Metadata and Definitions

The NDC Partnership’s Knowledge Portal uses many terms to describe resources related to climate action. These terms may be used to search and filter for different resource, or to provide details about individual resources. The Knowledge Portal also has four primary databases: the Good Practice Database, the Climate Toolbox, the Climate Funds Explorer, and the Climate Finance Bulletin. Some terms may appear in one of these modules, but may be absent from another.

This page serves as a guide for all metadata and terminology used across the Knowledge Portal, including the name of the term, its definition, and where it might be found by users. Continue reading below to learn more about these terms and definitions.

 

Climate Objective

The primary objective of the climate intervention, namely adaptation to climate change impacts, mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, or cross-cutting objectives involving both adaptation and mitigation.

Terminology
Definition
Modules
AdaptationFocus is on resilience, disaster reduction or buffering climate impacts.

Good 
Practice 
Database

Climate 
Funds 
Explorer

Climate 
Finance 
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MitigationFocus is on emission reductions.
Cross-cuttingFocus on integrated climate action or the development of climate policy or laws that touch on both adaptation and mitigation.

 

Co-financing Requirements
Definition
Modules
Co-financing refers to project or program funds which are jointly provided from organizations additional to the primary support provider. If required, applicants will work with multiple providers to access this climate finance opportunity.

Climate 
Funds 
Explorer

Climate 
Finance 
Bulletin

 

Consortium Requirement
Definition
Modules
A consortium refers to multiple entities that work together jointly to implement a climate project. If required, the applying entity may be required to form or participate in a consortium to access the climate finance opportunity.Climate 
Finance 
Bulletin

 

Country Grouping

Refers to country categorizations separate from geography and which reflect unique attributes or vulnerabilities to climate change, namely Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Terminology
Definition
Modules
Least Developed Countries (LDCs)Countries characterized by historically weak development capacity, low and unequally distributed income, and scarcity of domestic financial resources, as defined by the United Nations.

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Practice 
Database

Climate 
Toolbox

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Finance 
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Small Island Developing States (SIDS)Low-lying coastal countries which face increased challenges related to their remote geography – including factors like small population size, high transportation costs, and vulnerability to climate change, biodiversity loss and economic shocks – as defined by the United Nations.

 

Eligibility Criteria
Definition
Modules
Requirements a public entity, stakeholder, or other applicant must meet in order to access this climate finance opportunity.

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Funds
Explorer

Climate 
Finance 
Bulletin

 

Eligible to submit a proposal
Definition
Modules
Entities that may apply for the climate finance opportunity, including: non-state actors (such as academic institutions or non-profits), public entities, private companies, and accredited entities (organizations that support providers formally approve after meeting certain criteria to partner on project implementation).Climate 
Finance 
Bulletin

 

Expertise Level

Target audiences and/or users of a resource, including generalists, practitioners, and specialists.

Terminology
Definition
Modules
GeneralistSomeone with a baseline understanding of climate change and NDCs, such as a member of the public.Climate 
Toolbox
PractitionerSomeone who engages with NDC planning and implementation regularly as part of their occupation or profession, such as government official in an environmental ministry.
SpecialistSomeone with advanced expertise on topics relevant to NDC planning and implementation, such as an economist specializing in climate finance or a climate scientist.

 

Funding Type

Types of funding opportunities offered by support providers, including grants, loans, in-kind support, and other instruments.

Terminology
Definition
Modules
GrantsFinancial aid given to support projects and programs, which usually do not need to be repaid by the recipient.

Climate 
Funds 
Explorer

Climate 
Finance 
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Loans (concessional and market-rate)Financial aid provided to support projects and programs, under an agreement that the support provider will be repaid with interest by the recipient. Concessional loans set repayment rates below market to support climate or development objectives, while market-rate loans set repayment based on market fluctuations and other economic criteria.
In-kind contributionsNon-monetary goods or services provided to support climate objectives. In-kind contributions may include physical provisions (e.g., early warning system technologies) as well as technical assistance (e.g., trainings on climate-smart agriculture practices).
OtherAlternative types of funding which do not fit into the above categories, such as equity, insurance, and guarantees.

 

Inputs Needed
Definition
Modules
Any data, information, or other inputs that may be required to effectively utilize a tool or resource.Climate 
Toolbox

 

Membership Requirement
Definition
Modules
Denotes whether any form of membership or affiliation with the entity that developed or manages the tool is required to access or utilize the resource. Does not refer to membership requirements with the NDC Partnership.Climate 
Toolbox

 

Monitoring and Reporting Procedures
Definition
Modules
Information on criteria for project implementation set by the funding entity, including requirements for monitoring and reporting progress, which will be required from applicants.Climate 
Funds 
Explorer

 

Organizational and Decision Making Structure
Definition
Modules
Information on how the funding entity operates and makes decisions, including the process by which proposals are approved and funds are awarded.Climate 
Funds 
Explorer

 

