devinitorg/iati-policy-markers huggingface dataset:
Supporting climate-smart communities in the Cubango-Okavango River Basin The project supported the Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission (OKACOM) in Botswana, Namibia, and Angola to implement a call for proposals in the mentioned countries that invites projects to enhance community adaptation through climate smart practices. The initiative supported innovative projects with potential to strengthen community-based livelihoods demonstration which include conservation agriculture, sustainable community fisheries management and climate smart horticulture production. Those projects were expected to reduce soil degradation and biodiversity loss while increasing food security.
Mitigation of anthropogenic impacts on Georgian mountain forests by the example of Pshavi Forest. The condition of Georgia's state forests has deteriorated dramatically in the last 30 years due to overuse for commercial logging, firewood consumption as well as overgrazing. At the same time, greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) have increased. The project helps to reduce GHG emissions by mitigating human impacts on Georgia's mountain forests and by implementing sustainable forest management practices in the Pshavi highland forests, a mountain region of Mtskheta-Mtianeti. The project intends to contribute to GHG mitigation on multiple levels by raising awareness, introducing "climate-smart technologies", such as solar collectors and wood-saving stoves and developing sustainable forest management practices with the participation of the population. Additionally, it implements environmental education measures in the region and develops a plan for the sustainable use of the mountain forest together with the local government.
Transparent monitoring in practice: supporting post-Paris land use sector mitigation Transparent Monitoring (TM) can help developing countries to improve monitoring of land use emissions and better assess mitigation actions. The project develops guidance for TM, on how to implement open-source tools and open-access datasets and how to improve data access in four countries. In Côte d’Ivoire, the project develops guidance for assessing mitigation along cocoa supply chains to assist an effective and transparent accounting. In Ethiopia, its works towards integration of open-source tools, data and TM principles into the national MRV system to improve the assessment of biomass following land use change and participation of local communities. In Papua New Guinea, it analyses the adoption of open data, of data accessibility policies and the improvement in participation of indigenous peoples and local communities in MRV. In Peru, it develops guidance towards an interactive near-real time forest change monitoring system linked to a national incentive system for forest-related mitigation.
Scaling up innovative, community-based protection of coastal biodiversity in Indonesia, Philippines, and Pacific The aim of the project was to promote the conservation of coastal and marine biodiversity in 27 locations in the Philippines, Indonesia and Micronesia. The project trained stakeholders in local communities to develop and manage marine protected areas and to establish exclusive fishing rights for local communities. Selected ‘Conservation Fellows’ received training from universities on how they can change the attitudes and behaviour of local stakeholders, and mobilise support for environmental protection. This work was followed by advisory support provided to local partners on corresponding independently conducted local campaigns. The project was supporting the target countries in complying with their obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and other national and international commitments, such as the national action plans of the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) and the Micronesia Challenge (MC).
Coronavirus pandemic: financing deforestation-free supply chains in Africa Communities in (sub-)tropical Africa dependent on forests for their livelihoods have been hard-hit financially by Covid-19. Investments in the value chains for speciality coffee and cocoa in western and eastern Africa can promote deforestation-free production while also supporting reforestation and economic growth. The Regeneration initiative supports the financing of sustainably produced coffee and cocoa in western and eastern Africa. The initiative is targeting distributors, who can purchase products from smallholders and agricultural cooperatives with the operating capital provided by IKI. The initiative brings together a network of distributors in many African countries that the two implementing organisations have set up in the course of various programmes conducted in recent years. The initiative’s model also has the potential to be expanded step by step to encompass other deforestation-free supply chains, countries and continents.
Combined Heat, Cooling and Power from Solar Energy and Biomass, TRESERT The aim of this project was to demonstrate an innovative technology for the decentralised provision of electrical energy, heat and refrigeration for air conditioning using solar energy and biomass, and to publicise it among potential cooperation partners in the South-East Asian region. To this end, a reference plant was built in the Solar Park at the School of Renewable Energy Technology (SERT). By conducting training and information events, the project helped the technology to become more widespread, tapping new potential for reducing CO2, and promoting the region’s climate-neutral development.
