NTNC selected to implement climate adaptation fund

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Nov. 23: National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) has been selected as a National Implementing Entity (NIE) by the Adaptation Fund, a global mechanism for climate adaptation financing. 

This accreditation, announced during a programme on Friday, marks a significant milestone for NTNC, enabling it to secure funding of up to Rs. 1.35 billion per project from the Adaptation Fund, NTNC said.

The certification was granted on November 19, 2024, during the ongoing 29th Conference of the Parties (COP 29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Baku, Azerbaijan. 

According to Dr. Manish Raj Pandey, Chief of NTNC’s Climate Division, this makes NTNC the first organisation in Nepal to receive NIE status from the Adaptation Fund.

So far, 34 national-level organisations worldwide have been recognised as NIEs, enabling them to directly access funds for climate adaptation projects. NTNC’s previous experience as a Direct Access Entity (DAE) under the Green Climate Fund (GCF) facilitated the selection. 

Dr. Pandey stressed that the accreditation process involved meeting rigorous standards, including transparency, anti-terrorism compliance, anti-money laundering laws and gender equality policies. The accreditation is valid until November 18, 2029, providing a five-year window for NTNC to undertake impactful projects.

The Adaptation Fund has been identifying, developing and implementing climate adaptation projects for the past 15 years through capable international, regional and national entities. These entities are selected as National Implementing Entities (NIEs) based on their capacity to effectively manage and execute adaptation initiatives.

A landmark achievement for Nepal

Dr. Naresh Subedi, Member Secretary of NTNC, highlighted that this accreditation provides Nepal direct access to major international climate funds like the GCF and Adaptation Fund. He described the development as a significant step toward addressing climate-induced disasters and loss and damage.

NTNC is currently implementing a project in the Gandaki Watershed Area with support from the GCF and in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Ministry of Forests and Environment and the Department of Forests and Soil Conservation, said Conservation Officer Govinda Prasad Pokharel. He added that the project focused on community resilience, ecosystem conservation and climate governance. 

Decades of conservation expertise

For over four decades, NTNC has played a pivotal role in Nepal’s conservation landscape, focusing on integrated conservation and development programmes. Its work spans biodiversity conservation, renewable energy promotion, climate change mitigation, cultural heritage preservation, gender inclusion and sustainable development, Dr. Subedi said.

NTNC directly manages three Himalayan protected areas -- Annapurna, Gaurishankar and Manaslu Conservation Areas. Similarly, it collaborates with the government to manage national parks and wildlife reserves across the Tarai region.

The organisation has completed over 300 projects, emphasising local community participation in areas such as biodiversity preservation, clean energy, ecotourism and climate change adaptation, he said.

Director of NTNC Dr. Chiranjibi Prasad Pokharel underscored NTNC's commitment to addressing climate issues in close coordination with the Government of Nepal.

This recognition from the Adaptation Fund is expected to enhance NTNC's ability to mobilise resources for effective climate adaptation and conservation initiatives, further contributing to Nepal’s sustainable development goals, he said.