​CLOSING THE GAP: ENSURING COMMUNITY ACCESS IN THE FUND FOR RESPONDING TO LOSS AND DAMAGE

The Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FLRD) faces a critical design choice between replicating existing climate finance patterns where resources pass through multiple intermediaries before reaching communities or establishing new pathways that center affected populations in decision-making and resource allocation. 

This policy brief examines 18 case studies spanning local, national, and international initiatives to identify proven mechanisms for ensuring community access to climate finance. The evidence is clear: communities already possess the knowledge, organizational structures, and accountability systems needed to manage climate resources effectively. What they lack is direct access to those resources and the power to decide how they are used.

For further detials of the 18 case studies the Full Case Study Appendix here.