), including a 50:50 balance between mitigation and adaptation funding. The Board approved 15 funding proposals, including several REDD-plus and Simplified Approval Process (SAP) projects, and accredited four new entities. The meeting also covered the 2021 administrative budget, work plans for independent units, and discussions on the Integrated Results Management Framework (IRMF) and the MOPAN assessment.

The Green Climate Fund's January 2021 pipeline consists of 459 projects with a total value of $81,138M, including GCF funding and co-financing. The pipeline is divided between the Public Sector (DMA) and Private Sector (PSF), with significant concentrations in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. Projects are categorized by themes of adaptation, mitigation, and cross-cutting activities, with the majority of funding flowing through the Proposal Approval Process rather than the Simplified Approval Process. The report further segments these figures into 'Funding Proposals' and 'Concept Notes', providing granular data on financial instruments, impact potential, and specific allocations for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and Africa.

The document outlines a request for USD 302,281.00 to enable the Tongan private sector, particularly MSMEs, to access climate finance. The program focuses on capacity building, identifying investment barriers, and developing a pipeline of bankable project concept notes. The Tonga Development Bank (TDB) serves as the Delivery Partner, aiming for GCF accreditation, while the Tonga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) acts as the executing entity. Key activities include creating a sensitization communication strategy, conducting barrier assessments, and facilitating south-south cooperation with Vanuatu.

The NAP Global Network Strategy to 2025 establishes a framework to accelerate climate-resilient development in developing countries by enhancing National Adaptation Plan (NAP) processes. The strategy focuses on three main priorities: expanding tailored technical support, innovating peer learning, and making NAP knowledge more accessible and compelling. It aims to reach 30 new developing countries by 2025, ensure 30% of support goes to least developed countries (LDCs), and assist at least 15 countries in transitioning from planning to implementation. The Network operates through a Theory of Change that links activities like South-South peer exchange and the Country Support Hub to longer-term outcomes of higher-quality NAP processes and increased strategic investment in adaptation.

The document outlines Saint Lucia's comprehensive climate policy environment, highlighting the role of the Department of Sustainable Development and the National Climate Change Committee in coordinating national efforts. It details the implementation of the National Adaptation Plan (2018-2028), the development of Sectoral Adaptation Strategies and Action Plans (SASAPs), and the submission of an Updated Nationally Determined Contribution in January 2021. The paper also examines the integration of gender considerations, the challenges of climate finance, and the emerging focus on loss and damage policy.

The proposal seeks USD 593,760 over 18 months to improve the operationality of Uruguay's National Designated Authority (NDA), facilitate direct access to GCF funding for national entities, and integrate climate change into subnational planning and private sector business models. Key activities include updating the Country Programme, developing a sustainable finance roadmap, and supporting the accreditation of the Corporación Nacional para el Desarrollo (CND) and Banco de la República Oriental del Uruguay (BROU).