Good practices in accessing and delivering adaptation finance to support Small Island Developing States and least developed countries

Adaptation finance is central to action on climate change, yet it often fails to adequately reach those who need it the most. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs), among the most vulnerable to climate impacts, struggle not only with securing adequate financing but also with accessing equitable, long term, predictable financing aligned with their self-determined needs and priorities. Thus, recognising the urgency of transforming the current adaptation finance systems and practices, the LDC Group, Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and the Champions Group on Adaptation Finance jointly called for an evidence review of effective adaptation finance practices from the perspective of both the fund provider and recipient – a critical but often overlooked perspective of the current adaptation finance architecture.

This report presents key insights and recommendations drawn from seven case studies identified and validated, based on 12-plus months of surveys, interviews and analysis with country representatives and experts from the LDC Group, AOSIS and the Champions Group on Adaptation finance. As the first in a rolling series, this report documents promising approaches and lessons learned in accessing and delivering adaptation finance. It targets policymakers and experts engaged in climate and nature finance, particularly those involved in discussions on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) and upcoming international climate negotiations in 2024 and 2025 (COP29 and COP30).

The report was coordinated by the International Institute for Environment and Development, in collaboration with E3G and SouthSouthNorth, who jointly serve as the secretariat for the Climate and Development Ministerial.