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The guide argues that simplicity is essential for the longevity and feasibility of national-level monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems for climate adaptation, given resource constraints and the long timelines of climate impacts. It recommends that countries clarify objectives before data collection, integrate adaptation into existing national or sectoral systems rather than creating standalone ones, and use an incremental approach through piloting and progress reporting. The document emphasizes that MEL should ultimately serve as a storytelling process to communicate progress through evidence-based narratives.

The evaluation assesses the performance of the 10 MW Sumber Solar Power Plant (SPP) in Mongolia, funded by a USD 8.65 million GCF loan and USD 8.9 million in equity. The project is rated as "Satisfactory," having successfully reduced GHG emissions by 29,722 tCO2eq and produced 34,124 MWh of electricity by the end of 2020. While the program closed early in December 2020 due to loan refinancing by the project developer, it demonstrated the bankability of solar projects in Mongolia and aligned with national targets to reach 30% renewable energy by 2030. However, the evaluation noted shortcomings in gender-disaggregated data and the implementation of the Gender Action Plan.

The document outlines a 24-month, USD 813,548 project implemented by the Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO) to address gaps in Sri Lanka's climate finance readiness. Key objectives include establishing a Direct Access Accreditation Support Helpdesk to assist national banks in becoming GCF-accredited, creating a Climate-Smart Green Growth Strategy for lower watersheds and coastal regions, and developing three new GCF project concept notes. The project emphasizes Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) as a primary entry point for building resilience against floods, droughts, and sea-level rise, while operationalizing a national climate risk data portal to improve stakeholder coordination.

The Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) Directorate's mid-term report for the 2021-2022 intersessional period details progress in science, capacity building, and communication. Key achievements include the expansion of the Science, Technology and Policy (STeP) fellowship program, the launch of the IAI Transdisciplinary (TD) Academy, and the securing of approximately 1.3 million Euros for a drought information project in the La Plata basin. The Directorate also reports contributions to the IPCC 6th Assessment Report and the development of climate-health tools in the Caribbean.

The report analyzes the transition to virtual meetings for the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) during the COVID-19 pandemic. It finds that while virtual formats increased participation and reduced costs, they hindered informal networking. Survey results indicate a high level of satisfaction with the organization of CoP-29, though there is a noted need for better introductory materials for new participants and more frequent communication between sessions via Zoom and newsletters.

The IAI Executive Direction reports progress on transdisciplinary research, particularly regarding climate-sensitive infectious diseases in the Caribbean and drought monitoring in the La Plata basin. The report highlights the expansion of the Science, Technology, and Policy (STeP) Fellowship program and the launch of the IAI Transdisciplinary Academy to improve the interface between science and public policy in the Americas.

The manual outlines strategies for planning, designing, and evaluating linear infrastructure safeguards in Asia, emphasizing the use of spatial analysis, economic valuation, and engineering best practices to maintain ecological connectivity.

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.

The Puerto Rico Community Energy Resilience Initiative (CERI) focuses on increasing energy resilience for low-to-moderate income communities by installing solar-plus-storage microgrids at critical facilities. Through pilot projects, CERI found that a community-driven approach, combined with flexible financing and technical assistance, is the most effective way to serve needs ignored by the current market. The initiative emphasizes local ownership to bolster local economies and the use of concessionary capital to make systems affordable for facilities with varying credit histories. Technical assistance is highlighted as essential for correct system sizing and procurement, while capacity building ensures long-term maintenance and sustainability.

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 document argues that vertical integration is essential for inclusive and effective climate adaptation, as it ensures local realities and marginalized voices shape national policy. It identifies four enabling factors for this process: financing mechanisms, institutional arrangements, information sharing, and capacity development. Through case studies from countries like Malawi, Botswana, Ghana, Nepal, Cambodia, and Peru, the briefing highlights that while decentralization and local participation improve targeting, they are often hindered by power imbalances, elite capture, and a lack of financial resources reaching the local level. The author recommends using knowledge brokers to bridge the gap between national and local visions and empowering local authorities through stronger mandates and capacity building.

The 29th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (CoP-29) resulted in the adoption of 17 decisions covering financial budgets, governance policies, and scientific initiatives. Key outcomes include the approval of a new Gender Policy, a Whistleblower policy, and the establishment of a working group for a national climate assessment initiative in Latin America and the Caribbean. The meeting also addressed financial strains caused by a lack of voluntary contributions and updated the IAI Scientific Agenda.

The report details the administrative, financial, and scientific outcomes of the IAI's 29th Conference of the Parties. Key actions include the approval of the 2021-2022 operating budget, the adoption of a gender policy for projects, and the establishment of a working group for national climate assessments in Latin America and the Caribbean. The meeting also addressed the financial pressure caused by unpaid voluntary contributions and the need to combat predatory scientific publishing in the Americas.

The briefing evaluates the virtual UN Climate Change subsidiary bodies sessions, noting that while substantive discussions occurred, significant divides between developed and developing nations persisted. Key areas of limited progress include the Paris Agreement Rulebook, carbon markets under Article 6, and the delivery of climate finance. The document highlights logistical hurdles of virtual negotiations and a perceived imbalance in the agenda, which sidelined critical issues like loss and damage and the global goal on adaptation, leaving substantial political and technical work for COP26 in Glasgow.

The evaluation of Burkina Faso's 2015-2020 National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (NAP) found that 67% of planned actions were either completed or in progress, though the average physical completion rate was lower at 49%. While institutional capacity building (Strategic Area 1) saw a 93% completion rate, sectors like housing and infrastructure and cross-cutting areas for women and civil society struggled significantly due to poor resource mobilisation and a lack of institutional leadership. Key physical achievements included the Zagtouli solar power plant and extensive land recovery, but the report highlights critical failures in monitoring, evaluation, and gender-disaggregated data collection.

The IAI is launching a Regional Assessment to map the global change policy and decision-making landscapes of its member countries. By identifying specific decisions impacted by global environmental change (GEC) where science information is lacking, the IAI aims to align its research funding and collaboration efforts with the actual needs of the Parties. The process involves scoping workshops, electronic surveys, and interviews, with a final report expected by May 2022.

This briefing document from the IAI Directorate updates the Conference of the Parties on the implementation of Decisions XXVIII/7 and XXVIII/8 regarding the invitation for Mitacs to become an Associate of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI).

The IAI Executive Directorate reported progress in its strategic plan during 2020-2021 despite COVID-19 challenges. Key achievements include the launch of the Science, Technology, and Policy (STeP) fellowship program, the development of a revised scientific agenda incorporating feedback from Canada, Argentina, and Colombia, and the execution of transdisciplinary projects on climate-driven vector-borne diseases in Jamaica and Saint Lucia. The IAI also expanded its partnerships with the Belmont Forum, Wellcome Trust, and Mitacs Canada, while contributing to the IPCC's chapter on Central and South America.

The IAI Directorate reports that while COVID-19 delayed some actions requiring international travel, activities remain aligned with the Strategic Plan. The document introduces a comprehensive framework of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and leading/lagging metrics to measure organizational performance across themes such as fundraising, open data, capacity building, and science priorities. It also recommends delaying the triennial revision of the Strategic Plan to the 2023-2024 intersessional period to coincide with the term of a new Executive Director.

The report assesses Turkmenistan's institutional capacity for climate change adaptation, highlighting the critical vulnerability of the water and agriculture sectors. It identifies the Inter-Sectoral Commission on environmental protection as a key driver for the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process and recommends formalizing institutional frameworks, harmonizing legislation, and improving cross-sectoral data exchange to mainstream adaptation into national planning.