devinitorg/iati-policy-markers huggingface dataset:
Implementation of Innovative Logistics and Supply Structures in the Refrigerated Transport Sector in South Africa The project aimed to encourage environmentally-friendly development in the sector. This involved undertaking an analysis of the sector and a technical needs assessment as well as installing and demonstrating suitable technology on a pilot basis. Measures to provide qualifications were implemented and a monitoring system put in place to measure, report and verify emissions reductions. The transportation of chilled goods causes both direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions, for example through the use of refrigerants (which are still fluorinated) and the energy required to cool the refrigerated areas in distribution centres and delivery vehicles.
Energy Solutions for Cities of the Future The energy sector has a key role to play both in sustainable urban development and in the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. The project was supporting mid-sized cities in their use of renewable energy sources and their approaches to changing the way that they generate, distribute and consume energy. While educating project partners about political and regulatory framework conditions, the project also supported capacity building at community level and provided information about technical solutions. Synergies were identified between cities, with the aim of communicating best-practice examples and innovative solution approaches. The project also helped efforts to share existing knowledge from networks such as ICLEI or C40. The project targeted policymakers at the national and community level, as well as city planners, private and municipal energy utilities, and investors.
Sino-German Environmental Partnership  (SGEP) Recent rapid economic growth in China poses large challenges especially to the protection of environment and resources and sustainable development. Despite numerous efforts and progresses in the conception and implementation of modern environmental legislation there is still a major need for action. For this purpose, the project functionally and technically supported the strategic Sino-German environmental dialogue, advised the Chinese Ministry for the Environment and the international environmental advisory committee in matters of environmental policy and sustainable economic development. Furthermore, it established a platform for the exchange of environment and resource efficiency technologies and offered training activities to senior staff in environmental administration offices at the central and provincial level.
Capacity Building and Finance for National and Local Action on Climate and Biodiversity (CBF) Capacity Building and Finance for National and Local Action on Climate and Biodiversity (CBF)
The Bonn Challenge Barometer of Progress Forests possess a great variety of species, serve as carbon sinks and fulfil many other functions that must be preserved. The Bonn Challenge is the most important international initiative for forest restoration. The participating states set the goal of restoring around 150 million hectares of forest by 2020. The project uses the “Bonn Challenge” barometer of progress to develop a system to document and publish the progress of the Bonn Challenge, and to inform donors and partners about the implementation status. The barometer is being developed in six pilot countries and implemented all over the world. The methodology is used to measure progress in policy and budget commitments, technical knowledge, implementation on the ground and ‘carbon benefits’. Experiences from the pilot countries are published, and the implementation status of the Bonn Challenge, success stories and reporting are disseminated via high-profile public campaigns.
Greening supply and demand: Advancing Eco-Labels and Sustainable Public Procurement for climate and biodiversity protection (Eco-Advance) Latin America is a biodiversity hotspot but faces increasing GHG emissions and waste due to growing material and energy intensity, partly caused by an increase in urban consumption. The progress in the field of sustainable public procurement (SPP) and type-I ecolabelling in the region is very different. The project triggers a transformation towards more sustainable consumption and production (SCP) in the five partner countries. This will be achieved by aligning and promoting third party verified ecolabels that guarantee a reliable source of information and ensure low climate impact of products. Additionally, the project will integrate climate and biodiversity protection in SPP policies by defining or improving procurement criteria using ecolabels as a means of verification. The countries will not only contribute to climate change mitigation, sustainable use of natural resources and biodiversity conservation, but can also be-come trendsetters for the region.
Strengthening coastal biodiversity conservation and management through protection and rehabilitation incentives for coastal carbon sinks in Pacific Island countries Seagrass meadows and mangrove forests provide a wide range of ecosystem services. The project is working with regional partners to map existing seagrass and mangrove stocks using innovative remote sensing methods. This work measures and models the extent to which these ecosystems act as a carbon sinks and are also available for other ecosystem services. The data enable initial estimations of the economic value of natural resources, which help the national governments to implement strategic measures for protection, management and rehabilitation. Effective measures targeting the measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) of mangrove forests and seagrass meadows as carbon sinks will help policymakers to design incentive systems that are aimed at sustainable ecosystem management and restoration. This, in turn, accelerates the implementation of NDCs and national adaptation programmes of action (NAPAs).
Moving Colombian Low Carbon Development Strategy towards Action: Implementation Phase In 2012, the Colombian Government took a vital step towards developing a low-carbon economy by adopting a low-emission strategy. This also involved implementation in the individual sectors and regions. The project was supporting this by rolling out model approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in certain regions within the building, agriculture, energy, and household sectors. It also supported the development of policies aimed at improving the steering and communication of the transition to a low-carbon economy at the local government level. Support was also provided to build capacities in the public and private sector. Overall, the project aimed at helping Colombia turn around its current high-emission trend and prepare the country for the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
Consolidating the Brazilian National System of Conservation Units (SNUC) - LifeWeb Brazil is home to around 20% of the world’s species and the SNUC preserves this natural heritage. The protected area is currently about four times the size of Germany. The project measured strengthen the capacities of the Ministry of the Environment in the strategic management of the SNUC and also optimised the management and coordination processes of the organisations responsible for SNUC administration. This was done at both federal and state levels. Handouts supported the preparation of management plans. The financing of the SNUC was also sustainably improved through the use of suitable instruments such as compensation payments, and strategic communication measures were created to increase the appreciation of the nature reserves for biodiversity protection among the Brazilian population, industries and government agencies.
Adaptation to climate change in water resource management in coastal towns and cities in South-East Asia The project promoted the exchange of research findings relating to instruments and methods for adaptation to climate change among the countries involved. It focuses primarily on the exchange of information, experience and best practices in carrying out climate change risk analyses, adapting the management of urban water resources, and building local capacities in these fields. The project carried out pilot risk analyses in selected coastal towns and cities in Indonesia, Thailand and Viet Nam. On this basis, guidance documents and adaptation programmes were developed for coastal towns and cities, and the project provided support in their implementation. It disseminated the findings of the collaborative research activities and the results achieved through the pilot measures among relevant local stakeholders.
Integrated Planning to Implement the CBD Strategic Plan and Increase Ecosystem Resilience to Climate Change This project increased capacity to optimize land use planning to support biodiversity and climate change adaptation objectives. Through a combination of global reviews and in-country assessments, target countries were provided with advice, guidance, and assistance in demonstration activities.  The project results provided recommendations for legal planning tools. Policy dialogues ensured that the necessary political leadership can translate recommendations into implementation and sustained action in their countries. Knowledge products and tools were made available to a wider audience of decision makers and stakeholders. Visibility of results and lessons were ensured through participation and profiling of project progress and outcomes at key international forums.
Cities in Asia develop climate sensitive adaptation plans The project raised awareness of the effects of climate change, enhanced knowledge and boosted capacities to act in municipalities in India and the Philippines. With the help of the project, researchers worked together with an international network of municipalities and four cities in each of the two countries to identify specific risks associated with climate change, predict future scenarios and develop decision-making aids. This work provided a foundation on which to build municipal climate change adaptation strategies.
Protection and regeneration of the high Andean puna grassland and the tree line forest of the Manu Biosphere Reserve (PunaManu) The Manu Biosphere Reserve is one of the biodiversity-richest and intact ecosystems at global level. It is object of long-term conservation efforts and source of sustainable livelihood for the local population. The characteristic Puna grasslands and Andean timberline forests of the high Andes part of Manu contribute to climate protection, biodiversity conservation and supply critical downstream ecosystem services. The treeline region of the community of Lucuybamba in the Mapacho Valley, upper Manu National Park, has been a focus for restoration from human impacts. In cooperation with local population and park administration, the project supports the withdrawal of cattle and fire prevention measures, thus contributing to the recovery of the natural ecosystem. Flora and fauna as well as carbon storage capacities are monitored to document the process of restoring natural ecosystem functions. Environmentally-sound use of natural resources by locals is being further encouraged through education and the generation of an alliance of stakeholders with local communities.
