Adaptation as a Priority for COP30: Latin American Task Force Calls for Concrete Action After Two Weeks of Negotiations in Bonn

The Adaptation as a Priority toward COP30 Task Force — comprised of Latin American civil society organizations such as Argentina 1.5, Fundación Avina, CANLA, Talanoa, Redes Chaco, Conectas Human Rights, Instituto Socioambiental, Instituto Decodifica, Perifa Sustentável, and other regional allies — concludes its participation in the 62nd Session of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SB62) with a clear message: COP30, in Belém, must deliver a robust adaptation package that matches the scale of the climate crisis.

Over the two weeks in Bonn, adaptation took center stage in the negotiations agenda, yet progress remained insufficient. The Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) saw some technical advances but still falls short of responding with the urgency, context, and justice that the current reality demands. Other issues — such as National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and adaptation finance — remain stalled.

GGA: Progress on indicators, but key decisions postponed

The GGA was approved as the final item of SB62, after tense discussions between developing and developed countries over means of implementation. The debate lasted more than 12 hours and had to be escalated to Heads of Delegation and SB Chairs after informal consultations failed to reach consensus. The final decision recognizes the centrality of adaptation finance, and the importance of access to and quality of means of implementation for the GGA.

While the technical mandate for experts was refined, core issues such as means of implementation, the Baku Adaptation Roadmap, and transformational adaptation must still be resolved at COP30. Latin America and the Caribbean continue to push for a people- and ecosystem-centered adaptation agenda with adequate funding.

“We cannot accept a list of indicators that becomes a technocratic exercise disconnected from the most vulnerable people and ecosystems. Latin America is clear: adaptation must be measured with justice, with context, and with adequate means of implementation,” emphasized Luz Falivene, from Fundación Argentina 1.5.

“It is also unacceptable that, once again, the mention of Afro-descendant people was removed from the text, despite the Global South’s efforts to include the African diaspora in adaptation decisions,” noted Mahryan Sampaio, from Perifa Sustentável.

“It is a positive step that Indigenous and traditional knowledge is recognized as the ‘best science’ on which to base and guide adaptation, and that the final outcome of the UAE–Belém work programme should include indicators reflecting, among other elements, information on Indigenous Peoples and human rights,” said Ciro Brito, from Instituto Socioambiental.

NAPs: A stalled agenda

Discussions around National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) fell short of expectations. Despite broad recognition of their importance, ambition and clarity on how to align them with the global framework were lacking.

“It is concerning to see how the conversation around NAPs remains stalled. There were no substantive decisions or clear proposals to ensure funding or alignment with GGA indicators. We lost precious time,” stated Thales Machado, from Conectas Human Rights.

Adaptation communication: More than just a report

The process to review adaptation communications was also addressed. The Task Force argues this tool must be strengthened with clear guidance, quality data, and meaningful civil society participation.

“Communicating adaptation is not just about filling out a form. It is a political process — about visibility, accountability, and collective learning. Countries must receive technical support and resources to do this in a useful and inclusive way,” said Karla Maass Wolfenson, Advocacy and Campaigns Lead at CANLA.

Looking toward Belém: A solid roadmap for adaptation

The Task Force urges that the Baku Adaptation Roadmap (BAR) must not become a generic list of intentions, but a mechanism to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Global Goal on Adaptation — ensuring coherence among currently fragmented adaptation agenda items. A medium-term approach, with a realistic timeline for BAR modalities, could help integrate the GGA with National Adaptation Plans, for instance.

“Over these two weeks, we’ve seen how the fragmentation of agenda items makes it harder to harmonize the adaptation agenda. It must be organized through a coherent space for reviewing reporting systems, so implementation tools include finance, capacity-building, and technology transfer. It should go beyond indicators and view adaptation as an interconnected whole — from NAP formulation support to AdComms, based on developing countries’ needs. The BAR could be that adaptation hub post-Belém,” explained Daniel Porcel, from Instituto Talanoa.

Finance: The gap remains glaring

Finance remains the weakest link in the climate architecture for adaptation. The current text offers no clarity on how the GGA will connect to the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) or the Baku–Belém pathway.

“It is time to set a new adaptation finance goal that is mobilizing, sufficient, and accessible to those who need it most. This is the red line for climate justice in Belém,” said Natalie Unterstell, from Talanoa.

From Baku to Belém: Turning promises into real financing and effective adaptation

The Task Force will remain active until COP30 in Brazil to ensure adaptation is treated as a priority and translated into real commitments.

“The Baku–Belém pathway must close finance gaps, strengthen adaptation, and deliver real impacts for developing countries — we cannot afford another process that ends only in promises.”
— Sandra Guzmán Luna, Executive Director, GFLAC