Outputs Provided
Definition
Modules
Analysis, visualizations, or bespoke guidance provided by a tool during use, often after inputting data.Climate 
Toolbox

 

Planning and Implementation Activities
Terminology
Definition
Modules
Developing Strategies and Plans
 
Resources for developing relevant national strategies and planning documents, including nationally determined contributions (NDCs), low emission development strategies (LEDS), national adaptation plans (NAPs), and long-term strategies (LTS), among other related strategies and plans.Good 
Practice 
Database
Developing and Implementing Policies and Measures
 
Resources for evaluating, developing, and implementing policies to advance climate adaptation and mitigation priorities.
Sub-national Action and IntegrationResources for implementing climate mitigation and adaptation actions at the sub-national level, including regional and local activities.
Linking with the Sustainable Development GoalsResources for activities with linkages to one or more of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as defined by the United Nations.
Reviewing and Enhancing AmbitionResources for strengthening mitigation or adaptation targets and actions over time. Enhancing ambition may refer to a wide variety of climate actions, including strengthening emissions reduction targets, broadening sectoral coverage, setting unconditional targets, shortening timelines, adding qualitative measures, or setting long-term adaptation strategies.
Understand the Basics of NDCsResources for general understanding of the fundamentals of NDCs and framework around NDC planning and implementation (explainers/NDCs 101).Climate 
Toolbox
Assess Needs and CapacityResources for understanding how to assess barriers and gaps in institutional, human, financial, and technical capacity for NDC planning and implementation.
Identify and Analyze Climate ActionsResources for identifying potential climate mitigation and adaptation actions and assessing them for feasibility, costs, benefits, and other impacts. 
Evaluate Potential Development Impacts and BenefitsResources for conducting assessments of the associated development impacts of climate projects and policies.
Develop an Implementation PlanResources for drafting NDC implementation plans and integrating NDC planning into existing planning processes.
Establish Institutional Arrangements and Engage StakeholdersResources for establishing governance and institutional structures that support planning, implementation, and mainstreaming of NDCs.

Good 
Practice 
Database

Climate 
Toolbox

Collect Data and Understand Current ContextResources for collecting and analyzing data necessary for the assessment of mitigation and adaptation needs, priorities, and potential, which will inform NDC planning, implementation, and tracking of progress.
Financing ImplementationResources for understanding how to assess funding circumstances and needs, plan for and evaluate funding opportunities, and develop projects and proposals.
Evaluate, Monitor, and Report ImpactsResources for understanding how to design and implement an MRV/ M&E system, including quality assurance and quality control, reporting frameworks, and indicator development.

 

Purpose of Support
Definition
Modules
Intended outcome of support provided, for example, strengthening capacity, preparing project proposals, implementing programs, and complying with reporting requirements.Climate 
Funds 
Explorer

 

Region
Definition
Modules
Seven geographic regions of the world, classified according to analytical grouping by the World Bank.

Good 
Practice 
Database

Climate 
Toolbox

Climate 
Funds 
Explorer

Climate 
Finance 
Bulletin

 

Resource Type

Different resources designed to aid in NDC planning and implementation activities, including tools (guidance and frameworks, templates, analysis tools), platforms, and technical support, among others.

Terminology
Definition
Modules
Guidance and FrameworksTools that provide any form of stepwise guidance, analytical frameworks, recommendations, or principles for advancing NDC planning and implementation activities.Climate 
Toolbox
TemplatesTools that support the production of documents relevant to NDC planning and implementation in a consistently replicable format.
Analysis ToolsTools which enable data analysis on topics related to NDC planning and implementation, such as greenhouse gas inventories or climate change vulnerability assessments. Tools in this category such as maps, atlases, and dashboards may also aid in data visualization and interpretation.
PlatformsRepositories of resources (e.g., tools, data, methodologies, case studies, guidance documents) that facilitate peer-to-peer knowledge sharing to support NDC planning and implementation.
Technical SupportDirect assistance for NDC planning and implementation, either free or paid, provided by an organization or initiative. Technical support includes virtual technical expert support (through email, forums, or a help desk), online tutorials, courses, and webinars.
OtherAlternative resources which are relevant to NDC planning and implementation but do not fit into the above "Resource Type" categories.

 

Resources Provided
Definition
Modules
Types of resources accessible on a knowledge platform, including case studies, expert support, peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, and tools.Climate 
Toolbox

 

Scale

Levels of governance or strategic application for which a resource is designed, including the national, sub-national, and project levels.

Terminology
Definition
Modules
NationalResources applicable to country governments or those which are designed for application on a country-wide scale.Climate 
Toolbox
Sub-nationalResources designed for use by regional or local actors, such as provincial or municipal governments, cities, and townships.
Project-levelResources created for application on individual projects, often considering local communities and context. Projects themselves may be national or sub-national in scope.

