12 August 2014
NAP Expo 2014 Catalyzes Actions and Support for NAP Process
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The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Expo 2014 provided an opportunity to mobilize action and support for the formulation and implementation of NAPs, to share technical knowledge and tools, and identify gaps and needs of LDCs and other developing countries as they undertake their NAP process.

UNFCCC9 August 2014: The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Expo 2014 provided an opportunity to mobilize action and support for the formulation and implementation of NAPs, to share technical knowledge and tools, and identify gaps and needs of LDCs and other developing countries as they undertake their NAP process.

The NAP Expo 2014 took place in Bonn, Germany, from 8-9 August 2014. Representatives from over 74 countries, including 47 least developing countries (LDCs), gathered to share their experiences and discuss support for the NAP process.

This was the second NAP Expo, following up on a June 2013 event that marked the launch of the NAP process in LDCs. The Expo was convened by the Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG) with the support of the UNFCCC Secretariat. The event brought together approximately 200 participants, including representatives of governments, UN agencies, NGOs, environmental organisations, universities, UN agencies, development agencies, adaptation experts and members of civil society groups.

Opening the Expo, Batu Uprety, Chairman of the LEG, underlined that many LDCs are working on their NAP process, adding that “much has been achieved, yet further challenges remain.” Hassan Virji, Executive Director for Global Change System for Analysis, Research and Training (START), stressed the importance of training and capacity building for effective adaptation and for “developing future leaders in climate change adaptation.” Emphasizing the importance of adaptation in the development context, Anand Patwardhan, The Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel of the Global Environment Facility (STAP/GEF), called for moving “from a mechanistic stage towards the NAPs, which requires a strong link with science.”

Addressing the climate change risk management perspective and emphasizing the need to understand climate adaptation challenges and potential hazards faced, Benjamin Preston, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)/ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), underscored the importance of “recognizing the scientific viewpoint that the increase in global temperature must remain below 2°C, which is the entry point for the assessment of climate risk.”

Key thematic sessions took place on science and policy interaction, building readiness for the Green Climate Fund (GCF), support programmes for implementation (including the NAP Global Support Programme for LDCs implemented by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and other partners) and accessing GEF support for adaptation, amongst other sessions. A Poster Exhibition allowed participants to explore some of the issues through infographics, photos and programme highlights.

Donald Wilhite, University of Linoln, N.E, gave a final keynote speech highlighting the relevance of national drought management to NAPs, and introduced the global initiative on Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP) under the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Global Water Partnership (GWP) and other partners.

Kare Chawicha Debessa, Minister of Environment and Forests of Ethiopia, highlighted that the Expo had been “critical in knowledge sharing and communications about the NAPs.” He added that many challenges remain and that “it is vitally important for us to collaborate and raise awareness to help us all to adapt to climate change.”NAP Expo 2014 Event Blog NAP Expo Presentations Online Poster Exhibition [LEG Webpage] [Benjamin Preston’s Presentation] [NAP Expo Agenda] [NAP Expo 2014 Webpage]


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