POZNAN - Discussions at the United Nations Climate Change Conference have concluded that less developed countries need more financing to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
In his report of the meeting processes so far in Poznan, Poland, Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer says there is a
great need for current climate change negotiations to include more consideration and financing for adaptation reports and plans in LDCs and small island states (SIDS).
The UN's Yvo de Boer said: "Financial support is important to LDCs [Least Developed Countries] and small island states as they need more funding for national adaptation plans of actions to help their populations in adapting to the adverse effects of climate change.
"Developing countries have less stringent reporting requirements, but their reporting very important and they need support for this."
Currently only 2 per cent of the US$5billion Adaptation Fund is allocated to adaptation plans for the least developed countries and small island states, including the Pacific Islands.
Asked if there was an intention by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to increase the amount injected into these countries, de Boer said the Pacific would gain.
De Boer, the UNFCCC's Executive Secretary, said the assistance would ocme from the World Bank, Asia Development Bank and the Global Environment Facility.
"Happily we do not have to rely on adaptation funds alone, but much larger amounts are needed," de Boer said.
Oxfam International, however, said there needs to be more funding directed towards LDCs.
"Even the GEF funding is under-funded. It is important that adaptation funding is separate from existing aid programmes, or development programmes. It should be on top of existing funds," said Laura Rusu, a spokeswoman for Oxfam.
Developing countries present at the meeting are currently lobbying for an increase in funding. According to de Boer, their requests and concerns have been well received in general discussions.
-Pacific Communications Team
