Ireland Trust Fund for Building Climate Change and Disaster Resilience in Small Island Developing States

The Ireland Trust Fund for Building Climate Change and Disaster Resilience in Small Island Developing States is a single-partner trust fund that aims to help increase the resilience of small island developing states (SIDS) to disasters triggered by natural hazards and the impacts of climate change. It also aims to help increase investments in climate change mitigation and adaptation among SIDS. The fund finances or cofinances technical assistance projects, grants, direct charges, and activities that advance the interest of SIDS’ climate change and disaster resilience, as well as Ireland’s international development priorities. Examples of interventions include supporting developing social protection systems, providing support to countries to cope with COVID-19, and developing multi-hazard disaster risk assessments. The latter includes a landmark assessment for Tongatapu, Tonga. The data from this exercise has been particularly helpful in assessing damages from the devastating ashfall and tsunami and planning for long-term climate change adaptation.

In July, the fund’s value was highlighted in an independent mid-term evaluation that followed the internationally recognized criteria of relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and impact. The fund received positive feedback, with helpful recommendations to further strengthen implementation. In November, the annual BCCDR meeting was held, with two panels featuring project beneficiaries and ADB staff.