Turning Waste into Wealth through Climate Adaptation

GCA Inaugurates Black Soldier Fly Units in Mukuru to Drive Climate Resilience and Youth Employment.

N airobi, Kenya 16 September 2024 — The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) marked a significant milestone in climate adaptation, sustainable urban development, and green jobs with the inauguration of 12 Black Soldier Fly (BSF) units in Mukuru, Nairobi today. The initiative, undertaken through the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB), DanChurchAid, and local partners Akiba Mashinani Trust (AMT) and Miramar Foundation, is set to revolutionize waste management in one of Nairobi’s largest informal settlements while providing employment opportunities for young people by equipping them with skills in sustainable agriculture, waste management, and business management.

The BSF units process organic waste into two valuable byproducts: protein-rich larvae for livestock feed and nutrient-rich organic fertilizer. The removal of the organic waste in the settlement, which lacks formal waste collection services, mitigates flooding (by preventing blockages in drainage systems), contamination of water sources, and the spread of vector and water borne diseases. The initiative also promotes sustainability by reducing reliance on traditional waste disposal methods like landfilling or incineration, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. The 12 units are expected to process 72 tons of organic waste per month, contributing significantly to climate resilience efforts in the settlement.
 
During the Fourth AAAP Partnership Forum held the same week in Nairobi, 65 young people who have successfully completed a three-month certified training program in BSF farming and business management were presented with certificates. A further 35 are currently enrolled. These youth are trained to operate the BSF units and market the livestock feed and fertilizer, increasing their earning potential by up to 26 times compared to simply collecting and disposing household waste, as is the practice currently. The initiative aims to expand to other informal settlements across Africa, providing both adaptation and economic benefits.
 
The BSF units are part of a broader community-driven strategy linked to the Mukuru People’s Adaptation Plan, which aims to enhance resilience in a settlement whose residents are acutely vulnerable to climate change. The project builds on GCA’s role as a transmission belt connecting international financial institutions with community-led solutions and technical expertise to address climate risks to the poorest and most vulnerable.
 
GCA CEO Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen underscored the initiative’s importance for Africa’s adaptation to climate change: “The Black Soldier Fly initiative in Mukuru demonstrates the power of locally led climate solutions and their upskilling and job creation opportunities.” He highlighted how this initiative is “turning waste into wealth” while empowering youth with skills. “We are addressing multiple challenges head-on—from flood and disease mitigation to youth employment and food security. This is exactly the kind of scalable, innovative initiative that we are linking to development finance institutions with, to scale up and accelerate adaptation across Africa under the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program,” Professor Verkooijen added.
 
AMT Director Jane Weru described the project as a model for future climate adaptation efforts: “This initiative is not only solving the problem of waste management but is also transforming the lives of our youth by equipping them with skills that will enable them to lead in green entrepreneurship. Mukuru is setting an example for Nairobi and other cities across Africa, showing that climate adaptation can be both locally driven and globally impactful.”
 
Together with the community representatives of Mukuru, the inauguration ceremony of the initiative also saw participation from key international stakeholders, including representatives from France and Norway, who reiterated their support for the AAAP. As Africa looks to rapidly accelerate its adaptation efforts, this BSF initiative offers a compelling model for how informal urban settlements can lead the charge in building climate resilience.
 
 
Notes to Editors
 
About the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP)
The Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) is a joint initiative by the African Development Bank and the Global Center on Adaptation, aimed at mobilizing $25 billion over five years to scale up climate adaptation in Africa. Since its launch, the AAAP has integrated climate adaptation measures into over $10 billion in investments, helping to build climate resilience for millions across the continent.
 
About the Global Center on Adaptation
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that promotes adaptation to the impacts of climate change. It works to climate-proof development by instigating policy reforms and influencing investments made by international financial institutions and the private sector. The goal is to bring climate adaptation to the forefront of the global fight against climate change and ensure that it remains prominent.

Founded in 2018, GCA embodies innovation in its approach to climate adaptation as well as in its physical presence. It operates from the largest floating office in the world, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. GCA has a worldwide network of regional offices in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Beijing, China. The Center will open a new office in Nairobi, Kenya in 2025.

Heading

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Africa Partners Delivering Adaptation Results: $10 Billion of Development Investments Made Climate Resilient

4th AAAP Partnership Forum brought partners from across Africa and globally to Nairobi to double down on climate adaptation action for the most vulnerable

N airobi, Kenya, 16^th September 2024 — Highlighting the results of the first 36 months of the world’s largest climate adaptation program, the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP), ministers, experts and practitioners in and outside of Africa, gathered for the program’s 4^th Partnership Forum in Nairobi, Kenya. AAAP so far mainstreamed climate adaptation into over $10 billion of development investments in Africa from various international financial institutions (IFIs), benefiting over 63 million people across 37 African countries.
 
Organized by the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Forum showcased the remarkable progress of AAAP to date. Since its launch by African leaders in 2021, becoming operational in 2022, the AAAP has also been instrumental in creating close to 1 million jobs in sectors such as agriculture and renewable energy. The work of GCA under the AAAP is supported by the Gates Foundation, Denmark, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Norway, and the UK.
 
In his keynote address, Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen, CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation, underscored the urgent need to accelerate climate adaptation efforts on the continent. “Africa is at a cross-roads, staring down the barrel of an out-of-control climate crisis for the world’s most vulnerable continent.” He added that the AAAP has come as a practical solution as Africa’s ‘Adaptation Transmission Belt’: “Because of this Transmission Belt, 16 million farmers, 60 million people and almost 1 million jobs are increasing resilience to climate shocks. And we have only just begun our work. As we keep scaling up, we have our eyes on the $25 billion target of investments shaped by the end of next year.”
 
Looking ahead, Professor Verkooijen affirmed the GCA’s commitment to continue to enhance its collaboration with CGIAR, the global partnership for research on food security, to further scale climate adaptation innovations and technologies. Tapping into the unused potential for private climate finance in Africa will represent an additional area of renewed focus.

Aden Bare Duale, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Republic of Kenya, expressed Kenya’s strong commitment to the AAAP and its goals. “By focusing on the key pillars of African economies (climate-smart agriculture, resilient infrastructure, nature-based solutions and climate adaptation jobs) the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program embodies the spirit of African leadership, innovation and partnership in addressing the climate crisis head on. I wish to acknowledge and appreciate that Kenya has been a direct beneficiary of GCA’s investment to the AAAP. GCA has committed over 3 million euros to programs of the African Development Bank, World Bank, IFAD, related to food security, infrastructure and nature-based solutions and adaptation jobs in Kenya” He added that “Looking ahead, Kenya remains fully committed to the AAAP.”

Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, Minister for Development of Norway, shared a virtual goodwill message: “Norway is pleased to continue our support for the AAAP through our cooperation with the Global Center on Adaptation. African countries can achieve higher national self-sufficiency by building more climate robust, small scale food production. To achieve that, we need continued political priority for food security. Investing in local value chains and markets will create new jobs, strengthen economic growth, and significantly reduce world hunger.”

African Development Bank Vice-President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth, Dr. Kevin Kariuki, further highlighted the achievements of the Program: “Through AAAP, adaptation measures have been integrated into 68 African Development Bank projects and technical assistance support, spanning 41 countries in critical sectors such as agriculture, water supply, sanitation, transport, and urban development. The profound impact of these efforts is already visible. In Agriculture, through 17 of the 68 projects, AAAP has significantly enhanced food security and climate resilience, particularly for vulnerable communities, ensuring that 9.4 million people across 16 countries, particularly in the Sahel, Horn of Africa, and the Zambezi Basin, are better equipped to face climate risks. These projects demonstrate that by targeting high-impact sectors and populations, adaptation finance is driving transformational change on the ground, helping Africa build a future where climate resilience and sustainable development go hand in hand.”
 
 

Arnaud Suquet, Ambassador for France to Kenya, also shared his country’s commitments: “Globally, we are partners of GCA and we’ll continue to be a partner. It’s not a one-off,” adding that “There are a lot of priorities worldwide, but I think adaptation to climate change is in the interest of everybody.”

Gladys Atieno Wanga, Governor of Homa Bay County, provided a message from the frontlines, illustrating how the AAAP can provide locally anchored support to communities: “When the Global Center on Adaptation came knocking with an offer to partner with the AAAP, I was only too happy to agree.” She added that “together under this partnership, we support vulnerable communities in Homa Bay, starting with those in informal settlements, to create People’s Adaptation Plans. The plans will map and profile how climate change is impacting those vulnerable communities, particularly in the water and sanitation sector. This approach comes through the guidance of the GCA’s Global Hub on Locally-Led Adaptation, a fantastic center of excellence and knowledge on locally-led adaptation practices.”

During the Forum, awards were presented to the founders of three Kenyan start-ups – FLIPS Org, RoISUM by Houtech Company Limited, and Apen Softwares – selected for the Climate Resilience and Adaptation Accelerator Program, funded by the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) and implemented by the University of Nairobi’s C4DLab. Each start-up received a grant of €42,000 to develop digital solutions that address physical climate risks and enhance resilience in low-income and vulnerable communities. These start-ups exemplify the AAAP’s commitment to fostering local innovation and integrating climate resilience into national development strategies across Africa.
 
The 4th AAAP Partnership Forum also celebrated the achievements of youth from Mukuru, Nairobi, who successfully completed training on the innovative Black Soldier Fly farming model. With support from GCA (for 10 units), DanChurchAid (1 unit) and the African Development Bank (1 unit) these young entrepreneurs were trained to operate 12 Black Soldier Fly Units. This climate-smart initiative promotes sustainable waste management by using Black Soldier Flies to process organic waste, reducing landfill pressure, and mitigating flash flooding by preventing waste blockages in drainage systems. During the forum, GCA CEO, Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen, presented graduation certificates to the young participants, acknowledging their contributions to climate adaptation, resilient agriculture, and urban flood prevention.
 
The Partnership Forum was attended by over 250 participants, bringing together a coalition of over 50 partners including leaders, experts, and stakeholders committed to scaling up climate adaptation efforts across the African continent that represented a range of organizations: government, private sector, civil society and academia. The Program also featured focused discussions around resilient infrastructure, the food-water-gender nexus, and financial mobilization for adaptation. Panelists and participants provided insights into AAAP achievements and suggestions for further Program development.
 
As Africa looks ahead to the 29th UN Global Climate Summit (COP29), the outcomes of the AAAP’s 4^th Partnership Forum are pivotal in shaping the continent’s climate adaptation delivery efforts.
 
Notes to Editors
 
About the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP)
The Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) is a joint initiative by the African Development Bank and the Global Center on Adaptation, aimed at mobilizing $25 billion over five years to scale up climate adaptation in Africa. Since its launch, the AAAP has integrated climate adaptation measures into over $10 billion in investments, helping to build climate resilience for millions across the continent.
 
About the Global Center on Adaptation
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that promotes adaptation to the impacts of climate change. It works to climate-proof development by instigating policy reforms and influencing investments made by international financial institutions and the private sector. The goal is to bring climate adaptation to the forefront of the global fight against climate change and ensure that it remains prominent.

Founded in 2018, GCA embodies innovation in its approach to climate adaptation as well as in its physical presence. It operates from the largest floating office in the world, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. GCA has a worldwide network of regional offices in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Beijing, China. The Center will open a new office in Nairobi, Kenya in 2025.

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Global Center on Adaptation Partners with African Development Bank to Enhance Climate Resilience in Comoros’ Port Infrastructure

R otterdam, Netherlands, 22 August 2024  – The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is collaborating with the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the African Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) to support the Union of Comoros in developing and enhancing the resilience of its maritime infrastructure. The Comoros Maritime Corridor Development and Regional Trade Facilitation Project, aims to boost the country’s port capacities, fostering regional trade and ensuring long-term sustainability in the face of climate change.
 
Comoros, a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) located in the Indian Ocean, faces unique challenges due to its geographic isolation, economic constraints, and heightened vulnerability to climate hazards such as earthquakes, cyclones, floods and tsunamis. The nation’s economy, heavily reliant on maritime trade, fisheries, agriculture, and tourism, needs resilient infrastructure to sustain its growth and integration into broader continental trade networks. 
 
The $247.58 million project supported by the AfDB and other international partners including the European Investment Bank, the World Bank, the Islamic Development Bank and the Agence Française de Développement, will develop and upgrade the port infrastructure across the three Comorian islands: Grande Comore, Mohéli, and Anjouan. By increasing port capacity and productivity, this initiative will facilitate the transition of Comoros from a trade zone of 1 million people to a market connected with over 1.2 billion people across the African continent.
 
GCA’s involvement is pivotal in ensuring that these developments are not only infrastructurally sound but also climate-resilient. GCA is providing technical support to conduct comprehensive climate risk assessments and stress tests for the Moroni port (Grande Comore), Boingoma port (Mohéli), and Mutsamudu port (Anjouan). This includes a detailed climate hazard assessment, vulnerability analysis, and the identification of adaptation strategies to protect these critical trade hubs.
 
