WRI, in its capacity as Civil Society Observer on the Clean Technology Fund, hosted representatives from 4 countries in a discussion of the opportunities, challenges, and major lessons learned from their engagement with the Climate Investment Funds over the past 5 years. This meeting was held on the sidelines of the official CIF Committee meetings, held from April 29 – May 3, 2013.

The Climate Investment Funds (CIFs) are entering their fifth year of operations as a bridging source of international climate finance to assist developing countries mitigate and adapt to climate change. Through CIF funds and facilities, almost 50 developing countries and regional groupings have developed strategies, plans, and designed projects that can provide both climate and development benefits.

At this juncture, as an increasing number of these climate-compatible development projects begin to be implemented, what have been the experiences of countries in their interactions with the CIFs? What kinds of lessons are beginning to emerge on best practices and challenges faced? And how can these lessons be utilized for the greater efficacy of the broader international climate finance architecture? The opportunity to hear from country representatives provided attendees a unique perspective to learn about the work of the CIFs from the country level.

SPEAKERS

  • Presenter: Artur Lacerda
    Country: Brazil
    Fund: Forest Investment Program (FIP)
  • Presenter: Erastus Wahome
    Country: Kenya
    Fund: Scaling Up Renewable Energy Program (SREP)
  • Presenter: Ilhomjon Rajabov
    Country: Tajikistan
    Fund: Pilot Program for Climate Resilience
  • Participant: Martin N. Sishekanu
    Country: Zambia
    Fund: Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR)