Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for project funding from the Adaptation Fund?
Developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change and are Parties to the Kyoto Protocol can apply for project and/or programme funding. All applicants must submit project proposals through a National Implementing Entity, a Regional Implementing Entity, or a Multilateral Implementing Entity. Proposals also require endorsement by the Designated Authorities of the country in which the project or programme would take place.
Is the Fund accepting project/programme proposals or applications to become an implementing entity?
The secretariat receives proposals for projects and implementing entity accreditation applications on a rolling basis. The Adaptation Fund Board decides whether to approve the proposals and applications at its quarterly meetings. All required documents must arrive at the secretariat about two months before a scheduled Board meeting to be up for consideration at that meeting. Please see the calendar for specific deadlines.
How does the Adaptation Fund receive its funding?
The Fund is financed with 2% of the shares of proceeds on the Certified Emission Reduction Units (CERs) issued for projects of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). The Fund can also accept other sources of funding, including donations. Eligible donors to the Adaptation Fund include sovereign governments, foundations, non-governmental organizations, private corporations and individuals. For more information, please see the Adaptation Fund Trust Fund Guidelines for Accepting Unsolicited Donations.
How is the Adaptation Fund Board composed?
The Board is composed of 16 members and 16 alternates representing Parties to the Kyoto Protocol. A majority of members--about 69 percent--represent developing countries:
(a) Two representatives from each of the five United Nations regional groups;
(b) One representative of the small island developing States;
(c) One representative of the least developed country Parties;
(d) Two other representatives from the Parties included in Annex I to the Convention
(Annex I Parties);
(e) Two other representatives from the Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention
(non-Annex I Parties).
(b) One representative of the small island developing States;
(c) One representative of the least developed country Parties;
(d) Two other representatives from the Parties included in Annex I to the Convention
(Annex I Parties);
(e) Two other representatives from the Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention
(non-Annex I Parties).
An alternate is elected for each representative.
Is there a term limit for Board members and alternates?
Yes, the members and alternates shall each serve for a term of two calendar years and shall be eligible to serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. The terms as members do not count towards the terms as alternate members and vice-versa (1/CMP.4).
Where is the Adaptation Fund located?
The Adaptation Fund is not based in any one location. The Global Environment Facility (GEF), located at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, DC, provides interim-term secretariat services to the Adaptation Fund Board. The World Bank provides trustee services to the Adaptation Fund Board, also on an interim basis. To contact the Fund, click here.
An intersessional decision (Decision B.7-8/1) was passed to accept the offer by Germany to confer legal capacity, and to host, the Adaptation Fund Board.
When and where does the Adaptation Fund Board meet?
The Adaptation Fund Board meets four times a year. The meetings generally take place in Bonn, Germany unless the Board decides to convene in conjunction with meetings of the parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP) or the subsidiary bodies of UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.