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The document serves as the first progress report for Tonga's Second Joint National Action Plan for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management 2018–2028 (JNAP2). Its primary goal is to update the JNAP Taskforce on implementation status and provide recommendations for future improvements. Additionally, it aims to inform government, industry, civil society, and international partners about Tonga's efforts toward resilient and sustainable development to coordinate further input and interest.

The report finds that while over 75% of NATO countries include climate change and nearly 70% include food security in their security strategies, these issues remain siloed. Most concrete actions focus on military emissions mitigation and direct adaptation rather than the indirect security implications of food and water insecurity. The author argues that climate-driven disasters create vulnerabilities that adversaries like Russia and China exploit through disinformation, weaponized migration, and food weaponization. The report recommends updating NATO's baseline resilience requirements and targeting investments toward "stability multipliers" that address the nexus of climate, food, and security both domestically and in the developing world.

The Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) assessment of the SUNCASA project in Kigali finds that nature-based solutions—including afforestation, reforestation, agroforestry, riparian restoration, and urban tree planting—are highly cost-effective for climate adaptation. Over a 25-year period, these interventions yield a benefit-cost ratio of 2.09, with a payback period of 7 years. The primary benefits derive from reduced flood damage to urban infrastructure, alongside significant public health savings and a projected 30% increase in carbon storage (approximately 600,000 tons of carbon dioxide). The project targets 2,500 hectares across six micro-catchments and includes the planting of 85,000 urban trees to mitigate risks from extreme rainfall, heat, and soil erosion.

The document examines urban heat islands (UHI) in Pärnu, Estonia, highlighting how urban density and coastal dynamics intensify heat. It argues that heat risk is an interaction between physical hazards and social vulnerability, particularly for children and the elderly, and advocates for targeted planning based on spatial mapping of these factors.

The IAI Directorate has advanced several strategic mandates between June 2025 and January 2026, including the expansion of its Associate network with the WMO and AGU, and the operationalization of the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Committee (IPAC). Key efforts focused on science diplomacy in preparation for UNFCCC COP30, the launch of transdisciplinary research programs on climate-health and ocean science, and the development of the IAI Science Diplomacy Center. The Directorate also expanded its educational reach through virtual courses on remote sensing and health adaptation, while pursuing new member state adhesion, specifically with El Salvador.

The document outlines a three-goal approach for climate finance vehicles to manage climate risk and build resilience. Goal 1 focuses on a five-step process to identify and manage physical climate hazards to align with international standards like the ISSB and Paris Agreement. Goal 2 guides the creation of an evidence-backed adaptation thesis to secure investor commitments, particularly for those targeting Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) funding. Goal 3 provides a methodology for designing impact measurement frameworks, including theories of change and indicator tables, to track resilience outcomes and avoid maladaptation.

The report identifies systemic constraints for women-led enterprises (WLEs) in Nepal, particularly in agriculture and forestry, where 70% of women are employed. A survey of 200 WLEs reveals that 65% have been affected by climate shocks, yet 88% rely on personal savings due to collateral gaps and misaligned financial products. While Nepal has a GESI-responsive climate policy framework, implementation gaps persist, with climate finance often remaining gender-neutral. The brief recommends tailored capacity building, the introduction of parametric insurance-linked credit, and the strengthening of women's enterprise associations to bridge the financing gap.

The Global Resilience Partnership (GRP) utilizes a tiered 'Innovation Challenge' model to fund and scale bottom-up resilience solutions across the Global South. Since 2014, GRP has invested over US$45 million, supporting 102 solutions in more than 30 countries and benefiting over 7 million people. The 2026 portfolio focuses on three primary challenges: RAIN (nature-positive agriculture), RISE (informal urban settlements), and TECH (AI for humanitarian response). GRP provides a structured pipeline—Idea, Seed, Scale, and Amplify—combining financial grants with non-financial support such as mentoring and a Leadership Academy to make local innovators investment-ready.

The 2026 Market Intelligence Report for the Western Cape's sustainable agriculture sector highlights a transition toward resource-efficient, technologically enabled production. It identifies biological crop protection and biostimulants as key regenerative agriculture opportunities, with a total addressable market of R79.3530.3 million and R27.3176.6 million respectively. Additionally, it identifies farm management systems as a critical smart farming opportunity to ensure export compliance and operational efficiency, with a total addressable market of R108135 million per year. The sector faces significant trade pressures, including the expiry of AGOA in September 2025 and evolving EU sustainability regulations under the European Green Deal, prompting a strategic pivot toward market diversification in Asia, particularly China, following a landmark stone fruit trade protocol signed in October 2025.

The Western Cape water sector is transitioning toward innovative procurement and financing models due to tightening public budgets and increasing climate pressures. Significant capital expenditure is planned for 2025/26 to 2027/28, with approximately R16.5 billion from the City of Cape Town and R7.5 billion from other local municipalities. Key opportunities include public-private partnerships (PPPs) for large-scale infrastructure like desalination and water reuse, as well as a growing market for decentralized water-efficient sanitation solutions (WESS) in both public informal settlements and private property developments.

The 2026 ESMP for Biological Corridor 2 (BC 02) in Wangdue, Bhutan, focuses on the expansion of the Dazijab campsite. The project is classified as Category B, meaning potential environmental and social impacts are site-specific and reversible. Planned works include adding a secure compound fence and a four-unit traditional hot stone bath. The plan outlines mitigation measures for construction waste, noise, and occupational health and safety (OHS), while ensuring compliance with both Bhutanese law and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP).