Switching from Fossil Fuels to Biofuels on the Galapagos Islands This project promoted the replacement of fossil fuels with biofuels for power generation on the Galapagos Islands. The oil from the physic nut, or Jatropha curcas, which is native to Ecuador and is planted as hedging in coastal provinces, was used as a biofuel. Supporting the cultivation of the physic nut (by smallholders) and the use of vegetable oil in energy generation helped to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and emissions of CO2. The project also provided advisory services and research support in promoting the use and cultivation of the physic nut as well as its conversion to oil. Furthermore, generators were retrofitted to run on vegetable oil and further training measures for local actors were carried out. The project made an effective contribution to implementing the ECU Government’s initiative ‘Zero Fossil Fuels on the Galapagos Islands’.
Enhancing adaptive capacities of coral gardeners in reef-dependent communities Coral reefs along Costa Rica's Pacific and Caribbean coasts have suffered significant degradation due to land-use-related sediment stress and coral bleaching caused by high temperatures.  This project aims to enhance the resilience of local communities by fostering their active involvement in reef restoration while addressing local factors contributing to coral reef deterioration. This is achieved through two measures: First, strengthening the capacity of coral gardeners to sustain their engagement in reef restoration. This involves training in sustainable reef tourism and facilitating partnerships with tour operators to promote investments in marine conservation. Second, collaborating with relevant stakeholders to develop a guiding framework for land, sea, and coastal management. The project capitalises on ongoing science-based reef restoration activities. Results are published in a good practices guide for other protected areas within Costa Rica.
Rehabilitation of degraded lands with native tree species (Paraserianthes falcataria) in Kalimantan, Indonesia The spread of palm oil plantations in many parts of Indonesia is leading to overuse of the land. As a result, soil quality and biodiversity are declining. The project used the native tree species Paraserianthes falcataria to restore severely degraded areas in Kalimantan province. The cultivation of the nitrogen-binding legume is a profitable form of land use. This not only strengthens the resilience of the ecosystems, it also improves the economic situation of the rural population. In cooperation with communities and smallholders, a feasibility study was carried out to cultivate the tree species on an area of at least 300 hectares. Various silvicultural approaches were tested and optimised. Marketing options for the downstream value chain were identified and tested. In cooperation with wood-processing companies on the island of Java, product innovations made of lightweight wood were also be developed and the concepts published.
Solar Resource Atlas for the Mediterranean The project improved the planning framework for developing solar energy systems and for shaping the policy environment affecting the introduction of solar energy systems to the market. It collected and processed high-quality data on the energy potential of the sun in the Mediterranean region and making it available through an internet portal to developers, providers of project funding, and the public. This facilitates investment in solar energy technology, reduces financial risk, improves the information available for support programmes and helps implement solar energy initiatives, such as the Mediterranean Solar Plan.
Prevention, control and monitoring of fires in the Brazilian Cerrado The enhancement of fire management in communities and protected areas in the Cerrado and the development of fire and deforestestation monitoring systems contribute to maintain the function of the Cerrado as a carbon sink, to reduce emissions and conserve biodiversity. Thus, the project contributed to the achievement of Brazil’s climate protection targets and the preservation of biodiversity. The piloted integrated fire management (IFM) approach proved to be successful. IFM comprises controlled fires at the beginning of the dry season to avoid devastating mega fire in the end of the dry season. Fires set in the early dry season and thus, of lower fire intensity, show a minor impact on climate and biodiversity. Controlled fires were applied as an instrument of the management of protected areas, and set in collaboration with local communities to manage natural resources. The approach was shared in collaboration with the partners, and is embedded in their institutions.
Water Funds: A sustainable climate adaptation and resilient model for stressed urban watersheds in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Water resources in Latin America and the Caribbean are highly seasonal and unequally distributed. Climate modelling is predicting greater variation in precipitation, worsening extreme weather events and an increased frequency in water-related disasters. By 2025, estimates show that around 70 percent of the population could be affected by water scarcity. The project aims to support 20 at-risk cities by helping to improve the resilience of their water supplies. Long-term management structures are also being introduced to improve public and private funding of ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA). Water funds will be set up and reinforced with the aim of improving the security of supply and ecosystem functions. This work promotes water management models with financing strategies based on water prices as well as private sector partnerships. The insights obtained by the project will help to utilise the water funds model to increase the security of water supplies both regionally and globally.
