The Adaptation Fund is unique and has innovated some new processes for eligible countries to access funds.
One of its most innovative features is the direct access modality. This direct access modality allows countries to use an existing national institution that meets the international fiduciary
standards as set by the Adaptation Fund Board (AFB) to implement projects.
Countries have a choice to use an accredited multi-lateral organization,
such as UNDP, UNEP, the World Bank, WFP, IFAD or ADB, to implement their projects called Multi-lateral Implementing Entity (MIE) or to use an accredited national institution called a National Implementing Entity (NIE).
This gives countries dual choice and a country can use either option for future projects. It may wish to use an NIE for some projects and a MIE for others, based on the comparative advantage of the entity.