Iran Teams Up with FAO and GCF to Enhance Climate Resilience Initiatives

According to SAEDNEWS, A new initiative titled “Strengthening Iran’s access to GCF with national ownership, knowledge-based policies and sound technologies” has been officially signed, marking a significant stride towards aligning national strategies with climate action and promoting sustainable development across the nation.

Iran faces an uphill battle against the realities of climate change, with increasing challenges such as droughts and catastrophic floods leading to water scarcity issues that have adverse effects on ecosystems, biodiversity, food production, and the economy. In response to these pressing challenges, Iran’s National Strategic Action Plan on Climate Change 2017 outlines a comprehensive roadmap aimed at climate adaptation and mitigation, designed to secure essential financial and technical support under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The official launch of this crucial initiative began with the inception workshop held on August 19, bringing together key stakeholders, including government representatives, private sector leaders, and NGOs. This collaborative engagement is essential for driving the shared vision of achieving climate resilience throughout the nation.

This transformative project, which involves collaboration between the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), aims to build the country's capacity to withstand climate change through a wide-ranging approach.

A primary focus of the initiative is to enhance coordination with the GCF and other climate finance institutions, enabling direct access to GCF resources. Additionally, the project seeks to integrate climate change considerations into development planning, paving the way for strategic investments in climate initiatives.

To facilitate these goals, the project will provide access to advanced climate-resilient technologies and actively involve both targeted sectors and the private sector in climate action initiatives. This comprehensive approach aims to establish a robust pipeline of climate projects that align with national priorities and GCF standards.

Among the anticipated outcomes of this collaborative effort are improved national coordination mechanisms, the creation of a strategy for direct access to the GCF, an updated GCF Country Programme, and the establishment of a National Climate Change Knowledge Hub (NCCKH).

The NCCKH will serve as an essential resource for disseminating technical knowledge and raising public awareness, ultimately contributing to enhanced national resilience and the sustainable development of Iran. This initiative represents a proactive step toward addressing the challenges posed by climate change and showcases Iran's commitment to adopting comprehensive measures for a sustainable future.