Extensively strengthening and institutionalising climate change adaptation in Guatemala

Rural Development and Adaptation to Climate Change (ADAPTATE III)

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  • Client

    German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

  • Country
  • Political sponsors

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  • Runtime

    2019 to 2023

  • Products and expertise

    Climate, environment, management of natural resources

Women and men sit outside on blue chairs in the adaptation training centre and listen to a lecture.

Context

Guatemala contributes a mere 0.5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, the country is particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change due to its geographical location. Extreme weather events and gradual environmental changes are already leading to serious consequences. Strategic and legal frameworks exist, but are not applied in a coordinated manner.

Objective

Effective practices have been identified and their application is promoted. Climate change adaptation strategies are being established in key institutions, as well as in society and the economy, in accordance with the legal framework and international obligations.

Approach

The project’s works on many levels: building on the achievements of previous phases, it is currently contributing towards institutionally mainstreaming core aspects and successful climate change adaptation practices.

To this end, the project is supporting the Ministries of Environment, Agriculture and Finance and the country’s planning authority in incorporating adaptation as a guiding principle in strategies and in achieving the updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), taking into account the content of the country’s Climate Action Plan and international agreements.

In addition, the project promotes the design of financing strategies for adaptation and the use of climate risk transfer instruments as a supplementary measure. Together with partners, it is enabling small and micro farmers to access climate risk insurance, which can save their livelihoods following extreme events.

The project continually takes capacity development measures for relevant actors and promotes the exchange of experience. For example, national forums and local discussion sessions are used as tools for fostering common understanding and joint strategy development, while strengthening skills at local level.

Finally, the project is implementing a geoportal that supports Guatemala’s municipalities in performing more accurate climate change vulnerability assessments at local level and taking preventive action. It is implementing this system in the municipalities to support planning processes there.

Four women plant seedlings on a pallet with soil.

Last update: April 2023

Additional information