As we close out 2025 and look toward 2026, the Adaptation Fund is proud to share remarkable achievements in supporting the world’s most vulnerable communities in their climate adaptation efforts.
Record-Breaking Year and Transformative Board Decisions
2025 was a landmark year with two exceptional Board meetings. In April, the Fund approved over US$ 137 million in new projects—the largest single approval in our 18-year history. In October, the Board cleared over US$ 125 million across 18 new projects, surpassing the milestone of 200 projects approved since operations began. These combined approvals bring our total commitments to over US$ 1.5 billion across 217 projects in more than 110 countries, directly benefiting over 65 million people and protecting nearly 1 million ha of natural habitat in the world’s most climate-vulnerable communities.
The Board made strategic decisions to scale impact. Country spending caps doubled from US$ 20 million to US$ 40 million, single-country project caps increased from US$ 10 million to US$ 25 million, and regional project limits rose from US$ 14 million to US$ 30 million. Building on decisions at CMP 14 and CMA 1, the Board also advanced critical steps toward transitioning operations to serve exclusively under the Paris Agreement.
COP30 and Paris Agreement Progress
At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the international community recalled its decision to triple outflows from, among others, the Adaptation Fund and further called for efforts to at least triple adaptation finance by 2035.
COP30 also finalized 59 voluntary indicators to track progress under the Global Goal on Adaptation, aligning closely with the Fund’s work supporting countries in implementing their National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). A new study launched at COP30 from the Adaptation Fund also showed that its portfolio of projects is strongly aligned with countries’ NAPs and NDCs, reinforcing the Fund’s country-driven approach to climate action.
At COP30, the world’s four largest multilateral climate funds—the Adaptation Fund, Climate Investment Funds, Global Environment Facility, and Green Climate Fund—launched their first joint results report, demonstrating collective impact and a shared commitment to transparent reporting and strategic collaboration.
Advancing Locally Led Adaptation and Innovation
The Fund continues pioneering locally led adaptation and innovation at scale. The October Board meeting cleared US$ 22 million for regional Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) grants in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa, and nearly US$ 20 million for large innovation projects across multiple regions. The Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA) program received US$ 5 million to administer small innovation grants throughout the Pacific region. These programs continue to empower local actors, from indigenous peoples, women’s groups, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and young entrepreneurs among others.
Through our enhanced Direct Access modality, seven projects totaling US$ 76.5 million were cleared for implementation by national implementing entities. The Board also approved a revised Strategic Results Framework and initiated streamlined reaccreditation processes to improve efficiency and transparency.
The Fund also championed learning and sharing about innovation at the Adaptation Futures conference in New Zealand in October, as well as the Fund’s work in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Through a series of events – Innovation Spotlights – the Fund provided a platform to more than 80 speakers and facilitators representing a cross-section of stakeholders involved in innovating locally for adaptation to climate change. The events were streamed to a global audience and now publicly available for viewing.
Growing Demand and Resource Mobilization
Demand for the Fund’s support is growing rapidly. Our active pipeline of projects under development approached US$ 1 billion in fiscal year 2025, up 71 percent from the previous year. The portfolio of accreditation and re-accreditation applications undergoing review has increased from 21 to 46 applications in the year 2025, highlighting the increasing interest in accessing climate funds from AF and we accredited seven new national implementing entities to further increase access to finance and empower country ownership in adaptation. With adaptation needs in developing countries reaching up to US$ 387 billion per year by 2030, according to the latest UNEP Adaptation Gap reports, our resource mobilization target of US$ 300 million for 2025 together with expanding funding opportunities for countries represented key steps toward responding to increased demand. At the Fund’s contributor dialogue in Belem, US$ 135 million in new pledges were mobilized from 10 contributors: Germany, Spain, Sweden, Ireland, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Belgium’s Walloon Region, Portugal, South Korea and Iceland.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we enter 2026, a pivotal year for Paris Agreement implementation, the Fund is strategically positioned to scale its impact. The Board’s next meetings in 2026 will continue advancing our mission while strengthening systems and partnerships.
These achievements would not be possible without our dedicated Board, country partners, committed donors, and active collaboration with civil society, international organizations, and the private sector. We extend our sincere gratitude and look forward to strengthening our collective efforts in building a more climate-resilient future.
News of the Year
Adaptation Fund Mobilizes US$ 135 Million for Most Vulnerable at COP30 in Brazil
The AF received nearly US$135 million in new pledges at COP30, boosting support for vulnerable communities and accelerating urgently needed climate resilience efforts.
Multilateral Climate Funds Publishes First Joint Results Report
The four largest climate funds released their first joint report showing their collective impact on global climate action.
Three New Adaptation Fund National Implementing Entities Accredited to Develop Projects in Africa
The AF has accredited three new national implementing entities in Namibia, Nigeria, and Senegal, expanding country-led capacity to deliver climate adaptation for vulnerable communities.
Adaptation Fund Board Advances Work Toward Paris Agreement Transition, While Surpassing 200 Projects On the Ground for Vulnerable Countries
The AF Board approved over US$125 million for 18 new adaptation projects, marking major progress toward scaling resilience and advancing its transition to fully serve the Paris Agreement.
Adaptation Fund Board Approves Record US$ 137 Million in New Projects; Doubles Country Cap to US$ 40 Million
The AF Board approved a record US$ 137 million in new projects and doubled country funding caps, marking major progress toward tripling outflows by 2030.
Adaptation Fund Receives First New US$ 13 Million Pledge for 2025 from Sweden, Hoping to Set Tone for Rest of Year
Sweden pledged US$ 13 million to the AF in 2025, continuing its strong support for vulnerable countries facing climate impacts.
Project Stories
COP30: Brazil is drying up despite its rich natural resources
In Pernambuco, Brazil, simple climate solutions like greywater reuse and agroforestry are helping farmers adapt to worsening droughts, improving livelihoods and sustainability for thousands of families.
Multi-Pronged Adaptation Approach Brings Flood Relief to Trinidad’s Vulnerable South Oropouche River Basin
A US$ 10 million Adaptation Fund project in Trinidad’s South Oropouche River Basin is helping communities tackle floods, sea level rise, and droughts through ecosystem restoration, infrastructure, and local-led solutions.
How Vanuatu is facing up to rising climate risks
In Vanuatu, Indigenous knowledge and climate-smart practices are helping island communities adapt to cyclones, sea-level rise, and extreme weather.
Building Resilience Across Borders in the Western Balkans
A regional Adaptation Fund project is helping Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia reduce devastating flood risks in the Drin River Basin through strengthened early warning systems, cross-border cooperation, and community-driven resilience measures.
From Thirsty Lands to Thriving Communities: How Lao PDR is Pioneering Climate-Smart Water Solutions
In southern Lao PDR, community-designed, climate-resilient water systems funded by the Adaptation Fund are transforming daily life for over 185,000 people and setting a model for locally led adaptation.
Penang’s Urban Green Revolution: How Nature is Leading Climate Adaptation in Malaysia
Penang is transforming into a cooler, greener, more resilient island city by using nature-based solutions that reduce flooding and heat while creating new economic opportunities and empowering local communities.
Publications
Alignment of Adaptation Fund Portfolio with National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
A new Adaptation Fund study shows strong alignment between its projects and countries’ NDCs and NAPs, underscoring the Fund’s country-driven approach and growing impact on national climate strategies.
Lessons Learned from Adaptation Interventions in Least Developed Countries (LDCs): Experiences from the Adaptation Fund
AF study highlights rising—but still insufficient—adaptation finance for Least Developed Countries, offering insights from over US$380 million in projects and underscoring the urgent need to strengthen climate resilience amid structural vulnerabilities.
Videos
Building Water Resilience in Bhutan’s Mountains
A powerful look at how Bhutan is restoring springs, securing clean water, and revitalizing livelihoods—showing how mountain communities can build climate resilience from source to tap.
Adaptation Fund: Building Climate Resilience Through Forests
The AF is restoring forests and strengthening community resilience worldwide and showcased its nature-based solutions at COP30 in Belém.