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Capacity Strengthening of Least Developed Countries for Adaptation to Climate Change (CLACC)

Multiple Authors

CLACC was initiated by IIED in 2004 and supports LDCs to adapt to climate change. Because their degree of vulnerability is high, the programs in LDCs require long-term capacity strengthening within governments as well as civil society.

In its first phase in 2004/2005, the CLACC project worked to strengthen the capacity of four regional partners in South Asia (BCAS) East Africa (ACTS), West Africa (ENDA) and Southern Africa (ZERO). CLACC focused on these regions because they include the communities that will be disproportionately and negatively affected by climate change.

CLACC now focuses on 15 vulnerable countries in the LDC group (twelve in Africa and three in South Asia). It continues to enhance the capacity of organizations based in civil society who are working with the most vulnerable groups.

CLACC Objectives

  • Strengthen the capacity of civil society in LDCs to adapt to climate change creating greater adaptive capacity among the most vulnerable groups
  • Establish an information and knowledge system catering to countries dealing with the adverse impacts of climate change
  • Mainstream the NAPA process with key non-governmental stakeholders

CLACC in the global context CLACC’s mandate and projects are in synch with internationally identified priorities such as: Article 4.8, Artcile 4.9 of the Kyoto Convention and the NAPAs (National Programs of Action).

Article 4.8 was created by the United Nations Framework Countries on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and identifies a group of 48 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) as being amongst the most vulnerable to adverse impacts of climate change. The article calls for assistance to the LDCs from the developed countries (listed in Annex-I of the UNFCCC) to enable them to adapt to these adverse impacts. CLACC is working with partners in LDCs to identify strategies and build the capacity of civil society to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Article 4.9 of the Convention refers specifically to the specific needs and special situations of LDCs concerning funding and transfer technology. CLACC brings technology and assistance in securing funding to member organisations working in LDCs. It does this through its network of partners and fellows, this website as well as other technology driven initiatives.

The National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) is one mechanism through which national stakeholders can understand the problem of climate change and their role in building resilience against its adverse impacts. The NAPAs list priorities and urgent actions for adaptation to climate change for each respective LDC. CLACC supports this official NAPA process by strengthening civil society in LDCs.

More information is available on the CLACC website

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