ECO recognises the progress made here in Nairobi on developing strong principles for the Adaptation Fund (AF) under the Kyoto Protocol. It is a great achievement to have secured the authority and guidance of COP/MOP over the Fund, and majority membership of non-Annex I parties in the governing body.

However, ECO was dismayed to learn that the Global Environment Facility had tried to re-open this decision after it was accepted by the Subsidary Body on Implementation (SBI) plenary. ECO confirms its support for the decision on the AF.

ECO urges Parties to agree the eligibility criteria, priority areas and institution by the next COP/MOP’s end in 2007 so that the Adaptation Fund becomes operational without any further delay. This will enable the most vulnerable countries, including countries in Africa, to access funds to implement bottom-up adaptation projects which are urgently needed for sustainable development.