“Our collaboration with the African Development Bank under the African Adaptation Acceleration Program marks a significant step towards securing the future of Comoros’ maritime infrastructure,” said Professor Patrick Verkooijen, CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation. “Through AAAP, we are not merely addressing the immediate needs of expanding port capacity but are also laying the foundation for long-term resilience in the face of escalating climate risks. This project exemplifies our commitment to ensuring that the people of Comoros can thrive in a connected and climate-secure future. By fortifying these vital economic arteries, we are empowering Comoros to emerge as a resilient hub of regional trade and a model for adaptation in Small Island Developing States globally.”
 
The project also includes capacity building through GCA’s Climate Resilient Infrastructure Masterclass, designed to equip institutional stakeholders with the knowledge and skills to manage and maintain resilient infrastructure. This ensures that local authorities and project implementers are well-prepared to make informed decisions regarding adaptation strategies.
 
With an implementation period from 2024 to 2029, the project is expected to directly benefit approximately 800,000 people, including over 50% women and youth under 30, by securing jobs, enhancing trade opportunities, and fostering economic growth.
 
This initiative is a critical step towards the realization of the Comoros government’s Plan Comores Émergent, which emphasizes the importance of a blue economy, focusing on fisheries, coastal tourism, and safe maritime transportation as drivers of national development.
 
Notes to Editors

About the Global Center on Adaptation
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that promotes adaptation to the impacts of climate change. It works to climate-proof development by instigating policy reforms and influencing investments made by international financial institutions and the private sector. The goal is to bring climate adaptation to the forefront of the global fight against climate change and ensure that it remains prominent.

Founded in 2018, GCA embodies innovation in its approach to climate adaptation as well as in its physical presence. It operates from the largest floating office in the world, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. GCA has a worldwide network of regional offices in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Beijing, China. The Center will open a new office in Nairobi, Kenya in 2025.

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GCA Partners with the African Development Bank to Strengthen Climate Resilience in South Sudan’s Agricultural Sector

R otterdam, Netherlands, 18 July 2024 – The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) announced today a partnership with the African Development Bank on the South Sudan Climate Resilient Food Security and Agricultural Transformation Project (CRAFT). This landmark initiative aims to bolster agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and foster economic resilience in South Sudan through innovative climate adaptation strategies.

Funded mainly by the African Development Bank, the project is a five-year initiative dedicated to transforming South Sudan’s agricultural sector. The project addresses the critical impacts of climate change that have severely hindered agricultural production and livelihoods in the region.

The project is designed to achieve the following objectives:

• Enhance Climate-Adaptive Production Systems: Introduce climate-smart technologies, improve seed varieties, expand irrigation, and upgrade market infrastructure.
• Strengthen Value Chains: Empower women and youth-led businesses, facilitate access to inputs and finance, and engage the private sector in agricultural initiatives.
• Implement Digital Solutions: Develop and deploy digital agricultural and climate advisory services to improve technical and entrepreneurial skills.

GCA’s involvement in the project includes:

• Climate Risk Vulnerability Assessment: Conduct detailed analyses to produce comprehensive maps and data that inform climate adaptation interventions.
• Market Analysis for Climate-Resilient Seeds: Identify barriers and opportunities for the adoption and distribution of climate-resilient seeds and recommend strategies for improved digitalization.
• Digital Climate Advisory Services (DCAS): Co-design and launch digital advisory platforms to scale up climate-smart agricultural practices and technologies.

Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen, CEO of GCA, highlighted the significance of this collaboration stating “Our partnership with the African Development Bank under the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) is a pivotal step in transforming South Sudan’s agricultural landscape. By engaging with the Technology for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) and the CGIAR system to introduce climate-smart technologies and supporting resilient agricultural practices, we are not only enhancing food security but also empowering local communities, especially women and youth, to build a sustainable and prosperous future despite the challenges posed by climate change.”

The project will benefit smallholder farmers, women, and youth by fostering equitable development and enhancing resilience in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions. This collaboration underscores GCA’s dedication to promoting global adaptation solutions and ensuring that vulnerable communities receive the support they need.

Notes to Editors
About the Global Center on Adaptation
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that promotes adaptation to the impacts of climate change. It works to climate-proof development by instigating policy reforms and influencing investments made by international financial institutions and the private sector. The goal is to bring climate adaptation to the forefront of the global fight against climate change and ensure that it remains prominent.

Founded in 2018, GCA embodies innovation in its approach to climate adaptation as well as in its physical presence. It operates from the largest floating office in the world, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. GCA has a worldwide network of regional offices in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Beijing, China. The Center will open a new office in Nairobi, Kenya in 2025.

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GCA welcomes GROHE Team Ocean Rowing 850 kilometers for Water Awareness to Floating Office Rotterdam

R otterdam, the Netherlands, 11th July 2024 – The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) welcomed the GROHE Team Ocean to GCA’s Floating Office in Rotterdam’s Rijnhaven today. This event was the culmination of the team’s 850 kilometer journey rowing on the Rhine River over 10 days from Basel, Switzerland to Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

The GROHE Team Ocean, composed of adventurers Wilco van Rooijen, Bela Evers, Sara Eenhoorn, and Joost Schutte, embarked on this challenging rowing expedition to draw attention to increasing water scarcity and the necessity of behavioural change.

GROHE Team Ocean in Rotterdam. From left: GROHE Nederlands General Manager Christian Götter; GROHE Team Ocean’s Wilco van Rooijen, Sara Eenhoorn, Bela Evers, and Joost Schutte; GCA Partnerships and External Affairs Officer Adam Bagyi

The Rhine Expedition was a journey of nearly 850 kilometers, from river’s source in the Swiss mountains via the Rhône to the Rhine and ultimately to the North Sea. During this expedition, the team faced numerous challenges on Europe’s busiest river, which connects major ports with treacherous and dangerous currents, depth variations, and numerous locks. The team also faced the challenge of living on a maximum of 6 liters of water per person per day. For comparison, in the Netherlands, the average amount of water consumed per person per day is 129 liters.

GROHE Team Ocean at the start of their 850-kilometer rowing expedition in Basel, Switzerland (Photo credit: Team Ocean)

In addition to navigating Europe’s busiest river, Team Ocean faced the challenge of living on a maximum of 6 liters of water per person per day (Photo credit: Team Ocean)

#Aquawareness
Water is the foundation of all life on Earth. Without water, there would be no plants, no animals, and of course, no humans. Although our planet is covered by about 70% water, only 2.5% of it is freshwater, and a large portion of that freshwater is trapped in glaciers and polar regions. This means that only a small portion of water is actually available for human use.

