1. Climate Change in LLDCs: The National Adaptation Plan process
Presentation title
Climate Change in LLDCs: The National Adaptation Plan process
Adaptation Programme, UNFCCC secretariat

2. The NAP Process
Established at UNFCCC COP 16 as a process for LDCs, with the opportunity for non-LDC developing countries to also participate (unlike the NAPAs of the last decade)
The COP mandated the GEF to support LDCs undertake the NAP process through the LDC Fund
The COP also requested the GEF to consider how to support interested non-LDC developing countries through the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF)
The NAP process is therefore the main opportunity for LLDCs to undertake adaptation, and besides the Convention funds, there are various opportunities for support through multiple channels
Below, we give more details about the NAP process and the recently completed Technical Guidelines published by the LDC Expert Group (LEG)

3. The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process
Established by the Conference of the Parties in 2010
As a process to enable LDCs to formulate and implement national adaptation plans (NAPs), building on NAPAs, as a means for:
Identifying medium- and long-term adaptation needs, and their integration into development planning;
Developing and implementing strategies and programmes to address those needs;
Other developing country Parties to employ the modalities formulated to support the NAPs in the elaboration of their planning efforts.
Progress so far … including
Initial guidelines for the formulation of NAPs adopted by the COP in 2011
The LEG was mandated to develop technical guidelines for the NAP proces
The LEG mandated to provide technical advice and support for the NAP process in LDCs
The Adaptation Committee asked to look at modalities for supporting non-LDC developing countries
Financial support for formulation of NAPs through the LDC Fund, managed by the GEF (for LDCs, and through the SCCF for non-LDC developing countries)
LEG has introduced the NAP process and guidelines to LDCs etc during NAP Expo, an event in June 2013 in Bonn
LEG has also introduced the NAP process to LDCs during regional training workshops
NAP Central - a web system to support NAP teams

4. Objectives of the NAP process
Presentation title
Objectives of the NAP process
The objectives of the NAP process are
To reduce vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, by building adaptive capacity and resilience;
To facilitate the integration of climate change adaptation, in a coherent manner, into relevant new and existing policies, programmes and activities, in particular development planning processes and strategies, within all relevant sectors and at different levels, as appropriate.
Ref: UNFCCC Decision 5/CP.17, paragraph 1

5. Guiding principles of the NAP process
Continuous planning process at the national level with iterative updates and outputs
Country-owned, country-driven
Not prescriptive, but flexible and based on country needs
Building on and not duplicating existing adaptation efforts
Participatory and transparent
Enhancing coherence of adaptation and development planning
Supported by comprehensive monitoring and review
Considering vulnerable groups, communities and ecosystems
Guided by best available science
Taking into consideration traditional and indigenous knowledge
Gender-sensitive

6. LDC Expert Group support to the NAP process
The LEG has produced the technical guidelines for the NAP process; they are being disseminated in English, French and Portuguese
The LEG identified ways it could further support the LDCs over the next 2 years to undertake the NAP process based on inputs and feedback from LDC Parties
The LEG found out that LDCs are ready to embark on the NAP process, and that addressing the support needs identified, will be part of the national activities of the NAP process
As part of its ongoing work in providing technical support to LDCs, the LEG has started to incorporate training on NAPs in the ongoing training workshops on adaptation
The LEG organized the event NAP Expo: Launching of the NAP process in LDCs, 9 June 2013 from 10:00 to 18:00 hrs, in Beethovenhalle, Bonn City 1 2 4 5 3

7. Initial guidelines
Decision 5/CP.17, annex defined four elements and indicative activities for the NAP process in LDC Parties. The four elements are:
Laying the groundwork and addressing gaps
Preparatory elements
Implementation strategies
Reporting, monitoring and review
The initial guidelines formed the basis for the technical guidelines that have been prepared by the LEG.

8. Introduction to the NAP technical guidelines
Mandate to the LEG
The COP requested the LEG to
To prepare technical guidelines for the national adaptation plan process, based on the initial guidelines, included in the annex to decision 5/CP.17;
To arrange a review of the above-mentioned technical guidelines;
To identify support needs for the process of formulation and implementation of the national adaptation plans.
(Ref: Decision 5/CP.17, paragraphs 15 and 16)

9. Introduction to the NAP technical guidelines
Presentation title
Introduction to the NAP technical guidelines
The technical guidelines
The guidelines are not prescriptive – countries will scope what exists and what needs to be done, in creating workstreams for their work at the national and subsequent levels
They showcase examples, case studies and recommend key references – these will be updated often through an online version
Provide for countries to build on existing activities and to “enter” the NAP process at appropriate points
Many of the activities can and will be done in parallel, and no mandatory sequence is suggested

10. Introduction to the NAP technical guidelines
Presentation title
Introduction to the NAP technical guidelines
The technical guidelines
Draw upon existing national adaptation strategies and plans
Encourage the enhancement of capacity in countries to address adaptation on a long-term basis and sustainable manner
Suggest steps and indicative activities for under each Element of the initial guidelines
The numbering is for ease of reference, and does not imply a particular sequence

11. NAP process steps A. Laying the groundwork and addressing gaps
Presentation title
D. Reporting, Monitoring and Review
1. Monitoring the NAP process
2. Reviewing the NAP process to assess progress, effectiveness and gaps
3. Iteratively updating the national adaptation plans
4. Outreach on the NAP process and reporting on progress and effectiveness
A. Laying the groundwork and addressing gaps
1. Initiating and launching of the NAP process
2. Stocktaking: identifying available information on climate change impacts, vulnerability and adaptation and assessing gaps and needs of the enabling environment for the NAP process
3. Addressing capacity gaps and weaknesses in undertaking the NAP process
4. Comprehensively and iteratively assessing development needs and climate vulnerabilities
C. Implementation Strategy
1. Prioritizing climate change adaptation in national planning
2. Developing a (long-term) national adaptation implementation strategy
3. Enhancing capacity for planning and implementing adaptation
4. Promoting coordination and synergy at the regional level and with other multilateral environmental agreements
B. Preparatory Elements
1. Analysing current climate and future climate change scenarios
2. Assessing climate vulnerabilities and identifying adaptation options at the sector, subnational, national and other appropriate levels
3. Reviewing and appraising adaptation options
4. Compiling and communicating national adaptation plans
5. Integrating climate change adaptation into national and subnational development and sectoral planning
NAP process steps

12. LEG’s recommendations on next steps
What does it mean to have embarked on the NAP process?
Declaring a coordinating or spearheading mechanism for the NAP process
Scoping of required activities to drive the NAP process (mandates, institutions, relevant stakeholders, resources), recognizing ongoing NAP-relevant activities
Clustering the NAP process into workstreams with respective leadership
Arrangements for support
Compilation and communication of a roadmap or strategy, including milestones, for the initial phase of the national process
Practically, a country would make a submission, or can communicate through other means, to make it known that they have initiated the NAP process, giving government contacts for those interested in supporting the national efforts for the NAP process

13. A sample flow of activities for a NAP process …

14. Thank you Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG)
Presentation title
Thank you
Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG)
UNFCCC secretariat
P.O. Box
D Bonn
Germany
Phone: (49-228)
Fax: (49-228)
Web: