​The UNFCCC-CASTT Adaptation Academy in Asia, held from 30 September to 4 October 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand, marked a significant milestone in building the capacity of national experts and stakeholder to meet their climate reporting obligations under the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF). Co-organized by the Korea Environment Institute (KEI), Korea Adaptation Center for Climate Change (KACCC), the Asian Institute for Technology (AIT), UNEP and UNDP, as well as the RCC Bangkok and UNFCCC Secretariat, the Academy brought together more than 20 participants from across Asia to enhance their understanding of reporting on climate change impacts and adaptation, and enhance their skills and technical knowledge in preparing the first Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs).

Driving Climate Transparency

Focused on the theme “Climate Transparency and Adaptation Action: Preparing BTRs under the ETF and Assessing Adaptation,” the Academy provided participants with comprehensive technical knowledge through hands-on sessions, interactive exercises, and country-specific case studies. As the deadline for the first BTR submission approaches in December 2024, the Academy played a crucial role in helping countries prepare high-quality reports that reflect their national circumstances and adaptation priorities.

Paul Desanker, Manager of the UNFCCC’s Adaptation Division, emphasized in his opening remarks that “this Academy represents a vital step in ensuring that adaptation reporting aligns with global climate goals while recognizing the unique challenges faced by developing countries.”

Key Highlights

1. Hands-on Sessions for Practical Solutions: The Academy featured practical sessions that cut through the complexity of BTR preparation, providing participants with clear strategies for aligning their National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with their BTRs. Participants engaged in exercises that mapped data sources and identified gaps in their national reporting systems, ensuring that their first BTRs would be both robust and feasible to complete.
2. Peer Learning through Country Experiences: A highlight of the Academy was the peer-to-peer exchange of adaptation challenges and solutions. Participants from countries such as Mongolia, Nepal, and the Philippines shared their unique approaches to adaptation reporting, fostering a rich dialogue on common obstacles like data gaps and institutional coordination. This interactive learning process provided participants with fresh perspectives on overcoming their own reporting challenges.
3. Innovative Approaches to Data Collection and Adaptation Assessment: Throughout the Academy, discussions centered on innovative methods to accelerate data collection and improve climate resilience. Countries explored how to institutionalize adaptation data management systems, develop centralized databases, and enhance cross-ministerial coordination to streamline reporting processes.
4. Field Trip to Community Water Resource Management: The Academy concluded with a field trip to Rangsit, where participants witnessed firsthand how community-based water resource management practices can serve as a model for integrating local adaptation efforts into national reporting frameworks. This real-world example of climate adaptation highlighted the importance of including grassroots initiatives in BTRs.
5. Regional Collaboration for Climate Action: Collaboration across borders was a recurring theme throughout the Academy. Participants were encouraged to establish partnerships with regional organizations and international support mechanisms to ensure long-term success in their climate reporting.

Moving Forward: A Foundation for Future Reporting

As countries in the Asia region move closer to the 2024 BTR submission deadline, the outcomes of this Academy will play a pivotal role in shaping their adaptation reporting strategies. With the technical skills gained during the Academy, participants are better equipped to align their national adaptation efforts with global climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

The UNFCCC-CASTT Adaptation Academy has not only enhanced participants' understanding of the ETF but has also empowered them with practical, actionable strategies that will strengthen their countries' capacity to address climate adaptation challenges. As we look ahead, the success of the Asia Academy will serve as a model for future capacity-building initiatives in other regions, reinforcing the importance of transparency in the global fight against climate change.