With an impressive development progress over the past two decades, the countries of the Europe and Central Asia region (ECA) are primed for significant economic and social growth. Climate change, however, threatens to undermine decades of development gains and put at risk efforts to eradicate poverty. Tackling climate change must be central to efforts to reduce poverty and sustain development.

ECA countries are ready to mainstream and accelerate climate change adaptation actions. Adapting proactively to a changing climate will help build resilient nations, promote strong economies, and protect lives and livelihoods. Promoting strong climate action will protect security in the region, enhance efforts to eradicate poverty and foster greater social inclusion.

This publication explores lessons learned from over a decade of working with local and national governments to build and implement climate change adaptation projects in the region. The case studies highlighted in this publication give a comprehensive overview of UNDP support to climate resilience in ECA from 2005 to 2017. These country-driven projects benefitted from the financial and technical resources of a number of donors, including the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Adaptation Fund (AF), Green Climate Fund (GCF), European Union (EU), and bilateral donors.

As countries in the region look to mainstream and accelerate these approaches, UNDP will continue its efforts to serve as a broker to connect nations and vulnerable communities with UN resources, vertical and bilateral funds, and private and blended finance mechanisms to provide the policy support, innovative ideas, financial backing, and technical know-how needed to build a low-carbon, climate-resilient future.