Moreover, the water we urgently need is scarce and often heavily polluted in many parts of the world. Climate change and population growth exacerbate these problems further. It is therefore of utmost importance that we recognize water as a resource that deserves protection and do everything we can to conserve and protect it.

A prime example of the importance of water is the Rhine. The Rhine is one of the longest and most important rivers in Europe. It is not only a significant waterway but also a valuable ecosystem. Economically, the Rhine plays a crucial role in freight transport and trade as one of the busiest waterways in the world.

For the citizens of Rotterdam, the Rhine also plays a central role in the life of the city and its inhabitants. However, the Rhine is also susceptible to environmental pollution and ecological challenges, demonstrating the need for international cooperation.

Notes to Editors 
Global Center on Adaptation
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that promotes adaptation to the impacts of climate change. It works to climate-proof development by instigating policy reforms and influencing investments made by international financial institutions and the private sector. The goal is to bring climate adaptation to the forefront of the global fight against climate change and ensure that it remains prominent.

Founded in 2018, GCA embodies innovation in its approach to climate adaptation as well as in its physical presence. It operates from the largest floating office in the world, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. GCA has a worldwide network of regional offices in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Beijing, China. The Center will open a new office in Nairobi, Kenya in 2025.

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GCA Partners with World Bank to Enhance Water Security and Sanitation in Senegal

R otterdam, the Netherlands, 2 July 2024 — The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) announced today its collaboration with the World Bank on the Integrated Water Security and Sanitation Program for Senegal (PISEA). The landmark project, with an initial financing of $200 million from the World Bank, aims to improve water security and sanitation services for over seven million people in Senegal, including 600,000 residents of greater Dakar.

Senegal’s water supplies face significant climate risks, including increasing variability in rainfall, prolonged droughts, and rising temperatures. These factors exacerbate the challenges of water scarcity and stress, particularly in regions with high population growth and rapid urbanization. Additionally, the irregular geographic and temporal distribution of water resources, coupled with pollution and salinity in coastal areas, complicates the management of water supplies. Climate change further intensifies these issues, making it crucial to adopt adaptive measures to ensure sustainable water availability for all Senegalese communities.

Highlights of the project include:

• Sanitation Expansion: Development of sanitation services in East Dakar, including the construction of sewage systems and a state-of-the-art sludge treatment plant with tertiary treatment capabilities.
• Water Management Improvement: Enhancing groundwater recharge, reducing non-revenue water loss, and upgrading the Lac de Guiers water supply system to ensure water security in critical regions.
• Treated Wastewater for Irrigation: Implementing systems to recycle treated wastewater for agricultural irrigation, benefiting farmers and promoting a circular economy approach to water management.
• Sector Reforms and Citizen Engagement: Strengthening governance, involving citizens in decision-making processes, and supporting sector reforms to enhance efficiency and resilience in water and sanitation services.

GCA is providing critical support to the first phase of the project by delivering comprehensive climate risk assessments and promoting innovative approaches to water management and sanitation. Key elements of GCA’s involvement include:

• Climate Risk Assessments: Conducting detailed climate risk assessments to select project locations and design interventions that maximize benefits. This will ensure the resilience of water and irrigation infrastructure, particularly in safeguarding drinking water resources during extreme weather events.
• Wastewater Reuse for Irrigation: Identifying suitable options for the reuse of treated wastewater in agricultural irrigation, providing guidelines to inform intervention design, and promoting sustainable water usage practices in the urban periphery and surrounding rural areas.
• Building Urban Resilience: Assessing pathways to build resilience across administrative boundaries, supporting formal and informal policies, institutions, and regulations to enhance urban resilience in climate hotspots.
• Documenting and Scaling Innovations: Capturing and documenting lessons learned to scale and replicate successful interventions in subsequent phases of the program, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience.

Professor Patrick V. Vekooijen, CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation noted that “Water security and sanitation are critical to building resilient communities, especially in the face of climate change. Our partnership with the World Bank on this project reflects GCA’s commitment to driving innovative and adaptive solutions that address the complex water challenges in Senegal. By leveraging our expertise in climate risk assessments and promoting sustainable water management practices, we aim to enhance the resilience and wellbeing of millions of Senegalese people,”

GCA’s support for this project is aligned with its broader mission to accelerate adaptation action and support resilient solutions across Africa. By fostering collaboration and leveraging innovative practices, GCA aims to build climate resilience and improve the quality of life for communities in Senegal and beyond.

Notes to Editors
About the Global Center on Adaptation
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that promotes adaptation to the impacts of climate change. It works to climate-proof development by instigating policy reforms and influencing investments made by international financial institutions and the private sector. The goal is to bring climate adaptation to the forefront of the global fight against climate change and ensure that it remains prominent.

Founded in 2018, GCA embodies innovation in its approach to climate adaptation as well as in its physical presence. It operates from the largest floating office in the world, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. GCA has a worldwide network of regional offices in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Beijing, China. The Center will open a new office in Nairobi, Kenya in 2025.

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GCA and Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation sign Memorandum of Understanding to increase resilience of vulnerable communities in Bangladesh

R otterdam, the Netherlands and Dhaka, Bangladesh, 28 June 2024 – The Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing climate resilience and poverty reduction efforts in Bangladesh. This agreement marks a significant step towards bolstering the capacity of PKSF to address the challenges posed by climate change.
 
PKSF is a national public sector Direct Access Entity (DAE) working as a sustainable platform for government to nongovernmental organisation collaboration. Based in Bangladesh, PKSF’s mission is sustainable poverty eradication by undertaking multidimensional human-centered development programmes. 
 
The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration between GCA and PKSF to provide technical assistance, strengthening PKSF’s institutional capacity as a DAE of the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This partnership will focus on enhancing PKSF’s role in developing, implementing, and monitoring climate adaptation projects and programs, ensuring they align with both national and GCF priorities.

 The collaboration will cover several critical areas, including:

• Strengthening PKSF’s institutional capacity to deliver adaptation services.
• Enhancing the adaptation components in PKSF’s concept notes and funding proposals.
• Addressing feedback during the approval process of these documents.
• Facilitating capacity-building initiatives for PKSF officials.

