Strengthening a Locally Led Adaptation Community of Practice

Over the last several years, the International Center for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) has hosted its annual Gobeshona conference to offer a Global South-led space for learning and exchange on locally led adaptation. As Gobeshona grows more global in participation, it is creating an annual cycle of three events that support research, peer learning, and advocacy: Gobeshona in January; the Community-Based Adaptation conference mid-year; and the Development and Climate Days at the climate COP in November-December.

To ensure that these learning moments have an impact beyond the conference room, participants need resources to test ideas on the ground. CJRF therefore has awarded ICCCAD a grant of $100,608 to support the development of a small grants opportunity during 2021-2022. The Global Resilience Partnership has also earmarked $50,000 to the initiative, allowing at least 18 ‘catalytic grants’ to support implementation of ideas and relationships developed at the Gobeshona and Community Based Adaptation conferences. The initiative also offers grant recipients opportunities for peer exchange and mentoring, and supports them to share their findings and experience across the three-conference cycle. A sub-set of the grants were made through a participatory process that gave Gobeshona attendees a say in project design and selection, strengthening the community’s ownership and engagement in the work.