Scaling up Climate Ambition on Land Use and Agriculture through Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans (SCALA) 

SCALA news and events
11/04/2025

Agriculture feeds the world but also drives climate change, contributing over 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In Thailand, sustainable farming solutions—like improved rice cultivation and organic alternatives—are paving the way for a low-carbon, climate-resilient future. Read more...


06/04/2025

National Adaptation Plans are essential blueprints helping countries prepare for and respond to climate risks across sectors. Through initiatives like the SCALA programme, countries are strengthening their adaptation efforts by aligning NAPs with NDCs and advancing climate-resilient development. Read more...

18/03/2025

SCALA’s 2024 Highlights Report showcases progress in 12 countries, strengthening climate resilience in agriculture and land use. From closing information gaps to mobilizing private sector finance and driving gender-responsive action, the report highlights key achievements. It also features the launch of the Climate Action Review (CAR) Tool at COP29 to help countries scale adaptation efforts. Read more...

13/03/2025

Thailand’s agriculture faces rising climate risks, from extreme weather to declining yields. With the sector contributing 18% of emissions, SCALA underscores the urgency of sustainable adaptation for food security. Read more...


07/03/2025
Discover how the SCALA programme is advancing gender equality in agriculture and climate action. In our latest interview, Sibyl Nelson, SCALA’s Gender Focal Point, shares insights on gender-transformative approaches and how SCALA is helping countries integrate gender-responsive actions into climate planning. Read more...
24/02/2025
Building on past successes, SCALA continues to strengthen biodiversity action! The programme has already helped countries integrate climate and biodiversity solutions in agriculture, and this work will grow even further. Explore nature-based solutions from Cambodia, Colombia, and beyond. Read more...
20/02/2025

Countries in Asia-Pacific are stepping up climate adaptation, from food security to finance. With new NDCs and NAPs on the horizon, nations have a key opportunity to scale up action, secure funding, and build resilient agrifood systems for a sustainable future. Read more...

30/12/2024
Building climate resilience of mountain ecosystems and communities is a core focus of the SCALA programme in several countries. Mountain people are the custodians of valuable knowledge and practices which, combined with innovative techniques, support nature-positive climate change adaptation....
26/12/2024
At COP29, the FAO-UNDP SCALA programme launched the 'Climate Action Review' (CAR) Tool to help countries prioritize agriculture's climate actions in NDCs and NAPs, driving inclusive and transformative solutions. Read more about the tool and its launch event...
18/11/2024
Exciting news from COP29! Germany’s BMUV, through IKI, has announced the extension of the SCALA programme until 2028. This flagship initiative by FAO and UNDP supports countries in scaling climate action in agriculture and land use, integrating nature-based solutions, and mobilizing finance. With an expanded focus on biodiversity and agrifood systems, SCALA continues to drive transformative solutions for people and the planet. Read the full press release...
30/10/2024
Transparency is essential for effective climate action in agriculture. Through SCALA, countries gain support to track, report, and strengthen climate commitments under the UNFCCC, fostering trust and accountability. FAO experts highlight SCALA’s role in equipping nations to meet transparency goals in agriculture, forestry, and land use for resilient futures. Read more...
24/10/2024

The Wayuu people, living in the arid La Guajira region, have found resilience through a humble bean—the Guajiro bean. Cultivated for generations, this drought-resistant crop thrives despite climate change, offering sustenance and cultural significance. With support from the SCALA programme, the Wayuu are blending traditional knowledge with innovative climate adaptation practices, ensuring food security for future generations. Read more...

20/10/2024

Mongolia has boosted its capacity to estimate livestock greenhouse gas emissions with FAO's Global Livestock Environmental Assessment Model (GLEAM). A recent SCALA-led workshop in Ulaanbaatar brought together researchers, officials, and climate experts to explore tailored mitigation strategies for Mongolia’s livestock sector, laying groundwork for sustainable, low-emission practices. Read more....

05/09/2024
Discover how rural women in Costa Rica are transforming agriculture through sustainable livestock management. Explore insights from SCALA Programme experts on advancing gender equality and climate resilience in Costa Rican agriculture and learn about the significant role these women play, the challenges they face, and how collaborative efforts are driving impactful change in the sector. Read more...
29/08/2024
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face unique challenges due to their reliance on imports and limited exports. Climate change adds further threats, making resilience in their agrifood systems essential. Discover how the SCALA programme’s Private Sector Engagement Facility is helping SIDS like the Solomon Islands, Belize, and São Tomé and Príncipe attract private investment, enhance food security, and achieve their climate goals. Read more...
04/06/2024

In Costa Rica, the SCALA programme and the FAO Global Soil Partnership have launched the RECSOIL initiative. Over 45 cattle and coffee farms are participating in this groundbreaking effort, implementing sustainable practices like grazing management and erosion control. Read more about this innovative project…

10/05/2024

SCALA Mongolia promotes women's empowerment and gender equality by enhancing coordination among stakeholders and improving institutional capacities for updating a gender-responsive national climate contribution in agriculture and land use. Read more on how SCALA also incorporates gender-disaggregated data into the measurement, reporting, and verification system within the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry’s IT system...

06/05/2024

The SCALA programme, under its Private Sector Engagement Facility, conducted a study on the sorghum, maize, and sesame value chains in Hirshabelle, Southwest, and Somaliland. Over 35 stakeholders were engaged to explore market potential and climate-related investment opportunities. Read more...

 

02/05/2024
Engaging a diverse array of stakeholders is essential for transformational climate adaptation, as emphasized during a NAP Expo session organized by FAO, UNDP and other partners in Dhaka. The event showcased how countries like Haiti, Nepal, and Côte d'Ivoire are addressing unique challenges and opportunities in multistakeholder engagement to advance their National Adaptation Plans. Read more...