Under this MoU, GCA will provide technical support with appropriate expertise to PKSF, ensuring the transfer of necessary skills and knowledge. PKSF, in turn, will facilitate the consultants’ work by providing relevant information and engaging officials in capacity-building activities. The partnership aims to foster a collaborative environment where both parties can leverage their strengths to achieve shared goals.

Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen, CEO of GCA, stated, “Bangladesh is a striking example of how local communities can be the most innovative in adapting to climate change. This partnership will enable us to reach those most in need faster and more effectively to ensure they have the tools they need to protect their lives and livelihoods in the fight against growing climate impacts. This partnership with PKSF underscores our commitment to scaling up adaptation action in Bangladesh.”

Dr. Nomita Halder, Managing Director of PKSF, added, “GCA and Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to increase resilience of vulnerable communities in Bangladesh.”

Notes to Editors

About the Global Center on Adaptation
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that promotes adaptation to the impacts of climate change. It works to climate-proof development by instigating policy reforms and influencing investments made by international financial institutions and the private sector. The goal is to bring climate adaptation to the forefront of the global fight against climate change and ensure that it remains prominent.

Founded in 2018, GCA embodies innovation in its approach to climate adaptation as well as in its physical presence. It operates from the largest floating office in the world, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. GCA has a worldwide network of regional offices in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Beijing, China. The Center will open a new office in Nairobi, Kenya in 2025.

About Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF)
Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) is a national institution established by the Government of Bangladesh, committed to accelerating poverty reduction through employment generation and improving the living standards of vulnerable communities. PKSF is an accredited DAE of the GCF, actively engaging in projects focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation.

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GCA Partners with the World Bank to develop climate resilient port in Bangladesh

R otterdam, the Netherlands, 28 June 2024 — The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) announced today its collaboration with the World Bank to support the Government of Bangladesh to enhance the climate resilience of the new Bay Terminal deep seaport project. This initiative will support the World Bank’s $650 million Bay Terminal Marine Infrastructure Development Project, approved on 28th June 2024 by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors. 
 
The Bay Terminal project aims to significantly improve Bangladesh’s global trade competitiveness and reduce import and export costs by increasing port operational efficiency and mobilizing private investment. GCA will provide technical assistance to ensure that this critical infrastructure is designed and built to withstand future climate impacts. 
 
GCA’s work will produce a prioritized list of adaptation and resilience options, with a focus on nature-based solutions for the planned breakwater, access channel, port infrastructure, and connection to hinterland considering future climate scenarios. 
 
Additionally, GCA will provide technical specifications for green and grey adaptation interventions to be implemented within the World Bank project, as well as a framework for future implementation of large-scale adaptation measures in the project area. To support long-term sustainability, GCA will also arrange capacity building for project stakeholders through Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Masterclasses. 
 
The Bay Terminal is expected to handle 36 percent of Bangladesh’s container volumes and benefit over one million people through improved access to sustainable transport services. By incorporating climate resilience from the outset, the project aims to safeguard these benefits against the increasing threats posed by climate change. 
 
Notes to Editors 
About the Global Center on Adaptation 
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that promotes adaptation to the impacts of climate change. It works to climate-proof development by instigating policy reforms and influencing investments made by international financial institutions and the private sector. The goal is to bring climate adaptation to the forefront of the global fight against climate change and ensure that it remains prominent. 
 
Founded in 2018, GCA embodies innovation in its approach to climate adaptation as well as in its physical presence. It operates from the largest floating office in the world, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. GCA has a worldwide network of regional offices in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Beijing, China. The Center will open a new office in Nairobi, Kenya in 2025. 

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GCA working with the International Monetary Fund to integrate adaptation into the Resilience and Sustainability Facility for Madagascar

R otterdam, the Netherlands, 25 June 2024 – The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) announced today that is providing technical assistance to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to enhance adaptation in Madagascar through its Enhanced Cooperation Framework for Scaled-Up Climate Action.

Madagascar, one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, will be the first to benefit from this Framework in the context of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement approved by the IMF Executive Board. The World Bank Group (WBG) is also actively engaged in addressing climate change in the country. Key areas of focus for the coordinated efforts among the Malagasy authorities, the IMF, and the WBG include promoting green and resilient investments and adaptation interventions that deliver immediate development benefits.

The RSF will support Madagascar’s efforts to integrate climate considerations into policymaking, complementing the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Extended Credit Facility (ECF) in bolstering overall socio-economic resilience. The identified RSF reform measures build on Madagascar’s national adaptation plan and existing diagnostics, including the IMF’s Climate Public Investment Assessment (C-PIMA) and the World Bank’s Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR). The Global Center on Adaptation has been leveraging its expertise to strengthen climate adaptation measures within the RSF policy framework. In consultation with the IMF, GCA will identify additional areas for technical assistance to support the government implementing these policy measures effectively.

Professor Patrick Verkooijen, CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation, commenting on the announcement said: “Adapting to the impacts of  climate change  is essential for Madagascar’s long-term macroeconomic resilience. By integrating climate adaptation into the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, we are not only addressing the immediate environmental threats but also laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth. Madagascar’s adoption of a national climate finance mobilization strategy will significantly enhance its ability to attract climate-related investments, which are crucial for building resilient infrastructure and communities. The collaboration between the IMF, World Bank Group, and GCA aims to create a robust, country-led platform that can effectively mobilize additional programmatic and project climate financing. This will help ensure that Madagascar is well-equipped to face future climate challenges and seize opportunities for green growth.”

As one of the key measures included in the RSF, Madagascar will adopt a national climate finance mobilization strategy to strengthen its position as an attractive destination for climate-related investments. The IMF and WBG stand ready to support a country-led platform to mobilize additional programmatic and project climate financing that could be implemented in 2025, in coordination with all financers and multi-lateral development banks.

Notes to Editors
About the Global Center on Adaptation
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that promotes adaptation to the impacts of climate change. It works to climate-proof development by instigating policy reforms and influencing investments made by international financial institutions and the private sector. The goal is to bring climate adaptation to the forefront of the global fight against climate change and ensure that it remains prominent.

Founded in 2018, GCA embodies innovation in its approach to climate adaptation as well as in its physical presence. It operates from the largest floating office in the world, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. GCA has a worldwide network of regional offices in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Beijing, China. The Center will open a new office in Nairobi, Kenya in 2025.

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GCA Partners with the World Bank and the Government of Bangladesh to Develop Climate Resilient Secondary Cities

R otterdam, the Netherlands, 25 June 2024 – The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) announced today its collaboration with the World Bank and the Government of Bangladesh to improve climate-resilience and gender-responsive urban infrastructure and urban management capacities as part of the US$560 million World Bank’s Resilient Urban and Territorial Development Project (RUTDP). 