The 2026 ESMP for Jomotshangkha Wildlife Sanctuary outlines mitigation strategies for four key activities: lowland grassland restoration, waterhole maintenance, bio-engineering at the Tashithang landslide area, and a 5-hectare plantation at Lauri. The plan categorizes the project as 'Category B,' meaning impacts are site-specific and reversible. It details environmental risks such as invasive species spread and soil erosion, and social risks including worker safety from wildlife attacks and potential disruption of grazing rights. The document specifies a total budget of Nu. 2,000,000 and mandates compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures.

The ESMP for Phrumsengla National Park (PNP) for 2026 focuses on two primary activities: the improvement of alpine meadows and the maintenance of the Phawan Range Office. The document outlines the environmental and socio-economic baseline of the park, which covers 906 km² and serves as a critical habitat for endangered species like the tiger and red panda. For the alpine meadow project, mitigation focuses on preventing accidental vegetation loss and managing worker waste. For the range office maintenance, the plan emphasizes the safe disposal of termite-infested wooden trusses and worker safety. Both activities are classified as Category B, meaning impacts are site-specific and reversible. The plan mandates strict adherence to WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP) and Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws, including a grievance redressal mechanism and occupational health and safety standards.

The ESMP for Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS) for 2026 outlines mitigation strategies for three primary activities: improving alpine meadows at Nakchungla, restoring degraded grazing land at Chabling, and improving waterholes across four sites. Categorized as a Category B project, the plan focuses on managing site-specific, reversible risks such as occupational health and safety, waste generation, and minor soil disturbance. It mandates the use of manual labor, personal protective equipment (PPE), and community engagement through local contractors and grievance redressal mechanisms to support the livelihoods of semi-nomadic herders while conserving biodiversity.

The Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for Wangchuck Centennial National Park (WCNP) for 2026 focuses on the 'Improvement of alpine Meadows by clearing invading shrubs' activity. Categorized as a Category B project under the Bhutan for Life (BFL) framework, the plan identifies site-specific, reversible risks and outlines mitigation strategies to protect workers, biodiversity, and soil stability. The project, budgeted at Nu. 650,000, aims to expand grazing lands for yak-herding communities in Chokhor Gewog and preserve habitats for key prey species of predators like snow leopards and tigers.

The 2026 ESMP for Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP) outlines mitigation strategies for two primary activities: the improvement of waterholes at Jatsho, Rimchu Top, and Kewana, and the restoration of 12 hectares of alpine meadows at Tsharijathang, Shingchela, and Magathang. Categorized as a Category B project, the BFL initiative focuses on maintaining carbon neutrality, enhancing community well-being, and protecting biodiversity. The plan mandates strict adherence to WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP) and national laws, emphasizing stakeholder engagement, occupational health and safety, and the use of prescribed burning for meadow restoration. Monitoring will be conducted by Range Officers and the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) to ensure compliance and the disbursement of funds.

The ESMP for Biological Corridor 03 (Sarpang) outlines the environmental and social safeguards for 2026 activities at the Southern Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (SWRRC). Categorized as a Category B project, the plan focuses on the maintenance of animal enclosures and a 700m access road, with a budget of Nu. 7,424,364. It identifies potential risks such as flooding and sedimentation of the Bhur stream, construction waste, and worker health hazards, providing specific mitigation measures for each. The document also details strict occupational health and safety (OHS) standards, stakeholder engagement protocols, and grievance redressal mechanisms aligned with both Royal Government of Bhutan laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures.

The 2026 ESMP for Biological Corridor 03 (BC3) in Tsirang, Bhutan, outlines mitigation strategies for three primary projects: the construction of Golden Mahseer spawning infrastructure at Daga Rongchhu, nursery management for high-value timber at Damphu, and a 5-hectare bamboo plantation at Sirutar. Categorized as a 'Category B' project, the plan focuses on site-specific, reversible impacts. It mandates strict adherence to both Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF's safeguard policies, particularly where WWF standards are more extensive regarding non-title land users and community consultation. The plan includes detailed occupational health and safety (OHS) standards, waste management protocols, and a multi-tiered grievance redressal mechanism involving BFL, WWF, and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

The ESMP for Biological Corridor 07 (BC-7) in Bhutan outlines mitigation strategies for four planned activities in 2026: operational support for the Yangbari eco-camp, re-electrification of staff quarters in Lhuentse, establishment of a tree nursery in Sherichu, and a 10-hectare plantation in Daksamanag. The document details the environmental and socio-economic baseline of BC-7, which includes diverse forest types and threatened species like the Pallas’s fish eagle and smooth-coated otter. It mandates specific safeguards for waste management, occupational health and safety (OHS), and stakeholder engagement, while providing grievance redressal mechanisms through BFL, WWF, and the Green Climate Fund.

The ESMP for Biological Corridor 08 (Bumthang) outlines the environmental and social safeguards for a 3-hectare high-value timber plantation planned for 2026. It details the ecological baseline of the 577.90 km² corridor, identifies potential risks such as soil disturbance and restriction of grazing routes, and prescribes specific mitigation measures. The plan also establishes monitoring arrangements, stakeholder engagement protocols, and comprehensive occupational health and safety standards for workers.