The LDCF has financed 365 projects and enabling activities with approximately $1.7 billion in grants.
Based on a work program constitution to be approved by the LDCF/SCCF Council, similarly to the process undertaken for the GEF Trust Fund.
The Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) was established in 2001 under the UNFCCC, and is mandated to provide funding to the least developed countries (LDCs) to help prepare and implement National Adaptation Programs of Action (NAPAs). NAPAs are country-driven strategies that identify the most immediate needs of LDCs to adapt to climate change. Target sectors include water; agriculture and food security; health; disaster risk management and prevention; infrastructure; and fragile ecosystems. The LDCF focuses on reducing the vulnerability of key sectors, financing on-the-ground adaptation activities with concrete results.
The GEF Programming Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change for the LDCF and the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) (July 2018-June 2022) serves as a basis for programming resources under the LDCF. The goal of the strategy is to strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability to the adverse impacts of climate change in developing countries, and support their efforts to enhance adaptive capacity. To achieve this goal, the strategy emphasizes three strategic objectives for the LDCF:
- Objective 1: Reduce vulnerability and increase resilience through innovation and technology transfer for climate change adaptation;
- Objective 2: Mainstream climate change adaptation and resilience for systemic impact; and
- Objective 3: Foster enabling conditions for effective and integrated climate change adaptation.
The fund is managed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and follows the GEF-7 Adaptation Strategy.
Global Environment Facility
During the course of the implementation, the Agency has the responsibility to submit Project Implementation Reports (PIRs) on an annual basis. For Full-sized Projects only, a mid-term review is required as well. This report is normally more detailed than a PIR. The Agency is also required to submit a Terminal Evaluation to the GEF Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) within 12 months following the operational completion of the project.
The GEF’s operational policies, procedures and governance structure are applied to the fund, unless COP guidance and the LDCF/SCCF Council decide otherwise. Its governing structure is composed of: the Assembly, the Council, the Secretariat, 18 Agencies, a Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP), and the Independent Evaluation Office (IEO).
The GEF Assembly is the governing body of the GEF in which representatives of all member countries participate. It meets every three to four years and is responsible for reviewing and evaluating general policies, the operation, and its membership; and for considering and approving proposed amendments to the GEF Instrument.
The LDCF/SCCF Council is the main governing body of the LDCF. It functions as decision-making organ with primary responsibility for developing, adopting, and evaluating LDCF policies and programs.
The GEF Secretariat coordinates the overall implementation of GEF activities, including day-to-day management of the LDCF. It services and reports to the Assembly and the Council.
The Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) provides independent advice. Its members are appointed by the Executive Director of UNEP, in consultation with the GEF’s CEO, the Administrator of UNDP, and the President of the World Bank.
The Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) informs decision-making on amendments and improvements; and promotes accountability for the effective use of resources while supporting knowledge management and learning.
The Trustee is the World Bank.
Since the LDCF is administered by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), countries seeking LDCF funding should work with a GEF Agency of their choice to submit project proposals. GEF Agencies are the only institutions that can access GEF funding directly. There are currently 18 GEF Agencies including UN agencies, multilateral development banks, international financial institutions, and NGOs. Projects can be executed on the ground by any organization, including private sector, civil society, government and non-governmental organizations.
The LDCF provides grant support to cover the cost of preparing and implementing climate change adaptation projects. Proposals submitted for funding under the LDCF are reviewed in light of agreed project criteria informed by guidance from the UNFCCC COP. These criteria include:
- Country ownership: proposed projects must have been identified as priority activities in the NAPA and show evidence of stakeholder consultation and support.
- Program and policy conformity: in project design; sustainability, and stakeholder involvement.
- Financing plan: must be developed, together with an assessment of cost-effectiveness.
- Institutional coordination and support
- Monitoring and evaluation
Least Developed Countries (LDCs) that are part of the UNFCCC are eligible to receive financial support for adaptation under the LDCF. A list of eligible countries can be found here.
Because the LDCF is managed by the GEF, funds are accessed under GEF processes. Entities seeking funding work with the GEF Agency of its choice to submit project or program proposals. The selection of the GEF Agency is formalized through a letter of endorsement issued by the country’s Operational Focal Point, which is the country entity coordinating GEF activities within the country and appraising project ideas against eligibility criteria.
The process to secure funding varies depending on whether the activities relate to Full-sized Projects (GEF Project Financing of more than USD 2 million), Medium-sized Projects (GEF Project Financing of less than or equivalent to USD 2 million), or Programs (consisting of various distinct projects that could be either full or medium-sized). You can find additional information on project access below.
Click here for a more detailed explanation of the rules governing the cycles for GEF-financed Projects and Programs. Relevant templates and forms can be found here.
Find additional information on how to access GEF funding here.
Relevant country institutions and partners must partner with a GEF Agency to prepare the basic project concept or program framework. The selection of the GEF Agency is formalized through a letter of endorsement issued by the country’s Operational Focal Point (See Decision-making Information).
Click here for the list of GEF Agencies.
The complete list of Operational Focal Points, including name, position, government agency, complete address, phone, fax and e-mail, can be accessed here.
The GEF Agency, along with the project proponents, should first have a Project Identification Form (PIF) for projects and/or a Project Framework Document (PFD) for Programs approved by both the GEF Secretariat and LDCF/SCCF Council.
Once approved, the GEF Agency and project proponents develop the project concept into a complete project proposal, which includes developing the technical, risk mitigation, and business details.
The process to secure funding varies depending on whether the activities relate to Full-sized Projects (GEF Project Financing of more than US $2 million), Medium-sized Projects (GEF Project Financing of less than or equivalent to USD 2 million), or Programs (consisting of various distinct projects that could be either full or medium-sized).
All relevant templates and field by field explanations for different types of projects can be found here.