3.1.1 Scaling up support for transformational adaptation action at local level in the Asia Pacific region: experience and lessons from the LoCAL Facility (UNCDF)

This session focuses on sharing experiences and lessons learned from the Local Climate Adaptive Living (LoCAL) Facility in scaling up support for the implementation of transformational adaptation action at the local level in the Asia Pacific region. The LoCAL Facility, designed in 2010 by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), aims to promote locally-led climate action by providing direct access to climate finance for local governments in the world’s most climate vulnerable nations.

During this session, experts and practitioners, including representatives from governments and development partners, will present case studies and success stories from various countries, particularly least developed countries, and those transitioning out of the LDC status, in the Asia Pacific region on innovative approaches and solutions used to effectively support and advance transformational adaptation initiatives at the local level. As Bhutan, Bangladesh and Cambodia advance towards graduation from LDC status, the session will further explore options for continued adaptation support and how their experience can inform other countries in the 34-country strong LoCAL Community and beyond.

The session will explore the key elements of the LoCAL Facility’s approach, including the mainstreaming of climate change considerations into local development planning, in a participatory and gender-sensitive manner, capacity-building efforts, and the establishment of performance-based climate resilience grant systems, which ensure the programming and verification of adaptation expenditure, while promoting incentives for performance improvements bye local governments. Participants will gain insights into how these mechanisms have been instrumental in empowering local governments and their communities to develop and implement adaptation projects that address their unique vulnerabilities.

Furthermore, the session will discuss strategies to enhance and diversify various financing sources and models, including budget support, programmatic approaches and policy based finance, to support the scaling up of transformational local adaptation actions

Through interactive discussions, this session will provide a platform for participants to exchange ideas, lessons, and best practices. It aims to inspire policymakers, practitioners, and development actors in the Asia Pacific region to explore innovative approaches and replicate successful models in scaling up support for transformational adaptation at the local level, ultimately contributing to building climate resilience and sustainable development in the region.

 

Agenda

Setting the scene: Subnational adaptation – 60 mins

Moderator: Mr. Arghya Sinha Roy, Principal Climate Change Specialist, Asian Development Bank

Setting the scene: reflections/experience on the local dimension in the NAP process

1. Chongguang Yu, Technical Specialist, UNDP

Central question is: How is LoCAL enabling or accelerating NAP implementation at the subnational level and how can it inform the NAP process?

2. Rafael Moser, Programme Specialist, LoCAL, UNCDF
3. Chheng Vatanak, Deputy Director, National Committee for Subnational Democratic Development of Cambodia
4. Ericksen Packett, Policy Officer at the NDA office, Ministry of Climate Change, Vanuatu (virtual)

Panel discussion (Q&A session): 30 mins

# key issues to discuss

1. How can actions at the sub-national and local level be integrated into the national umbrella of the NAP? What approaches can be scaled up? What support is needed?
2. What are other examples of success stories in devolving planning, decision making, and access to finance to local level for climate action in the region?
3. What are the barriers to scaling up adaptation finance to the local level in the region? How can we overcome them?
4. What approaches are being tested or scaled up to ensure that adaptation finance responds to the needs of the vulnerable at local levels, and what are some of the lessons learned to date?