 

Sectors and Themes

Socioeconomic sectors and broader themes relevant to NDC planning and implementation. Sectors include agriculture, energy, forestry and land use, infrastructure and industry, transport, waste management, and water. Themes include cities, disaster risk reduction, economic recovery, education, gender, health, jobs, nature-based solutions and ecosystem services, oceans and coasts, poverty, rural development, and youth.

Terminology
Definition
Modules
AgricultureActivities related to growing crops (irrigation, species selection, etc.) and raising animals (i.e. livestock and fisheries -- domesticated animals raised in an agricultural setting to produce labor and commodities such as meat, eggs, milk, fur, leather & wool) from a farm, ranch or their natural habitats. This sector encompasses entries pertaining to food security or the reliable access to enough quantity of affordable and nutritious food -- including climate-smart and climate-resilient agriculture and disaster relief interventions for food security.

Good 
Practice 
Database

Climate 
Toolbox

Climate 
Funds 
Explorer

Climate 
Finance 
Bulletin

CitiesActions targeted towards cities, sub-urban, and urban areas.
Disaster Risk ReductionPractices that build individual, community, organizational, and state ability to prepare and recover from climate disasters and extreme weather events. This includes (not limited to) early warning systems and tools, integrated water management, and issues pertaining to drought management (the promotion of better land management to reduce drought and desertification).
Economic RecoveryRefers to policies, actions, etc. that focus on recovering from economic shocks (including the COVID-19 pandemic).
EducationEfforts directed towards enhancing public knowledge and raising awareness about climate change, including the integration of climate change into national curricula and educational campaigns.
EnergyProduction, sale or distribution of energy; includes renewable energy, energy efficiency, or other low-carbon energy technologies.
Forestry and Other Land UseActivities related to planting and managing forests or the management and modification of the natural environment into built environment or settlements, such as semi-natural habitat and managed woods.
GenderRefers to the roles, behaviors, activities, and attributes that a given society at a given time considers appropriate for girls, women, boys, men and gender diverse people. It influences how people perceive themselves and each other, how they interact, and the distribution of power and resources in society. Also refers to gender-responsive approaches which work to address and change gender norms, roles and access to resources, to ultimately close gender gaps and achieve greater gender equality and equity.
HealthPhysical, mental and social well-being of individuals, as well as enhancements to medical care.
Infrastructure and IndustryActivities related to physical and organizational structures and facilities or the economic activities concerned with the processing of raw materials and manufacture of goods in factories.
JobsA paid potion of regular employment; includes creation of decent employment opportunities (i.e. greening of enterprises, workplace practices and the labor market at a whole).
Nature-based Solutions and Ecosystem ServicesActions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems that also provide human well-being and biodiversity benefits; ecosystem services can include food and water production, climate and disease regulation and oxygen production, among others.
Oceans and CoastsProtecting and restoring ocean and costal ecosystems; includes coastal zones where sea and land processes occur; also includes the sustainable development of oceans as an engine for economic growth (blue economy).
PovertyActivities designed to improve the medium- and long-term quality of life and economic well-being of those who lack enough resources or capabilities to meet their basic needs.
Rural DevelopmentActions designed to improve the quality of life and economic well-being of those living in sparsely populated areas. 
TransportMovement of people or goods from point A to point B, including air, land (rail and road), water, cable, pipeline and space; also relates to infrastructure, vehicle and operational processes pertaining to transport.
WasteManagement of any discarded, unwanted or unusable substances, including recyclable, compostable and inorganic materials.
WaterCollection, conservation, and recovery of water resources, including watershed management, efficient water use, liquid waste management and accessibility to potable water, among others.
YouthRefers to children, adolescents, young people engaging in action and advocacy to address climate change. Also refers to child- or youth-sensitive policies which work to lower child vulnerability to climate change and position children and youth populations to be more aware, educated, empowered, and resilient.

 

Support Type
Definition
Modules
Different forms of support provided by a source of technical assistance, including direct support, e-learning, events, and training (both via webinars and in-person).Climate 
Toolbox

 

Type of Recipient
Definition
Modules
Entities eligible to access the climate finance opportunity include: public entities at the national, sub-national, or regional level, international organizations, non-profit or civil society organizations, private sector entities, and community-level organizations.Climate 
Funds 
Explorer

 

Type of Support Provider

Entities providing financial aid or in-kind support for a climate finance opportunity, including bilateral, multilateral, or philanthropic entities, as well as other organizations and initiatives.

Terminology
Definition
Modules
BilateralFunds provided directly from a country government or development agency, such as USAID, AFD, or GIZ.

Climate 
Funds 
Explorer

Climate 
Finance 
Bulletin

MultilateralFunds sourced from multiple governmental and non-governmental organizations; often centrally managed and distributed by a coordinative entity, such as the Adaptation Fund or Inter-American Development Bank.
PhilanthropicFunds provided by non-profit, non-governmental entities, charities, and other social initiatives.
OtherFunds provided by alternative sources, such as from the private sector or via specific initiatives which do not fit into the above categories.