Climate Protection Partnerships with the Private Sector / PPP Programme for Climate Protection
Global The Public Private Partnership (PPP) Programme for Climate Protection supported the private sector in developing countries and emerging economies with the aim of achieving sustainable development. The project promoted private sector technology transfer, which involved introducing and disseminating innovative climate protection technologies. As part of the project, German technology leaders implemented pilot projects in the partner countries. These projects demonstrated innovative technologies, adapted proven greenhouse gas reduction technologies to fit specific climate conditions, and allowed knowledge transfer. At the same time, the programme improved local structures to facilitate the broad application of climate protection technologies.
Non-Renewable Biomass Fraction One of the most important drivers of deforestation and desertification in African countries south of the Sahara is the burning of biomass in households. The objective of the project was to promote projects in this region aimed at sustainable cooking stoves, ovens and dryers within the scope of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) to increase the efficiency with which available resources are managed. For this purpose, the project supported local actors in developing and applying standardised baselines (SBLs) for emissions that result from the use of the fraction of non-renewable biomass (fNRB).
Adaptation to climate change in sub-Saharan African humanitarian situations The project strengthened the capacities of displaced and vulnerable populations to adapt to climate change in Burundi, Sudan and Chad. Country-specific studies assessed the mainstreaming of environmental protection and climate change in humanitarian operations. In Burundi and Sudan, a “no regrets” strategy has been applied to improve the adaptability of households and communities in existing humanitarian programmes. The aim was to facilitate the population’s access to fuels, cooking facilities and sustainable water sources, and in the case of communities, the use of renewable energy needed for health and education services is improved. Technical assistance and knowledge transfer enhanced the capacities of governments and their partners to manage environmental and climate risks.
Expansion Strategy for Grid-Connected Renewables (with Grid Study) Chile is experiencing strong growth rates, resulting in rising demand for energy, yet is greatly dependent on imported fossil fuels. Therefore it is important to secure economically efficient, sustainable energy supplies in the long term. The government is committed to diversifying its energy systems and making use of non-conventional renewable energy resources. This project supported the development of a strategy to expand the use of renewable energy in Chile’s electrical power systems and the drafting of proposals for regulations. Expansion scenarios were examined to investigate how future electricity systems would develop, what structural, economic and environmental repercussions were to be expected and what risks there were to energy security. In addition, measures were developed to improve system integration, and the decision-making basis was put in place for a national expansion strategy for renewable energy.
Improving adaptation capacities for vulnerable households in Nyamagabe District Nyamagabe District in Rwanda is impacted by frequent droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events. Therefore, people need various measures to adapt to climate change. The IKI Small Grants project intends to support poor and vulnerable people to improve their socio-economic development. It helps 300 households to improve their adaptation capacities to tackle the negative impacts of climate change through provision of climate change related trainings, agroforestry skills, materials, trees, and water tanks.
Mainstreaming Renewable Energy in Municipal Development Plan The Sudoor Paschim Province in the West of Nepal is characterized by a high poverty rate and a gap in public service provisioning. Most households in this province depend on biomass and traditional cooking practices which are labour-intensive, cause health problems and lead to high greenhouse gas emissions. To overcome those obstacles, the IKI Small Grants project increased the capacity of 20 local municipal governments to mitigate emissions by providing access to renewable energy services. The project helped to increase the capacity of municipal governments to assess the energy situation of the community, and to plan, allocate budget to, and implement renewable energy services.
Ecosystems – reducing risks and adapting to climate change Ecosystems contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change by providing “services” for mankind, such as flood protection and the conservation of soil fertility. In many cases, however, the benefits of these services are either not clearly proven, or there are no studies that actually quantify the results and their effectiveness on adaptation to climate change. The project compiled three studies that examined the interdependencies of coastal protection & risk reduction, floodplain conservation & flood mitigation, fisheries, food security and climate change. The results have been presented at international conferences. The project was also committed to strengthen climate resilience through national and global efforts and anchor ecosystem-based adaptation in order to cope with natural disasters. It also promoted discussions regarding the importance and cost-effectiveness of EbA, creating interfaces between the issues of adaptation, risk reduction and biodiversity conservation.
African Carbon Asset Development (ACAD) In cooperation with African financing institutions, the project supported climate-friendly projects in southern Africa. To this end, ACAD adviced local banks and co-financed project development costs as part of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). Recipients of the financial support were local entrepreneurs, project developers, local service providers and carbon consultants, as well as national government agencies, institutions, and financial institutions. ACAD also supported local actors in developing CDM methodologies.
