In our changing world, as the climate crisis intensifies, it's essential to ensure that new funds for climate adaptation go where they are intended and most needed, especially in the water sector, which already receives a large share of climate funding. This implies putting in place relatively standard anti-corruption measures - financial controls, proactive risk assessments, open procurement - and enabling adequate tracking and monitoring of new funds.
A broader integrity approach is less common but also beneficial in early phases of project planning and design. This is especially important to tackle the emerging risk of maladaptation, newly acknowledged in the latest IPCC Working Group II report, Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability.
"Maladaptive responses to climate change can create lock-ins of vulnerability, exposure and risks that are difficult and expensive to change and exacerbate existing inequalities."
Instead of countering climate risks, maladaptation will increase or create new sets of risks. Limited participation, insufficient transparency and poor integrity in project planning can lead to maladaptation. An integrity approach for climate adaptation is therefore key, from project start.
With strong cooperation and a good understanding of risks throughout the project cycle, we in the water and sanitation sectors can lead the way and make sure 2022 truly is a year of climate accountability.
Read our primer with the Green Climate Fund on maladaptation and the need for integrity →
Contribute a case to the climate governance integrity programme atlas →
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