Tribute to CDKN's Ritu Thakur The staff of CDKN announce with great sadness the loss of our friend and colleague Ritu Thakur. Ritu was an integral part of CDKN, working with ICLEI South Asia from 2010 and CDKN since 2018. Although shocked by her passing, the CDKN team celebrates Ritu’s contributions to our lives.

Opportunity: REDAA's grant call for restoration programmes in Africa and Asia Reversing Environmental Degradation in Africa and Asia (REDAA) is now inviting proposals for locally led, multi-locational research-to-action restoration programmes spanning across Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia. In this second REDAA grant call, up to nine programme grants ranging from £1,000,000 to £1,500,000 will be awarded to the best proposals.

App tailors climate smart intervention for Ugandan smallholders In Uganda's Moyo district, Veronica Matio showcases thriving beans under shaded trees, employing Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration. Moyo District Farmers’ Association aids farmers with climate-smart practices, fostering resilience and community cohesion. This story is part of a series celebrating the locally-led solutions supported by the UNDP implemented - Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator programme.

Flood warnings shared via SMS and chalkboards in Dar es Salaam Communities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, navigate challenges posed by heavy rainfall. Leveraging the DARAJA project's SMS alerts and community boards, residents can adapt to weather-related risks, fostering resilience and enhancing economic development. This story is part of a series celebrating the locally-led solutions supported by the UNDP implemented - Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator programme.

New fences, solar water pumps and loan schemes for vulnerable farmers in Ghana In Ghana, Assibi Ayambila found support and solace through a dry-season garden initiative by Open Ghana, improving livelihoods and fostering community empowerment and gender inclusivity in rural areas. This story is part of a series celebrating the locally-led solutions supported by the UNDP implemented - Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator programme.

Micronesian women process local crops into flour products In Micronesia, Emihner Johnson promotes new local flour made from indigenous crops, aiming to reduce reliance on imported food and combat climate change while empowering women economically. This story is part of a series celebrating the locally-led solutions supported by the UNDP implemented - Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator programme.

Forests replanted after ‘anarchic’ logging of DRC’s edible caterpillar trees In the Democratic Republic of Congo, edible caterpillars that feed on indigenous trees are a cherished snack, but deforestation threatens their habitat. PIFEVA supports vulnerable women to plant the host trees of edible caterpillars, empowering families and the community. This story is part of a series celebrating the locally-led solutions supported by the UNDP implemented - Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator programme.

Small-scale farmers in Fiji supplement produce using home hydroponic kits Smart Farms Fiji provides hydroponic kits to small-scale farmers, with a focus on empowering youth and women. The locally made kits promote food security and climate resilience amidst challenges like adverse weather and market competition, blending modern technology with traditional farming. This story is part of a series celebrating the locally-led solutions supported by the UNDP implemented - Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator programme.

Water will flow again from the sacred springs in the Himalayan rangelands In Nepal's Mustang rangelands, water scarcity prompts a community effort to revive sacred springs. Locals and migrant herders, together with the Rural Development Initiative (RDI), are co-creating resilient solutions. This holistic approach highlights the power of flexibility and cultural sensitivity to drive success. This story is part of a series celebrating the locally-led solutions supported by the UNDP implemented - Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator programme.

Opportunity: Call for applications to the CABES MSc. Programme Applications are now open for the CABES MSc. programme in Managing Science-Policy-Practice Interfaces for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (SPIBES). The programme aims to provide students across Western, Eastern and Central Africa with broad, high-quality knowledge and skills needed to navigate science-policy-practice interfaces for biodiversity conservation and sustainable transformation. Find out more and apply.

Plenty of fish in the tank and seeds in the water for Uganda’s city farmers In Uganda, urban dwellers are transforming small spaces into fish farms and vegetable gardens using ADMIRE aquaponic kits. Initiated by Sample Uganda, the ADMIRE projects are providing affordable, eco-friendly food sources and inspiring sustainable entrepreneurship in urban areas. This story is part of a series celebrating the locally-led solutions supported by the UNDP implemented - Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator programme.

West African home owners soon to offer ‘Nubian vault’ climate credits Nubian Vaults, made of mud, stones and water, offer affordable, eco-friendly housing in West Africa. French organisation, Association la Voûte Nubienne (AVN), has built over 7,000 Nubian Vaults and aims to certify carbon credits, incentivising more sustainable housing and positively impacting both the climate and livelihoods in the Sahel. This story is part of a series celebrating the locally-led solutions supported by the UNDP implemented - Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator programme.