For over a decade the GEF Small Grants Programme at UNDP, and the Government of Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) have been partnering to support locally led climate adaptation and resilience building efforts in climate vulnerable countries across the globe.
Climate change continues to be one of the greatest challenges facing our planet and humanity today, and is disproportionately affecting the world's most vulnerable communities, particularly Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries, which contribute least to global emissions yet face some of the most severe impacts. Rising temperatures, droughts, flooding, sea level rise, coastal erosion, ecosystem degradation, and increasingly unpredictable weather threaten livelihoods, food and water security, health, and economic stability.
Strengthening community resilience is essential to helping vulnerable populations adapt to climate shocks and other crises. Investing in locally led adaptation not only protects people and ecosystems but also supports sustainable development, reduces inequalities, and advances the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly for women, youth, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous Peoples.
What is Community-Based Adaptation?
CBA is a locally led, inclusive approach that enables communities to identify, plan for, and respond to current and future climate change impacts based on their own priorities. It shifts decision-making power to local stakeholders, ensuring adaptation actions are community-driven rather than externally imposed. While similar to community development initiatives, CBA differs in two key ways: it focuses on addressing long-term climate change impacts rather than short-term weather variability, and it places strong emphasis on participatory processes as well as outcomes.
CBA plays a vital role in helping communities manage climate risks by generating locally relevant adaptation solutions and practical lessons. These experiences can be shared, adapted, and replicated to inform broader climate change adaptation efforts in other communities and contexts.
About CBA Phase 3
The Community-Based Adaptation Programme in Asia and the Pacific (CBA Phase 3) is a partnership between the GEF Small Grants Programme, UNDP and the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), supported through an AUD 10 million investment from 2022–2026. Phase 3 builds on the achievements and lessons from previous DFAT-funded Community-Based Adaptation initiatives implemented with SGP between 2009 and 2020.
CBA Phase 3 was designed to strengthen the social, economic and ecological resilience of vulnerable communities facing the growing impacts of climate change. Grounded in the principles of Locally Led Adaptation, the programme supports local communities and civil society to develop and implement locally driven climate solutions, enhance adaptive capacities, and contribute to climate-resilient recovery and sustainable development.
The programme focuses on four key areas: (i) improving socio-economic and climate resilience through community-driven adaptation actions; (ii) strengthening the capacities of local communities and organizations for effective adaptation planning and implementation; (iii) scaling and mainstreaming successful adaptation solutions into local and national policies and programmes; and (iv) promoting inclusive approaches that ensure the meaningful engagement and empowerment of women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, and persons with disabilities. Through knowledge sharing, innovation, and partnership, CBA Phase 3 is advancing locally led climate action and demonstrating the critical role of local communities in building resilience across the Asia-Pacific region.
Participating Countries (26)
Twenty-six countries across the Asia-Pacific region:
Asia Region (11) – Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Timor-Leste, Bhutan, Mongolia, Nepal, Maldives, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia
Pacific Region (15) – Fiji, Samoa (a sub-region which includes Niue and Tokelau), Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Palau, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Federated States of Micronesia.
Read more about CBA Phase 3: HERE
Country Examples and Stories
Roots in the Tide: A pioneering climate adaptation initiative in the Maldives is combining mangrove restoration with innovative eco-engineering to protect vulnerable coastlines. Led by local communities, the project showcases how nature-based solutions can build resilience, restore ecosystems, and safeguard livelihoods in the face of climate change.
Building Resilience in Bangladesh: Rural communities are improving water security, strengthening climate-resilient agriculture, reducing post-harvest losses, and creating greener, more sustainable livelihoods. The story demonstrates how small investments can generate lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits when local knowledge and leadership are at the centre of climate action.
Sustainable Agroforestry in Solomon Islands: The Ado Rural Farmers Association is helping rural communities adapt to climate change through sustainable agroforestry, farmer training, and ecosystem restoration. Supported by the CBA Programme, the project strengthens food security, livelihoods, and community resilience while promoting locally led climate action.
Brewing Change in Bhutan's Poorest District: The Panbang Youth Cooperative in Zhemgang is creating new livelihood opportunities through coffee cultivation. Funded under CBA Phase 3, the youth-led initiative has scaled up coffee sapling production, helping farmers diversify their incomes, strengthening local economies, and contributing to climate-resilient rural development.