The RUTDP will support climate-resilient and gender-responsive infrastructural, economic and social interventions in seven city clusters consisting of 14 nodal cities and other secondary cities along the high priority economic growth corridors. This corridor spans over 950 kilometers from Cox’s Bazaar in the southeast to Panchagarh in the north of Bangladesh. Secondary cities are vital to Bangladesh’s economy with 75% of the GDP concentrated in urban areas. However, rapid urbanization is projected to increase the urban population from 38% in 2021 to 60% by 2050. This rapid growth is causing a decline in the benefits derived from urban clustering, such as productivity gains and employment opportunities.

Increasing climatic risks and natural disasters, environmental degradation, poor infrastructure provisions and slow human capital development are expected to further impact urban well-being. These challenges are exacerbated in poorly connected and underdeveloped secondary cities, which lack institutional capacity and access to resources, constraining their ability to provide sustained urban services.

Through RUTDP selected municipalities and city corporations will receive subgrants to invest in in climate-resilient, green building features, and gender responsive infrastructure. This investment will also create jobs, enhance rural-urban linkages, strengthen food supply chains, and connect domestic markets to global value chains.

Developing climate-smart cities to improve the urban environment and well-being is a key objective of Bangladesh’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP). The $400 million first phase of the World Bank programme will be implemented by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) between 2024 and 2031. 

GCA’s CEO, Professor Patrick Verkooijen, stated “Cities and urban areas are increasingly becoming climate hotspots that not only affect the well-being of residents but also slow down the economic growth of the country. GCA’s work includes large-scale projects designed to protect vulnerable communities and infrastructure, including those in urban areas.”

During his recent visit to Bangladesh in June 2024, Professor Verkooijen visited climate-vulnerable informal settlements in Chattogram, which are receiving investment support from ongoing World Bank projects and technical assistance from GCA.

Underscoring GCA’s work on building climate-resilient cities in Bangladesh and the collaboration with RUTDP, Professor Verkooijen added, “By 2026, GCA’s climate-resilient urban development activities are expected to cover approximately 75% of all 329 municipalities in Bangladesh. This partnership is a key step towards achieving that goal, integrating climate-resilient solutions to ensure that the investment is climate-proofed.”

The World Bank also anticipates that climate-resilient development in secondary cities will help absorb climate migrants and reduce congestion in Dhaka. The project’s Task Team Lead Dr. Kwabena Amankwah-Ayeh remarked, “Developing secondary cities as growth hubs will be critical for the country’s sustainable growth.”

GCA will work closely with the RUTDP task team to provide technical assistance for priority formulation and a conceptual approach to mainstreaming climate resilience in selected secondary cities. This includes: (i) support for institutional arrangements for climate resilience planning at the sub-regional level; and (ii) assessment of local climate risks and vulnerability areas to help prioritize and design tailored local solutions for climate-resilient infrastructure.
 
Notes to Editors
About the Global Center on Adaptation
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that promotes adaptation to the impacts of climate change. It works to climate-proof development by instigating policy reforms and influencing investments made by international financial institutions and the private sector. The goal is to bring climate adaptation to the forefront of the global fight against climate change and ensure that it remains prominent.

Founded in 2018, GCA embodies innovation in its approach to climate adaptation as well as in its physical presence. It operates from the largest floating office in the world, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. GCA has a worldwide network of regional offices in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Beijing, China. The Center will open a new office in Nairobi, Kenya in 2025.

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GCA to Help Tanzania Build Resilience to Climate Change in Collaboration with the IMF

R otterdam, the Netherlands, 21 June 2024 – The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is to provide climate adaptation support on a just announced International Monetary Fund (IMF) initiative to help tackle climate change in Tanzania.

This follows an announcement by the IMF on Thursday that its executive board had approved a 23-month arrangement under the Fund’s Resilience and Sustainability Facility of about US$ 786.2 million to support Tanzania’s efforts to build resilience to climate change. The Facility provides affordable long-term financing to countries undertaking reforms to reduce risks to prospective balance of payments stability, including those related to climate change and pandemic preparedness.

GCA worked closely with the IMF on the identification and design of climate adaptation measures for this initiative.

GCA President and Chief Executive Officer Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen said: “We are staunchly committed to supporting Tanzania as it embraces climate adaptation and resilience. We are proud to have Tanzanian President Suluhu Hassan as a member of GCA’s Advisory Board, and one among a growing body of world leaders lending their voices to climate adaptation.”

He added: “This collaboration, underpinned by the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Facility, marks a significant step towards safeguarding Tanzania’s environment and communities from the impacts of climate change. It also helps with long-term and sustainable economic development and ensuring that people do not slide back into poverty.”  

Tanzania is one of many African countries that GCA is actively supporting in climate adaptation under its Africa Adaptation Accelerated Program, a joint initiative of the Center and the African Development Bank. Tanzania continues to be resilient, even though it has experienced successive extreme weather events in recent times.

Notes to Editors
About the Global Center on Adaptation
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that promotes adaptation to the impacts of climate change. It works to climate-proof development by instigating policy reforms and influencing investments made by international financial institutions and the private sector. The goal is to bring climate adaptation to the forefront of the global fight against climate change and ensure that it remains prominent.
 
Founded in 2018, GCA embodies innovation in its approach to climate adaptation as well as in its physical presence. It operates from the largest floating office in the world, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. GCA has a worldwide network of regional offices in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Beijing, China. The Center will open a new office in Nairobi, Kenya in 2025.

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GCA Announces Support for Ethiopia’s Agri-MSMEs Development for Jobs Program

R otterdam, the Netherlands, 20 June 2024 – The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) announced today its involvement in the Agri-MSMEs Development for Jobs (AMD4J) Program in Ethiopia. This initiative, backed by the African Development Bank Group’s concessional financing window, with a grant of $42.86 million, aims to improve financial inclusion and strengthen institutional frameworks for entrepreneurship and employment, thus contributing to the country’s GDP. The program is designed to support the creation of 8,000 MSMEs and provide access to financial and non-financial services, ultimately promoting sustainable economic growth and resilience. AfDB’s financing is bolstered by a $10 million contribution from the Development Bank of Ethiopia and $6.24 million from the Ethiopian Government. 

Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen, CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation, commented on GCA’s involvement in the initiative through the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program, stating, “Our participation in the AMD4J Program underscores our commitment to fostering resilience and adaptation in the face of climate change. By equipping young and women entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge they need, we are paving the way for sustainable development and job creation in Ethiopia’s vital agricultural sector.”

GCA is supporting the AMD4J Program through the mainstreaming of adaptation jobs for youth in the agricultural sector, working to ensure these jobs are created across the value chain. Through the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) GCA Jobs & Entrepreneurship pillar a comprehensive national labor market assessment on the agriculture value chain will evaluate and identify opportunities for job creation in climate adaptation. This assessment will guide the development of a GCA pre-incubator toolkit tailored to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem, focusing on youth-led green and adaptation startups within the agricultural value chain. 

Key outputs of GCA’s intervention include:

• National Labor Market Assessment: Conducting a detailed assessment to identify adaptation-focused businesses and propose recommendations for enterprise strengthening and job creation in climate adaptation.
• Pre-Incubator Toolkit: Developing a toolkit to build the capacity of identified enterprises, offering customized training services in adaptation solutions.
• Capacity Building: Providing technical training, advisory support, and market linkages to targeted MSMEs in the agribusiness sector, enhancing their resilience to climate impacts.

Of the 22,046 jobs to be created on the AMD4J project, at least 30% are expected to be adaptation jobs a result of GCA’s intervention. These efforts align with the Ethiopian government’s 2021-2030 job creation plan, which aims to generate 10.5 million rural jobs through MSME development.

The AMD4J Program’s broader objectives are to improve financial inclusion and strengthen institutional frameworks for entrepreneurship, contributing to Ethiopia’s national GDP and employment. By integrating GCA’s adaptation and resilience-building initiatives, the program will support Ethiopia’s agricultural sector in navigating the challenges posed by climate change.

Notes to Editors
About the Global Center on Adaptation
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that promotes adaptation to the impacts of climate change. It works to climate-proof development by instigating policy reforms and influencing investments made by international financial institutions and the private sector. The goal is to bring climate adaptation to the forefront of the global fight against climate change and ensure that it remains prominent. Founded in 2018, GCA embodies innovation in its approach to climate adaptation as well as in its physical presence. It operates from the largest floating office in the world, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. GCA has a worldwide network of regional offices in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Beijing, China. The Center will open a new office in Nairobi, Kenya in 2025.

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Kenya developing Climate Resilience Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway Project, in partnership with GCA

R otterdam, the Netherlands, 19 June 2024 – The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is partnering with the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) to support mainstreaming adaptation and resilience in the Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway. The project is a flagship public-private partnership under development, connecting two of the largest economic hubs of Kenya to significantly boost intra-Africa trade, in line with Kenya’s participation to the Free Trade Area project. This new collaboration with KeNHA is part of GCA’s broader efforts under the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) to integrate climate adaptation strategies into major infrastructure projects, supporting regional connectivity and promoting climate resilience in East Africa.

Kenya, which has been significantly impacted by climate change, including recent devastating floods attributed to El Niño and exacerbated by greenhouse gas emissions, stands to benefit from this landmark project. KeNHA has been at the forefront of including climate risks and adaptation and resilience options within its network development and maintenance strategies nationally, building on its expertise, on collaborations under the AAAP including on the Kenya-South Sudan Roads Corridor, and participating to the GCA Climate Resilient Infrastructure PPP Masterclass implemented in partnership with the University of Nairobi.

Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen, CEO of GCA, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway is not just a transportation project; it is a lifeline for economic resilience and climate adaptation. By embedding climate resilience into its very foundation, we are ensuring that this critical infrastructure can withstand future climatic shocks and continue to serve the people and economy of Kenya for decades to come.”

The project, estimated at USD$3.6 billion, will be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework, aligning with KeNHA’s Strategic Plan 2023-2027 and Kenya’s new PPP Act of 2021. Climate Change adaptation and mitigation is a strategic focus for KeNHA with an objective of increasing resiliency of Kenya’s road network. This partnership aims to address key vulnerabilities by incorporating comprehensive climate risk assessments, identifying cost-effective adaptation measures, and developing a climate-resilient PPP contract.

The expressway will feature 440 kilometers of four-lane carriageways, interchanges, ramps, link roads, and drainage structures, significantly improving the safety and capacity of transport between Nairobi and Mombasa. Additionally, the project will support local communities through the creation of thousands of jobs and small business opportunities, while promoting regional trade and development.

GCA’s support will include technical assistance for climate risk assessments and the integration of green and grey adaptation solutions within the project design. This initiative builds on GCA’s previous work with KeNHA, including the Kenya-South Sudan Roads Corridor project and the creation of a Masterclass on Climate Resilient Infrastructure PPPs delivered in partnership with the University of Nairobi.

Notes to Editors
About the Global Center on Adaptation
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that promotes adaptation to the impacts of climate change. It works to climate-proof development by instigating policy reforms and influencing investments made by international financial institutions and the private sector. The goal is to bring climate adaptation to the forefront of the global fight against climate change and ensure that it remains prominent. Founded in 2018, GCA embodies innovation in its approach to climate adaptation as well as in its physical presence. It operates from the largest floating office in the world, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. GCA has a worldwide network of regional offices in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Beijing, China. The Center will open a new office in Nairobi, Kenya in 2025.

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GCA Announces Participation in Morocco’s Inclusive and Sustainable Development Support Programme for Forest Areas

R otterdam, the Netherlands, 19 June 2024 – The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) announced today its active involvement in the Inclusive and Sustainable Development Support Programme for Forest Areas (PADIDZOF) in Morocco. This significant project, led by the African Development Bank (AfDB), aims to enhance the climate resilience of Morocco’s forest areas while promoting sustainable development and creating job opportunities for youth and women.

The forestry sector in Morocco is critical to the country’s economy making up 2% of its GDP and contributing 4% of the world’s cork supply. Morocco’s forests are, however, increasingly exposed to climate change-induced hazards like droughts, water erosion, more frequent and severe wildfires exacerbated by increased dryness from droughts, the emergence of new pests that decimate forest biodiversity, and growing desertification. For instance, in 2023 alone, Morocco lost about 7,600 hectares of forests to wildfires.

The PADIDZOF project, with an overall investment of €171 million from various partners, aims to:

• Restore 133,000 hectares of vegetation cover by 2030
• Create 27,500 jobs, with a focus on youth and women
• Increase the annual economic value generated by the forestry and ecotourism sectors to between 2 and 5 billion dirhams

Through targeted interventions under the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP), the world’s largest adaptation program initiated by GCA and the AfDB, GCA will contribute to achieving these goals by enhancing the resilience of Morocco’s forestry sector to climate change impacts such as droughts, wildfires, and desertification by carrying out specific activities.

