Strengthening Lesotho’s National Designated Authority and Developing Strategic Frameworks

The Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho sought support to establish appropriate institutional frameworks that will enable the country to benefit from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) direct access financing window. This readiness project aimed to strengthen the ability of the country to participate in various climate change mitigation and adaptation mechanisms, and to fulfil its obligations and commitments to the UNFCCC. This project was funded through the GCF Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme, which is designed to support countries’ engagement with the GCF, including building a pipeline of climate change projects and enhancing country ownership.

OneWorld supported the Government of Lesotho and coordinated and implemented the readiness project. The project team conducted a climate finance baseline analysis as well as mapping and engagement of relevant stakeholders. This included strengthening the institutional capacity of the National Designated Authority (NDA), namely the Ministry of Energy and Meteorology (MEM) through the Lesotho Meteorological Services (LMS), and the National Climate Change Committee (NCCC). The project team delivered capacity building and supported the NDA for effective engagement with the GCF, on the coordination of domestic institutional arrangements, programme/project identification and design, and responsible funds management. OneWorld also developed a system for transparent and accountable management of climate change activities and GCF funds, including the development of a monitoring and reporting strategy.

Supported by OneWorld, the key outcome of this project was a Country Programme produced by the NDA for the Kingdom of Lesotho, identifying and prioritising a pipeline of climate change programmes and projects for further GCF funding. This included a Country Programme Action Plan and a draft Concept Note identified from the pipeline.

Several senior NDA staff commended the quality and professionalism of OneWorld’s work over the project lifecycle.