UNITAR Online Catalogue

Enhancing climate resilience for LDCs and SIDS through space data, finance mechanisms and partnerships

United Nations Satellite Centre UNOSAT

Type
Side Event
Location
Glasgow, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Date
Duration
1 Days
Programme Area
Satellite Imagery and Analysis
Price
$0.00
Event Focal Point Email
oran.no@unitar.org
Partnership
UNCDF

Background

COP26 OneUN Event (Blue Zone, Strangford Lough)

Extreme weather events have become more frequent and intense owing to climate change, and it has already caused more than 20 million people to leave their homes since 2008. Vulnerable communities and local stakeholders in the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), in particular, are bearing the worst consequences of climate variability and change, albeit they have contributed least to the crisis. Yet, if empowered and given a voice, they can be a decisive part of the solution.

To foster climate change adaptation and resilience, LDCs and SIDS need to mobilize and scale up finance and innovative solutions to implement their national development strategy and foster ambitious climate action. Satellite data and geospatial technology applications, combined with participatory planning tools, can help bolster evidence-based decision making and improve access to climate funds, at both national and subnational level, by providing sufficient evidence, justification and climate rationale for proposed interventions.

In addition, local authorities are in a unique position to identify comprehensive climate and disaster risk management solutions, including adaptation, that best meet local and community needs; typically have the mandate to undertake the small- to medium-sized adaptation investments required for building climate and disaster resilience; and have the legitimacy and convening power to coordinate, co-finance and interact with stakeholders. Yet they frequently lack the resources to do so (financial, organizational, technical) – particularly in a manner aligned with established local decision-making processes and planning, budgeting and budget execution cycles. 

Event Objectives

The event will explore how space data, participatory planning tools, and innovative finance mechanisms can provide innovative solutions for LDCs, SIDS and African nations to build and implement climate adaption plans that meet the needs of vulnerable communities. It will also bring High-Level officials to provide political guidance and leadership for the efforts on locally-led and risk-informed adaptation in vulnerable countries particularly, Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and African countries. 

Key message: Adaptation solutions with greater chances of achieving impact at scale are those grounded on solid and science-based evidences, which use satellite-based EO data and participatory planning tools, and built on country-based finance mechanisms that are aligned with country systems as well as the Paris Agreement. 

 

Content and Structure

Session layout:

This will be a 60-minute session led by a moderator. There will be 3 sub-topics, as follows:

  • Satellite data and GIS tools for evidence-based decision making and financing
  • Participatory tools for subnational/urban planning
  • Access to finance through country-based mechanisms for locally-led adaptation 

 

Agenda:

Introduction

  • Welcome remarks from the Moderator
  • Keynote speaker address 

Session One: What are the tools and best practices available for LDCs, SIDS and African nations, in regard to innovative solutions for improved climate resilience?

  • Satellite data and GIS tools for evidence-based decision making and access to climate finance
  • Participatory tools for subnational/urban planning
  • Integration of DRM/DRR into adaptation/development planning
  • Access to finance through country-based mechanisms for locally-led adaptation

Session Two: Moderated panel discussion

  • A moderated panel discussion will explore how we can ensure scalability and sustainability of the solutions presented in Session 1, with a special focus on attracting adaptation finance to LDCs, SIDS and African nations. 

Wrap up and Summary

 

Speakers:

Moderator: Mr. David Jackson, Director, UNCDF

Keynote speaker: H.E. Nancy Tembo, Minister for Forestry and Natural Resources in Malawi

Panel speakers: 

  • Dr. Einar Bjørgo, Director of UN Satellite Centre (UNOSAT), United Nations Institute Training and Research (UNITAR)
  • Ms. Fruzsina Straus, UN-Habitat Programme Management Officer and Project Manager of the City Resilience Action Planning Tool
  • Ms. Loretta Hieber Girardet, Chief of the Risk Knowledge Branch, UNDRR
  • Mr. Alpha A.K. Jallow, Director, Climate Secretariat, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, The Gambia 

Methodology

Hybrid mode

Targeted Audience

COP26 participants and stakeholders