[IIED] Innovative approaches to accessing and scaling all sources of adaptation finance in SIDS and LDCs: a compendium of promising case studies

6 January 2026 — A new publication from the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), Innovative approaches to accessing and scaling all sources of adaptation finance in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs): A compendium of promising case studies, highlights practical, country-driven solutions to persistent challenges in adaptation finance.

Adaptation finance for LDCs and SIDS continues to fall far short of needs. Public finance is stagnating or declining, while emerging private flows remain difficult to access and rarely reach the communities most exposed to climate impacts. In response, climate-vulnerable countries are calling for a system that is faster, fairer and more responsive to national and local priorities.

Developed by the Climate and Development Ministerial (C&DM) secretariat with support from SouthSouthNorth, the compendium responds to this challenge by showcasing innovative, scalable and country-led case studies from across LDCs and SIDS. The publication highlights four illustrative cases that demonstrate practical approaches to easing access to adaptation finance and scaling resources, advancing in particular C&DM Goal 2 (easing access) and Goal 3 (scaling finance).

Together, these cases show what workable, country-led solutions look like in practice, while also revealing persistent bottlenecks that point to the need for system-level reform. By documenting lessons learned and promising approaches, including that of the Adaptation Fund’s Locally Led Adaptation Funding Windows, the compendium provides a basis for peer learning among countries and fund providers, and contributes to ongoing global discussions on how to deliver adaptation finance that is more equitable, effective and aligned with country priorities.

View the publication here.