Owning adaptation in the Pacific: strengthening governance of climate finance

Pacific Island nations need more finance to adapt to the adverse effects of global warming, but they also need to manage the funds effectively, to benefit their most vulnerable communities. This report looks at three countries---Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Tonga---to understand their experience of managing climate finance. The challenges they face include: improved coordination by donors; strengthened management across departments and with local governments; and better engagement with civil society. The report calls for a focus on building capacity across government and non-state actors; strengthened partnerships and coordination; better information, communication and transparency; fostering a culture of learning and improving direct access to climate funding. Most importantly, civil society and vulnerable communities must be able to hold governments accountable for the use of adaptation finance, and governments must play a leadership and coordinating role to mobilise a broad response across Pacific societies based on a common aim to build resilience