Peer Learning Summit: Vertical Integration in the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Process

Experts and government representatives from 10 countries—Belize, the Dominican Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tuvalu, and Zimbabwe—gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, to share lessons and experiences on multilevel governance and vertical integration in the NAP process.

Co-hosted by the NAP Global Network and the Government of Kenya, with funding from Global Affairs Canada, this Peer Learning Summit aims to strengthen the NAP processes in these countries by sharing knowledge on gender-responsive approaches.

The summit convened national climate change decision-makers and gender experts to work together to:

• Better understand the linkages between climate change adaptation, multilevel governance, and vertical integration.
• Discuss the opportunities and challenges related to incorporating a vertical integration approach in NAP processes.
• Identify concrete next steps they can take towards more vertically integrated NAP processes in their respective countries.
• Reflect on the role that civil society organizations and other stakeholders (such as the private sector) can play in vertical integration.

“Climate change adaptation is specific to local contexts and demands that resources flow to specific activities in specific places. Channelling resources to the people and places that need support constitutes the core of effective adaptation. This principle underpins adaptation planning in Kenya through scaling up decentralized planning and finance to the local level.”

Lerenten Lelekoitien, Deputy Director, Climate Change Adaptation, Climate Change Directorate, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Kenya.

“This august moment of 10 countries at this Peer Learning Summit sends a strong signal of the importance of country-driven and country-owned NAP processes. Through intentional and strategic linkages at national and sub-national levels, these countries safeguard their progress in integrating climate change adaptation into existing or new policies and plans. Adaptation is a local action, and ensuring transparent and full participation in decision making on planning and implementation of adaptation actions at all levels will secure the resilience needed to guarantee future lives and livelihoods while entrenching resilience building to sustain national development for future generations.”

Orville Grey, Head of Secretariat, NAP Global Network

On Day 1 of the Peer Learning Summit, opening remarks were provided by the co-hosts, the Government of Kenya, the NAP Global Network, Global Affairs Canada, and the Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG).  

The first day of the Summit established the foundation for understanding and implementing vertical integration throughout the NAP process. Through interactive discussions, participants were invited to reflect on their current progress and recent milestones in their own country’s NAP process. 

Peer Learning Summit on Vertical Integration in the NAP Process | Mauricio Luna-Rodríguez, NAP Global Network

Vertical Integration in the National Adaption Plan process | Mauricio Luna-Rodríguez, NAP Global Network

Bringing underrepresented women's voices in planning for climate change adaptation using participatory photography |  Envisioning Resilience pilot in Kenya and Ghana | Lydia Kibandi, Lensational

On the second day, the participants dove deeper into the enabling factors for vertical integration in the NAP process, explored the journey and implications of Kenya’s climate change adaptation strategies, and collectively worked on addressing some practical challenges of fellow countries. Participants worked in small groups to discuss on-the-ground challenges experienced by three countries—Belize, Ghana, and Tuvalu—presented in an interactive “knowledge clinic” activity. They then explored the local wildlife and ecosystems of the Nairobi National Park while reflecting on adaptation implications. 

Enabling Factors for Vertical Integration in NAP process | Mauricio Luna-Rodríguez, NAP Global Network

Kenya’s Approach to National and Subnational Finance for Climate Change Adaptation | Lerenten Lelekoitien, Climate Change Directorate, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Kenya

Vertical Integration in the NAP Processes | County Government of Marsabit | Janet Ahatho, County Government of Marsabit, Kenya

On the last day of this Peer Learning Summit, participants explored the role of key actors at subnational levels, with an emphasis on gender and social inclusion in NAP processes. The event concluded by prioritizing specific next steps that they want to take to strengthen vertical integration in their home countries.

Adaptation Actions at Community Level | Christine Ogola, TWCA-Kenya

The Vertical Integration of the NAP Process: The Kingdom of Eswatini’s Recent Experiences | Lucky Sigudla, Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Government of Eswatini

Engaging the Private Sector in Climate Change Adaptation in Dominican Republic | Karem Rivero, Ministry of Environment, Dominican Republic

Gender-Responsiveness and Social Inclusion (GESI) at the Subnational Level to Strengthen NAP Processes | Aurélie Ceinos, NAP Global Network