Adaptation Financing Needs Strategic Environmental Impact Assessments

The Adaptation Fund was created to finance climate change-related adaptation projects and programmes in developing countries that are Parties to the Kyoto Protocol and vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. Funding comes from a share of proceeds on Clean Development Mechanism projects and other sources.

Wetlands International is campaigning for solutions that will help ensure environmental safeguards are built into the Adaptation Fund. With the financing of projects underway, it is urgent that the right environmental impact assessments and safeguards are put in place to reduce the vulnerability of communities and ecosystems.

Our views and activities

Wetlands International has been following the meetings and progress of the Adaptation Fund (AF) Board since UNFCCC CoP15. We are aware of the guidance provided through the Operational Policies and Guidelines (see here), and we recognise and laud the progress made in setting out further guidance through the Project Level Results Framework and Baseline Guidance Document as this will certainly provide clarity and guidance for project proponents at the country level. However, it is our wish to see the explicit recommendation of Environmental Impact Assessments and/or Strategic Environmental Assessments adopted.

Parties need to ensure that:

• The Adaptation Fund’s Operating Policies and Guidelines should explicitly request and require applicants to the fund to make use of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and/or Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs)
• Stakeholder consultation is strengthened to ensure the participation of vulnerable persons and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). 

  Wetlands International policy briefs:

  The importance of mainstreaming Ecosystem based Adaptation and Strategic Environmental Assessments into the Operational Policies and Guidelines of the Adaptation Fund.   

   

  • Recommendations for the 13th Adaptation Fund Board Meeting

  • Policy Brief for the 12th Adaptation Fund Board  

  • Making the Invisible Visible: This paper highlights the need to incorporate Ecosystem-based Adaption approaches as vital components of adaptation strategies. It also calls for the establishment of machanisms that help to avoid adverse environmental impacts resulting from well-intended adaptation projects, which in the long run might lead to mal-adaptation.
    

    Relevant briefs and documents

     

     

  • Download presentation by the Netherlands Commission for Environmental Assessment on environmental assessments to the Adaptation Fund Board
  • Wetlands International Briefing Note to Parties of the UNFCCC: About the Adaptation Fund
  • Briefing Note: About the Adaptation Fund  
  • Project Proposal: Adaptation to Coastal Erosion in Vulnerable Areas in Senegal
  • Comments and Reviews of the Senegal Proposal from Wetlands International Africa to CSE Dakar (French)