The Kingdom of Bhutan launched its NAP process in 2015 with the definition of a national NAP road-map and an update of the 2012 NAPA. This NAP project aims to build on Bhutan’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) by accelerating the NDC vision to scale up adaptation in the medium- to long-term and by focusing on priority sectors in the NDC, such as water resources. While Bhutan has been budgeting national resources for adaptation through its Five Year Plans and the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation, climate change spending still forms only two percent of the national budget, demonstrating the need for external funding as highlighted in the NDC. In addition to financial limitations, Bhutan faces barriers related to coordination, learning and awareness, technical capacity for climate information, systematic identification and appraisal of adaptation options, and monitoring and evaluation. In order to enhance adaptation planning, all of these challenges need addressing.

This proposed readiness request will support the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) to advance its NAP process by building on existing capacities and enhancing institutions already in place for adaptation planning.