Assessing Adaptation of First Biennial Transparency Reports

Reporting and transparency, especially on adaptation, are foundational elements of global sustainable development frameworks such as the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The information reported fosters accountability and trust between parties, tracks progress, and informs decision making and planning.

This report examines information related to progress on adaptation and measurement and evaluation systems across 10 selected Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs), a cornerstone of the Paris Agreement’s Enhanced Transparency Framework. The purpose of this analysis is to understand to what extent countries are following the adaptation content recommendations of BTRs and to understand what elements are being described or excluded.

After examining the first round of BTRs, the authors of this report recommend being clear about where reporting deviates from the modalities, procedures, and guidelines for reporting; including a synthesis of external reports when pointing to them as a way to prevent duplication of work; the consideration of gender equity and social inclusion across all aspects of reporting; and better transparency on financial flows.

This publication also emphasizes how the BTRs represent a strategic opportunity to improve the implementation of national adaptation plan processes and strengthen countries’ monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems in support of the global goal on adaptation. Robust MEL systems are essential to both reporting and the continuous improvement of adaptation actions, to drive more effective and equitable adaptation actions.

Assessing Adaptation of First Biennial Transparency Reports: Taking stock of progress on adaptation

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