Enabling and financing locally-led adaptation

The paper outlines an approach to eenabling and financing locally-led adaptation (LLA) planning and financing that involves local communities, governments, and the private sector. Locally-led adaptation is key. The most effective adaptation measures are those tailored to local needs and implemented at the grassroots level. This localized approach not only captures the immediacy of climate change impacts, but also ensures strategies resonate with the community’s lived experiences.

A growing body of evidence has emerged on the drivers of successful locally-led adaptation and ways to overcome barriers:

1. Addressing drivers of vulnerability: Autonomous adaptation initiatives that address the root causes of vulnerability helped climate-exposed communities build resilience.
2. Community-led innovations: Local communities have developed successful and innovative solutions to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
3. Decentralized governance and administrative frameworks: The integration of climate change adaptation with decentralized governance and administrative frameworks can effectively scale up local adaptation measures.
4. Overcoming social and behavioral barriers: Overcoming social barriers to climate change adaptation enhances the resilience of climate-vulnerable communities.