Climate change is everyone's business

The UNDP has worked with Liberia as a delivery partner on some of the country’s most important projects, including the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) project (LBR-RS-002) which was a first of its kind for the GCF and worth over USD 2 million. Jeremiah Sokan, Coordinator at the National Climate Change Secretariat of Liberia, considers the UNDP a particularly resourceful partner for countries with low capacity or for those attempting complex projects as the UNDP has significant experience in gathering data and contextualising it to each project’s aims. He recommends that if you are working in partnership with an international Accredited Entity, you use them deliberately so that the domestic skill set and capacity of the country develops alongside the project process.

Readiness grants have been increasingly led by Liberia National Designated Authority (NDA) as the primary delivery partner since 2019. These projects are worth USD 1 million and have involved strengthening NDA capacity to develop programmes and projects of scale in Liberia. This transition from working with International Accredited Entities (IAE) to leading readiness activities solely by the national stakeholders follows the growing skill set of technicians in Liberia and forms part of a broader philosophy that NDA-led activities tend to lead to more impactful and sustained national processes and outcomes as a result of a greater sense of ownership.

1. Focus on building up the expertise of civil servants and technicians: Training these people who stay regardless of governments change forms the sustainable support and knowledge base for implementing climate actions.

2. House the National Designated Authority (NDA) in the Ministry of Environment: That way there is easier communication between departments.

3. Build a strong and trusting relationship with the GCF Secretariat: That personal relationship leads to the success story now.

4. Be innovative to ensure the long-run impact: A small grant can go a long way when thoughtfully designed for the long-term scalability. Establishment of the university curriculum about climate change will bring the value for money at the national scale, compared to training events and workshops.