Adaptation Fund

Accessing and exposure to the availability of financial resources is one of the most critical issues facing the global adaptation community. The impacts of climate change are felt most intensely in countries with low adaptive capacity and a high number of vulnerable communities. The inability to respond to climate change impacts intensifies non-climate related factors such as food security, health implications and human settlements. Access to financial resources holds the key to increase the resilience of the poor and achieve economic, social and environmental sustainability.

The Adaptation Fund (AF) finances concrete adaptation projects and programs at a community, national and transboundary level. The Fund is based on a concept that was formulated through decisions endorsed by the Conference of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol and is financed by an internationally agreed-on climate policy framework. The AF became fully operational in April 2010 and has financed 42 projects and programs globally in Developing countries, Least Developed Countries and Small Islands Developing States.

Adaptation Fund Board

The Adaptation Fund Board consists of 16 members and 16 alternate members who represent relevant country groups including, representatives from the Least Developed Countries and the Small Island Developing States. The Board members holds relevant technical, adaptation and policy related expertise and is responsible for the supervision and management of the Fund.

All Adaptation Fund Board meetings are transmitted via webcasts and can be followed on the Adaptation Fund Website.

National Implementing Entity/ Multilateral Implementing Entity

Developing countries can access direct financial support from the AF through an accredited National Implementing Entity (NIE), or using the services of a Multilateral Implementing Entity (MIE). The NIE of a country allows for direct access of funds and implementation of projects through the NIE. The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) was accredited as South Africa’s National Implementing Entity to the Adaptation Fund in 2011. A Multilateral Implementing Entity (MIE) can be a multilateral development agency or and banks that works closely with a national government and applies to the Adaptation Fund with their approval.

In October 2014, the AF Board approved two South African project proposals, making South Africa the fourth African country to receive funding from the AF.

• A Small Grant Facility: Taking adaptation to the ground: A small grants facility for enabling local level responses to climate change in South Africa
• Building resilience in the Greater uMngeni Catchment, South Africa

The Adaptation Fund handbook

The Adaptation Fund handbook provides governments, organizations, and other stakeholders with guidance on the operational policies and application guidelines of the Fund.  Please also see the Adaptation website for updated information on application procedures.