India, Germany Deepen Climate Adaptation Partnership

India and Germany have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening climate adaptation and resilience during a high-level Climate Talk held in New Delhi. The dialogue focused on advancing ecosystem-based approaches and supporting India’s upcoming National Adaptation Plan (NAP).

Jochen Flasbarth, State Secretary at Germany’s Federal Ministry for Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, announced a new Large Grant project for India under the International Climate Initiative (IKI) with funding of up to EUR 20 million.

EUR 20 Million Grant for High-Risk Ecosystems

The project aims to improve resilience in vulnerable ecosystems across priority regions, including the Himalayas, island territories, the Western Ghats, the North-East and the Lower Gangetic floodplains.

The initiative will promote ecosystem-based approaches such as forest restoration, strengthening biodiversity corridors, flood and erosion control, groundwater recharge and community-led natural resource management. It will also enhance monitoring and evaluation frameworks linked to India’s National Adaptation Plan.

Innovative financing mechanisms, including blended finance, biodiversity credits and insurance-based risk solutions, will be explored to support long-term sustainability.

National Adaptation Plan in Focus

India’s National Adaptation Plan is being finalised under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The NAP aims to provide a comprehensive framework to integrate climate resilience into national and sub-national planning.

Germany has expressed support for implementation, particularly in strengthening forest ecosystems, biodiversity conservation and nature-based climate solutions.

Global Shift Towards Adaptation

Officials emphasised that adaptation has become central to global climate policy alongside mitigation efforts. Ecosystem-based approaches were highlighted as cost-effective strategies that simultaneously reduce climate risks, enhance livelihoods and conserve biodiversity.

Important Facts for Exams

• The International Climate Initiative (IKI) is funded by the German government.
• Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) uses biodiversity and ecosystem services to help communities adapt to climate change.
• The Western Ghats and Himalayas are biodiversity hotspots in India.
• Blended finance combines public and private funding for climate projects.

From Policy to Implementation

Experts noted that adaptation strategies must translate into budgetary allocations and on-ground implementation. The India–Germany partnership signals deeper bilateral cooperation aimed at building climate resilience in vulnerable regions while aligning environmental protection with economic development.</h4