Fishing for Climate Resilience: Empowering vulnerable, fisheries dependent communities adopt ecosystem-based-adaptation measures to secure food and livelihoods Healthy coastal ecosystems are critical to ecological, social, and economic resilience of local communities. The alignment of the small-scale fishery sector with sustainable natural re-source management and climate change adaptation plans was needed to protect ecosystem integrity. Across five target countries, the project enhanced coastal resilience while restoring critical habitat. Small-Scale Fishers were empowered to identify and adopt Ecosystem-based-Adaptation measures. Instructing local leaders in behavioural change methodology and technical trainings ensured that capacity stays within the communities and enables replication. By supporting climate resilient microenterprises in the Philippines and Indonesia through the co-rona response package, the project informed (green) economic recovery and climate plans. Collaboration with partner networks ensured that solutions were mainstreamed into community practices, relevant national strategies, and international processes.
Mainstreaming EbA - Strengthening ecosystem based adaptation in decision making processes Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) to the impacts of climate change and the integration of climate risks are increasingly forming a central and integral part of planning and implementation processes at local, national and international level. The Global Project Mainstreaming EbA actively supported this development whilst offering support for knowledge transfer. Apart from ensuring the exchange of domain expertise on concepts, methods, instruments and success criteria for Ecosystem-based Adaptation strategies, there was also a clear focus on working with partners to develop and disseminate pragmatic solutions. Project partners included the UN and other international organisations and ministries, as well as a number of private enterprises from sectors such as tourism, insurance and construction. By focusing on the transfer of know-how and experience, the project supported a global learning and knowledge network and allowing UN negotiations to draw on empirical knowledge.
A Global Early Warning System for Climate Change - A Case Study for Designing the System This project was the first stage in the development of CLIM-WARN, a global early warning system for changes in climate. The range of climate-related early warning systems remains far removed from what is actually needed and what is technically feasible. CLIM-WARN will issue warnings to the most severely affected regions of the world - allowing sufficient time for these regions to respond to the situation (time horizon between six months and ten years). In order to acquire the basic data required for planning the system, the project was to conduct a case study in West Africa. In designing this comprehensive early warning system with a focus on those developing countries most at risk, the project partners were to identify potential users, develop sample plans and improve the efficiency of data dissemination.
Faith communities advocating for a just energy transition in South Africa, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe South Africa’s energy policy currently focuses on natural resource extraction and nuclear power. 90 per cent of electricity remains coal generated. Several regional governments follow this example and contemplate policies favouring gas and oil, including seismic testing and fracking. The project supports faith leaders in the Southern African region with information and resources on a just energy transition, so that they and their faith communities can effectively respond to local energy challenges. The project strengthens a network of faith leaders and their communities in South Africa, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe that work on just energy transition and climate justice. Knowledge on energy and climate change, and effective community action, is built and disseminated in these communities. 100 representatives of different faiths are informed on energy and climate policies through training and networking activities and at least 30 political meetings are conducted.
Biodiversity and Climate Change The aim of the project was to conserve selected forest ecosystems on Sumatra alongside with their biodiversity and the carbon stored in them. The project compiled baseline data in order to select high conservation value areas together with relevant stakeholders and developed concepts for their protection and sustainable use. For example, the project collected information on the biological diversity and took measurements of the avoided deforestation as well as forest degradation. Developing alternative income opportunities for people living within the protected areas was an important element. The project strenthened the capacities of local institutions and village communities to plan and implement collaborative protection and management strategies. In addition management capacities of relevant authorities were strengthened, including those for the measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) of local contributions to the national greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.
Women Empowerment of Herders Associations to Strengthen Climate-Resilience of Pastoral Communities Climate change and increased livestock numbers contribute to vast land degradation in Mon-golia. Still in transition towards a free market economy, herders from Khentii province have difficulties in adjusting their traditional pastoral system to the current changes and challenges in both income generating activities and climate change adaptation. Rural women have less opportunities to actively participate in community decision making processes. This project aims to empower rural women to adapt to climate change through better livestock breeding techniques and financial independence. Further, the project informs policy makers and raises their awareness for the connection of gender and climate change related risks.
Action Plan for Sustainable Energy Supply for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sotchi The project developed an action plan for a sustainable energy supply with the goal of improving the city’s capacity to cope with the increased energy demand and pressure on its transport system during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. It analysed energy efficiency potential, for instance in buildings and electrical equipment, as well as options for the deployment of advanced technologies in the areas of renewable energies and combined heat and power generation. It also sought out ways of ensuring the transport system is prepared for the event. The project then discussed the benefits of this approach with the Russian federal authorities responsible for planning the Olympics and encouraged them to apply the proposed solutions.