GCA’s Involvement in PADIDZOF
GCA will contribute to several critical components of the PADIDZOF project, focusing on climate risk, youth employment, and capacity building:
 
1. Climate Risk Assessment:

• Conduct  thorough assessments of climate risks and vulnerabilities in Morocco’s forestry sector across the selected project locations.
• Develop action plans to implement adaptation solutions, including nature-based solutions and digital technologies to enhance forest management and resilience.

2. Youth Jobs and Entrepreneurship:

• Perform a comprehensive labor market assessment to identify opportunities for adaptation jobs within the forestry and agroforestry sectors.
• Propose strategies for creating adaptation jobs, particularly focusing on engaging youth and women in sustainable forest management practices.

3. Training and Capacity Development:

• Design and implement a training strategy to build the capabilities of key stakeholders, including government officials, local authorities, and start-ups.
• Develop manuals and curricula to support the adoption of climate-smart practices and enhance the adaptive capacity of local communities.

Through these targeted interventions, GCA will play a pivotal role in achieving the project goals, particularly by enhancing the resilience of Morocco’s forestry sector to climate change impacts such as droughts, wildfires, and desertification.

Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen, CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation, expressed his commitment to GCA’s role in this transformative initiative, stating, “Our collaboration with the AfDB on the PADIDZOF project underscores GCA’s commitment to fostering climate resilience in vulnerable regions. By leveraging our expertise in climate risk assessment and capacity building, we aim to support Morocco in safeguarding its forest ecosystems and enhancing the livelihoods of local communities.”

Notes to Editors

About the Global Center on Adaptation
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that promotes adaptation to the impacts of climate change. It works to climate-proof development by instigating policy reforms and influencing investments made by international financial institutions and the private sector. The goal is to bring climate adaptation to the forefront of the global fight against climate change and ensure that it remains prominent. Founded in 2018, GCA embodies innovation in its approach to climate adaptation as well as in its physical presence. It operates from the largest floating office in the world, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. GCA has a worldwide network of regional offices in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Beijing, China. The Center will open a new office in Nairobi, Kenya in 2025.

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Global Center on Adaptation and AUDA-NEPAD Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Accelerate Climate Change Adaptation in Africa

R otterdam, Netherlands, 14 June 2024 – The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on accelerating climate change adaptation efforts across Africa. Building on the AUC-GCA-AfDB Africa-led, Africa-owned Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP), the partnership will support African member states to respond to the impact of the climate crisis.
 
The MoU establishes a framework for joint initiatives in such critical areas as access to climate adaptation finance, technical and institutional capacity building, climate-smart agriculture, sustainable land and water management, and disaster risk management including the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative. GCA and AUDA-NEPAD will also collaborate hand-in-hand to ensure full delivery on the $25 billion ambition of the AAAP by 2025 and to build the ground for even more ambitious follow-through beyond 2025.
 
Speaking at the signing ceremony at the GCA regional office in Rotterdam, GCA CEO Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen said: “We are delighted to formalize our collaboration with AUDA-NEPAD through this MoU. Together, we will work towards a climate-resilient Africa by leveraging our combined expertise and resources to support innovative climate adaptation actions on the ground. AAAP is the world’s largest climate adaptation program and the full delivery on the $25 billion ambition it by 2025 is crucial to keeping Africa safe from the escalating impacts of the climate crisis. This partnership is a significant step in our mission to accelerate climate adaptation solutions for Africa.”
 
Ms. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO of AUDA-NEPAD said: “This MoU with the Global Center on Adaptation marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to build a resilient Africa. We are going to galvanize and double down on progress to fully deliver the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program, as well as to take it to the next stages with the full engagement of Africa. By pooling our strengths, we will enhance the capacity of African countries to adapt to climate change, ensuring sustainable development and improved livelihoods for all. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration that will drive impactful adaptation initiatives across the continent.”

Key areas of cooperation outlined in the MoU include:

• Access to Climate Adaptation Finance: enhancing access to international climate finance for adaptation projects in Africa.
• Climate adaptation and training: providing capacity-building initiatives to strengthen adaptation planning and implementation at the local level.
• Institutional Support and collaboration: supporting the programmatic activities of the AUDA-NEPAD Centre on Climate Resilience and Adaptation.
• Climate-Smart Agriculture: promoting climate-smart technologies to improve agricultural productivity and food security.
• Sustainable Land and Water Management: scaling up nature-based practices to manage land degradation and drought.
• Building Resilience and Addressing Fragility and Food Insecurity in Rural Settings: mainstreaming climate adaptation jobs in youth-led enterprises with innovative climate adaptation and resilience solutions; and supporting access to digital advisory services and scalable investments for improved and resilient livelihoods linked to the energy-water-food nexus in rural areas.
• Support African Member States on Disaster Risk Management: increasing integration of disaster risk reduction in regional and national sustainable development frameworks and testing risk-informed preparedness plans.
• Support for African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative: providing technical capacity to accelerate agroforestry investments to restore degraded landscapes and build resilient communities.
• Infrastructure Resilience: enhancing the resilience of infrastructure projects against climate impacts through capacity building and the identification of priority adaptation projects.

GCA and AUDA-NEPAD will also jointly organize events and advocacy initiatives to promote climate adaptation. This includes participation in such continental and global climate forums as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Africa Climate Weeks and the GCA Annual Climate Adaptation Summit.
 
Notes to Editors
About the Global Center on Adaptation
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that promotes adaptation to the impacts of climate change. It works to climate-proof development by instigating policy reforms and influencing investments made by international financial institutions and the private sector. The goal is to bring climate adaptation to the forefront of the global fight against climate change and ensure that it remains prominent. Founded in 2018, GCA embodies innovation in its approach to climate adaptation as well as in its physical presence. It operates from the largest floating office in the world, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. GCA has a worldwide network of regional offices in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Beijing, China. The Center will open a new office in Nairobi, Kenya in 2025.
 
About the African Union Development Agency
African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) is the development agency of the African Union. It is mandated by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government to coordinate and execute priority regional and continental projects to promote regional integration towards the accelerated realization of Agenda 2063. Its other objectives are to strengthen the capacity of African Union Member States and regional bodies, advance knowledge-based advisory support, undertake the full range of resource mobilization and serve as the continent’s technical interface with all Africa’s development stakeholders and development partners.

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