Adapting to Climate Change by Improving Water Management and Irrigation Productivity The project objective was to improve the capacities of Ethiopian farmers to adapt to climate change. It was being implemented as a triangular cooperation effort between Ethiopia, Israel and Germany. The project included components for promoting sustainable water resource management, improving irrigation to foster productivity, and utilising treated waste water.
Large-scale transformation towards biodiversity-friendly, climate resilient agriculture through risk finance solutions and enabling policy and trade frameworks The agricultural sector can make a major contribution to ecosystem protection. The project creates incentives for biodiversity-friendly production of coffee, cocoa and bananas and thus promotes a broad transformation to biodiverse agriculture. In comprehensive analyses, it examines starting points for financial solutions as well as the ecological, economic and political potential of change. The project develops and implements risk financing solutions for large-scale implementation of biodiversity-friendly practices. Agricultural organisations train micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in biodiverse farming practices and access to finance. Communication campaigns disseminate recommendations for policy makers, consumers and businesses to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity for risk reduction, resilience and adaptation.
Solutions for Marine and Coastal Resilience in the Coral Triangle The Coral Triangle is the global epicentre of marine biodiversity. Its unique habitats and crucial ecosystem services are at risk due to human and climate change induced stress factors. The programme strengthens the resilience of the region’s ecosystems and communities in selected transboundary seascapes through the scaling of solutions for protection, good governance and effective management of coastal and marine biodiversity. Scaling successful solutions is core to this programme and is supported through the work at various levels and the involvement of different stakeholder groups. Knowledge exchange, joint learning, capacity development, technical support and policy advocacy will promote replication of good practices.
Global Knowledge Transfer on Energy Efficiency The project used a step-by-step process to set up the International Energy Efficiency Initiative (IEEI). The aim of this initiative was to share knowledge on energy efficiency with decision-makers in politics and industry and other target groups and feed it into strategies and political processes. In order to create a network of partners, the project partners first evaluated the informational and advisory needs of the principal stakeholders in the five major emerging economies and assessed their willingness to collaborate. In addition, the project developed a strategy and content for a new internet portal to pool relevant information in a systematic and user-friendly way.
Implementing sustainable land use systems to contribute to forest conservation, climate protection (REDD+) and the peace-building process in Colombia Forests are important for biodiversity and they also have a major role to play as carbon reservoirs. However, ecosystems are often threatened by the expansion of land use. The project therefore promoted sustainable land use systems, with the focus on the agricultural sector (e.g. cattle farming). It is oriented on farmers in areas which had been identified as priority areas for carbon storage and landscape restoration and which were also affected or threatened by armed conflicts. The project contributed to reducing CO2, preserving forests, restoring degraded landscapes and improving the quality of life. In this way, it advanced the implementation of the national REDD+ strategy and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), while at the same time strengthened peacekeeping activities. The systems were tailored to local conditions. The project developed strategies for scaling, which promoted the most promising approaches.
Scholarship programme for young management professionals from developing and emerging countries in the field of climate and resource protection (phase II) International exchange of knowledge, methods and technologies is key to effective global climate and environmental protection. Every year, the International Climate Protection Fellowship programme for future leaders from developing countries and emerging economies provided up to 20 fellows with the opportunity to conduct a research-based project of their own choosing within the field of climate protection and resource conservation at a host institute in Germany. The research period in Germany strengthened the knowledge and expertise of fellows on these issues. Upon their return to their home countries, the fellows were able to apply what they had learned and by this were able to make a positive impact on climate and environmental policy.
GLOBAL EMISSIONS REPORT The project provided financial support to prepare the annual reports of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) which describe the current levels of global greenhouse gas emissions and identify the growing emissions gap based on various scenarios. UNEP was thereby building on the successful predecessor publications: The Emissions Gap Report (2010), Bridging the Emissions Gap (2011) and The Emissions Gap Report (2012). These reports, each based on recognised scientific findings and published in the run-up to the annual climate change negotiations, laid out the urgency for political action while simultaneously identifying possible areas of action for closing the growing emissions gap. These reports served as key references for reporting, raising awareness and campaign work by the media, NGOs, climate change negotiators and decision-makers.