Co-management Amazon Peru The project provided financial support to the existing organisational structure being used by local communities for co-management. Training in institution-building and management has been provided to the co-management partners. Instruments such as boundary markers, a local monitoring system to combat illegal logging, conflict management, environmental education and biodiversity monitoring were all being further developed and implemented. The project has been helping local communities with the sustainable use of forest products for additional income generation. Indigenous communities, among others, have been empowered to establish their own commercial enterprises to, for example, purchase products like rubber from members of their community and subsequently process and market such products. The lessons learned from these activities were fed back into the national nature protection reform process by SERNANP and MINAM using publications, events and targeted advisory support.
Increasing climate change resilience of vulnerable communities in Humla district, Nepal The purpose of the project was to improve the local population’s ability to adapt to the consequences of climate change in two catchment areas (Rodikot and Darma) in the Humla District of Nepal. This was achieved through capacity-building in climate-related issues among the user groups in the catchment area. Additionally, support was given to improve erosion control for enhanced disaster prevention. A further goal of the project was to rehabilitate 50 hectares of forest as well as to restore and protect ten drinking water sources. The project thus combined the development of climate change adaptation strategies with environmental education and reforestation while at the same time developing best practices that can be applied to other catchment areas.
Taking Deforestation out of Banks Portfolios in Emerging Markets In Southeast Asia, large-scale logging is primarily the result of unsustainable production practices in the agriculture and forestry sectors. Alongside producers, purchasers, consumers and government, the finance sector is a key actor in steering the sustainable production and ecologically sound infrastructure expansion. This project supports the inclusion of environmental and social standards into credit decisions made by financial institutions in target countries. This includes a set of criteria for deforestation-free production. Together with the partner institutions, sector-specific guidelines are being prepared, new, ‘green’ financial products developed and improvements made to existing products. Consulting and training also ensure that financial market regulators will adopt and integrate environmental and social standards. In addition, this project develops investable projects at the landscape level (focus on smallholders) for the implementation of green financial products.
Innovation Regions for a Just Energy Transition The global energy transition away from coal to renewable energy is threatening local livelihoods, economic activities and jobs, but also holding opportunities for sustainable, low carbon development. The project aims at supporting key stakeholder of coal regions to plan for and implement regional just energy transition pathways away from coal and towards a low-carbon energy system. Focusing on the regional economic transformations, the project works with government, industry, unions, communities, civil society, and academia. It supports interregional peer-to-peer exchange, learning, and policy dialogue in an international network and information sharing via a knowledge hub. In Indonesia, it supports the development of specific transition plans in two coal regions. In Colombia, it supports the development of the concept and framework for energy communities and the implementation of just and inclusive energy communities in César and la Guajira.
Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Smallholder Subsistence and Coffee Farming Communities in Central America The overall aim of the project was to identify and promote Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) options that increase the resilience of smallholder subsistence and coffee farmers to the impacts of climate change (CC). The project explored the vulnerability of Central American ecosystems and farming systems to CC, documented how smallholder farmers are being impacted by climate and examined how farmers are adapting their farming strategies in response to CC. The project identified successful EbA strategies that can help smallholder farmers adapt to CC, and worked closely with local and regional institutions and policies to further promote the use of EbA by smallholder farmers. In addition, the project aimed to strengthen the capacity of key organizations to support implementation of EbA with smallholder farmers, by providing training to technicians across the region, and to promote the incorporation of EbA approaches in national and regional adaptation strategies and associated policies.
Ecosystem-based adaptation and regional development by empowerment of Ukrainian Biosphere Reserves Adaptation to the impacts of climate change has not yet been consistently integrated into Ukraine’s land management and strategic planning. This has resulted in various land use practices and infrastructure projects that have led to the critical loss of the regulating ecosystem services. The project integrated an EbA approach to sustainable land use into national and regional planning. Specifically, it supported the Desnyanskyi, Roztochya and Shatskyi biosphere reserves through the introduction of participatory and adaptive ecosystem management. This was also achieved by building up knowledge among local stakeholders, increasing the number of personnel and by developing strategies and networks. The project also developed proposals on how EbA principles can be incorporated into environmental legislation and ecosystem management. Suitable proposals for EbA measures were also being tested in a pilot scheme using an ideas competition in the three biosphere reserves.