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This reports analyses the policies and practices that the Adaptation Fund has to prevent corruption and enable accountability, aiming to contribute to the positive development and strengthening of the Fund to support effective achievement of its objectives.
The Adaptation Fund aims to support adaptation projects in developing countries that are “particularly vulnerable” to climate change. It is the first global fund that allows countries to directly receive grant finance without having to go through intermediaries. As of December 2013, it had approved 184 million for climate resilience projects.
Regarding transparency, the fund publishes accurate, comprehensive, clear, coherent and timely information on its executive functions, projects and programmes, and it publishes its climate finance information as part of the International Aid Transparency Initiative. The webcasting of its open Board meetings has been an important advance.
Still, information regarding anti-corruption rules and safeguards of downstream actors should be disclosed and easily accessible on the fund’s website. Further, transparency of the board and committees can be bolstered by a more consistent and less discretionary approach to closed meetings.
Regarding accountability at the fund level, clear and comprehensive processes ensure the investigation and sanctioning of the fund’s Secretariat and Trustee. However, further rules and procedures regarding board and board member behavior are needed. Project-level accountability is delegated to implementing entities. The effectiveness of this is difficult to assess given the scant availability of information.
Citizens play a key role in preventing corruption. Fund policies are advanced regarding participation. However, participation can be strengthened to enable more open, meaningful engagement, and better uptake of concerns.
Finally, the fund progressively sets fiduciary standards for implementing entities. These seek to ensure a comprehensive corruption prevention approach. Requirements should, however, be broadened to a fund-wide zero-tolerance of corruption policy.
Read the report (external link to Transparency International)
Perspective / Gary Haq in The Conversation: governments and institutions must collect more data on how climate change impacts older adults to develop inclusive policies.
Press release / The Mekong Environmental Resilience Week will bring together leading voices in research, policy and development to shape the future of the Mekong subregion.
Feature / Older people are more vulnerable to climate impacts, but they should also be vital, active participants in climate action, reflects Gary Haq.
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