KINGSTON, Jamaica – Representatives from 11 countries are expected to gather in Kingston on Tuesday, March 15, for a global forum on national planning for Climate Change Adaptation, hosted by the Government of Jamaica.

According to a news release from the ministry of water, land, environment and climate change, the forum is organised by the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Global Network, and will focus on a range of options for financing the implementation of NAP.

“Climate change impacts are being felt across many of the key sectors of Jamaica’s economy, and therefore, effective Sectoral and National Adaptation Plans, will provide the framework for the creation of a much more resilient economy,” said Albert Daley, Principal Director of the Climate Change Division, which now falls under the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation in the Office of the Prime Minister.

According to Daley, through the forum, “Jamaica will be sharing the lessons we’ve learned through our experiences with adaptation planning, and learn about what has worked for others in the international community.”

The NAP Global Network’s biannual Target Topics Forum brings together policy-makers and practitioners for focused, technical discussions on the challenges and best practices related to national adaptation planning, and to discuss how coordination may help.

“This forum is an exciting opportunity to bring together international professionals working on national adaptation plans,” said Denise Herbol, USAID Mission Director in Jamaica.

“For donors, it is a chance to learn from our country partners about their priorities, and how we can best align and coordinate our support for climate-resilient development”.

The NAP process was created by the United Nations as an opportunity for countries to plan for robust, sustainable development in the face of climate stress. Each country’s NAP is driven by its unique adaptation needs.

The forum will open at 9:00 am at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in St Andrew.