7 March 2014: The fifth meeting of the Adaptation Committee reviewed progress on adaptation-related mandates under the UNFCCC, and heard reports from workshops on technologies for adaptation, as well as on the monitoring and evaluation of adaptation.
The Committee, which met in Bonn, Germany, from 5-7 March 2014, endorsed a scoping paper for an April joint meeting of the Adaptation Committee and the Nairobi work programme addressing ‘Available tools for the use of indigenous and traditional knowledge and practices for adaptation, needs of local and indigenous communities, and the application of gender-sensitive approaches and tools for adaptation.’
An ad hoc group was established and terms of reference (TOR) agreed to propose modalities for strengthening and streamlining the provision of support to developing countries for adaptation activities. More specifically, this group is expected to analyze existing support for adaptation action from regional institutions and UN agencies, including gaps, needs and opportunities, such as those related to geographic coverage, types and degree of technical assistance, and institutional and financial arrangements.
Regarding financial support for national adaptation plans (NAPs), the Committee agreed, inter alia: the Committee Co-Chairs would ensure continuing dialogue with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Adaptation Fund Board; and the Committee would offer technical support to the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The Committee also addressed: a list of regional centers and networks, which will be published on the ‘NAP Central’ website; and experiences on how to incentivize the implementation of adaptation actions.
The Adaptation Committee agreed to: provide feedback on the draft workplan of the NAPs task force; convene the next Adaptation Forum in conjunction with the October Asia Pacific Adaptation Network (APAN) conference; and hold a meeting to obtain adaptation information in cooperation with Working Group II of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC WG II), inviting relevant IPCC authors.
The Committee also began developing a communication, information and outreach strategy, and agreed to hold a special event, during the subsidiary body meetings in June, on promoting synergy and strengthening engagement with national, regional and international organizations, centers and networks.
The Adaptation Committee was established as part of the Cancun Adaptation Framework to promote the implementation of enhanced action on adaptation in a coherent manner under the UNFCCC. The sixth meeting of the Adaptation Committee will convene from 28-30 September in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. [Fifth Meeting of the Adaptation Committee Website] [IISDRS Coverage of the Technology Executive Committee (TEC) Workshop on Technologies for Adaptation] [IISD RS Sources]