FAO formalizes readiness support partnership with the Green Climate Fund


18/11/2016 - 

Last week, FAO and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) signed a Readiness Framework Agreement to enable developing countries to partner with FAO on activities enhancing their access to GCF. The agreement was signed during the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP22) in Marrakech (7–18 November 2016) by Ms Maria Helena Semedo, FAO Deputy Director-General, Mr Javier Manzanares, GCF Executive Director a.i., and Mr Ousseynou Nakoulima, GCF Country Programming Director.

The GCF supports countries in readiness and preparatory activities to enhance their ownership. Country readiness funding is a cross-cutting programme that aims to improve the effectiveness of the Fund by empowering developing countries.

FAO supports countries in their response to the impacts of climate change by providing technical guidance, data and tools for improved decision-making and the implementation of adaptive measures. GCF recognizes FAO as a grant-implementing entity for medium-sized projects (USD 50–250 million). These projects are marked by a medium level of environmental and social risk.

As a GCF readiness delivery partner, FAO will engage through National Designated Authorities (NDAs) and GCF’s Accredited Entities to develop requests under the Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme, a cross-cutting programme aimed at strengthening countries’ engagement with the Fund. Under the Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme, countries may also request support to develop National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).

"This partnership will allow us to move forward and support countries to effectively use climate finance to truly transform the agricultural sectors. Investing in sustainable agriculture can increase productivity and incomes while improving food security," said Maria Helena Semedo, Deputy Director-General of FAO.

GCF and its mandate

The Fund was established at the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2010. It promotes transition towards low-emission and climate-resilient development pathways, and provides support to developing countries to limit or reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Countries may access funding in two ways: directly through accredited subnational, national or regional implementing entities, or via accredited international entities such as UN agencies and international financial institutions. The GCF Board has defined key investment priorities which target many challenges directly relevant to FAO’s mandate and work. This includes support to reduce emissions from deforestation and land use, and enhance the resilience of people’s livelihoods and food security.