The GCF-NAP project aims to build resilience in Sri Lanka’s most vulnerable sectors and communities, particularly the eight sectors most at risk from the adverse impacts of climate change, such as food security, water resources, and health by strengthening institutional capacities and implementing the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) of Sri Lanka. It supports the development and implementation of Provincial Adaptation Plans (PAPs) for all nine provinces, integrating climate adaptation strategies into local governance and planning. The project focuses on a multi-level governance approach in vertical and horizontal levels, fostering collaboration among national and provincial governments, local communities and international partners to address climate vulnerabilities.

The project aims to significantly strengthen the adaptive capacities of Sri Lanka’s most vulnerable sectors by improving institutional frameworks and community resilience against climate change. This initiative aims to:

– Foster the effective implementation of the National Adaptation Plan through the comprehensive provincial engagement, capacity building, and enhancement of local governance structures.

– Foster robust collaborations between government bodies, communities, and international agencies, the project endeavors to institutionalize climate resilience into development planning processes.

– Establish resilient infrastructures and communities that can thrive despite the challenges posed by climate change.

The project has successfully raised climate change awareness and enhanced decision-making capabilities among more than 1,500 government officials. Additionally, it has trained over 500 community members on climate change adaptation strategies.

Sri Lanka, a tropical island nation in the Indian Ocean, is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The country’s coastal regions are particularly at risk from rising sea levels, as highlighted by the devastation caused by the 2004 tsunami, which exposed the vulnerability of low-lying coastal plains. Critical economic sectors such as tourism and fisheries are at significant risk, with sea-level rise expected to disrupt livelihoods and local economies.

Agriculture, a cornerstone of rural livelihoods and food security, is especially sensitive to changing climate conditions. These impacts threaten the nation’s ability to maintain food security and sustain the livelihoods of a significant portion of the population. Additionally, export crops that contribute substantially to Sri Lanka’s foreign income are highly susceptible to unpredictable weather patterns, posing risks to the country’s economic stability.

Climate change is also expected to disrupt natural systems such as the water cycle, ecosystems, and biodiversity. This degradation could lead to a decline in vital ecosystem services that support human welfare. Furthermore, the impacts of climate change extend to public health and human settlements, underscoring the extensive vulnerabilities faced by Sri Lanka.

– National adaptation policy strengthened with Sri Lanka’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) revised to reflect ambitious (new and updated) adaptation actions under 13 sectors vulnerable to climate change and contributing to Sri Lanka’s NDCs 3.0.

– Institutional Strengthening: Enhanced capacity of 1500+ government official sin climate resilience planning.

– Community Engagement: Reached over 1000 individuals with climate adaptation training and resources.

– Adaptation Measures Implemented: Integrated climate risk assessments from Sri Lanka’s first set of nine Provincial Adaptation Plans into the development plans of nine provinces, providing climate cover to 539,227 vulnerable people by 2025.

– An adaptation investment pipeline created for the 9 provinces for USD $400 million.

– Gender and Social Inclusion: A Gender and Social Action Plan (GSAP) developed to enable gender responsive adaptation and equitable participation in adaptation efforts.