This study evaluates the existing and potential sources of adaptation finance as well as key barriers to development and implementation of adaptation actions according to the SAPCC, with specific focus on the Indian Himalayan Region.
Background
India, in an effort to establish a carbon resilient development agenda, has set up the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), with State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs) aligning themselves to its climate control actions at the state level. With the current policy framework and federal fiscal mechanism, sources of finance for climate change adaption actions at the national and state levels largely rely on government budgetary resources. This study provides a snapshot of the existing and potential sources of adaptation finance while highlighting the key concerns in formulating and financing adaptation actions at the State level, with specific focus on the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR).
The high-level policy findings were presented at a two-day National Consultation: Multi-stakeholders Himalayan Sustainable Development Forum (HSDF) to key stakeholders from the State governments of the IHR and civil society. This was hosted by the G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development (GBPIHED) at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi on 29th& 30th December, 2015.
Approach
The study was conducted in partnership with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). As a precursor to documenting relevant financing options, the research team visited three representative States namely Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Manipur to understand their progress in implementing adaptation programmes as part of their State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCC). Key inputs on the States’ challenges in mainstreaming adaptation objectives with development programmes and financing them were gathered during these field visits.
Key Findings
In order to improve the capability of public institutions to better access and manage climate finance, findings from the study suggest the need for a smoother pipeline of information flow regarding SAPCC between the State Government, nodal agencies and line departments.
Implications
Efforts need to be put towards an internal reorganisation of State and Central plans and frameworks with the focus on optimising existing channels for climate finance. Regardless of the widespread inclination of looking towards external sources, it is crucial that internal and existing channels were secured in order to establish a stable commitment to the region’s adaptation responses.