We’re thrilled to share that E Co. and the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) have joined forces to develop a Green Climate Fund (GCF) Full Funding Proposal (FP) for the Climate Change Adaptation: Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) in Semi-arid Ecosystems to Increase Rural Resilience in Moldova project.
This initiative focuses on enhancing resilience in Moldova’s rural communities by implementing ecosystem-based adaptation strategies to address the challenges posed by climate change.
The Austrian Development Agency (ADA) is the operational arm of Austrian Development Cooperation, managing international development projects. ADA works in key sectors such as environment and climate protection, education, gender equality, and sustainable development, with a strong focus on poverty reduction.
Following the submission of a Concept Note in early 2023, ADA received funding from the GCF’s Project Preparation Facility (PPF) to further develop the Funding Proposal. E Co. was selected to assist ADA and Moldova’s Ministry of Environment, along with other key partners, to take this crucial project forward.
We are very excited to be working on the GCF project preparation and ensuring active stakeholder engagement during this process.
~ Tobias Schnitzler, Programme manager, ADA
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is the world’s largest climate fund, established under the framework of UNFCCC, and supports climate action in developing countries by channelling funds towards well-designed climate change adaptation and mitigation projects and programmes.
A milestone for ADA and Moldova
This project marks ADA’s first GCF project and Moldova’s first single-country GCF project. While Moldova has participated in several multi-country GCF projects, this will be the first time the country benefits from a focused, national project. The aim is to address the climate risks faced by Moldova’s semi-arid regions, particularly in the Southern Development Region, using ecosystem-based solutions such as restoring wetlands, riparian buffers, forests, and grasslands, whilst also promoting local community involvement. These measures are designed to improve forests and water systems, support agriculture, and enhance community resilience to climate change.
Bringing together key actors
A key milestone for the project was the Inception workshop, organised by E Co. and ADA, which took place in Chisinau from 3-6 March. The workshop convened a wide array of stakeholders, including representatives from key ministries, state agencies, local governments, environmental NGOs, and academic institutions.
During the workshop, participants were introduced to the project’s objectives and proposed interventions, as had been outlined in the Concept Note. Group discussions explored ongoing policy and project developments, the stakeholder landscape, national and local needs, appropriate technical solutions, as well as the potential for transformation and sustainability of the project’s activities. In addition, several bilateral meetings took place with key partners to further refine the project’s goals.
Next steps
Following an insightful inception workshop, E Co. has commenced work on the Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment and Feasibility Study, as well as started with preparations for field visits to further define project interventions and select sites for implementation. These efforts are essential to ensure that the project’s approach is locally-owned, well-targeted and effective in addressing Moldova’s most pressing climate challenges.