FRLD launches $250-M initiative to aid climate-hit developing nations

The Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) concluded its landmark 7th Board Meeting, 7 to 9 October 2025 in Manila, taking major steps in operationalizing its mission to assist developing countries grappling with the devastating effects of climate change.

At the close of the meeting, the Board approved the Barbados Implementation Modalities (BIM) — the Fund’s first-ever call for funding requests worth $250 million, marking a historic shift from planning to action.

The BIM will provide grants ranging from $5 million to $20 million per intervention to support loss and damage response projects across vulnerable nations.

Historic meeting

“This is one of the historic Board meetings of our term,” said Richard Sherman, FRLD co-chair. “We have now approved the BIM, along with a set of policies that will allow it to be operational, and will formally launch the call for proposals at COP30.”

The call for funding requests opens on 1 December and will run for six months. FRLD executive director Ibrahima Cheikh Diong said the BIM represents the Fund’s commitment to begin delivering assistance on the ground.

“The launch of the BIM is a testament to our commitment to start providing support to vulnerable developing nations,” Diong said.

Clear roadmap

The approved Project Cycle provides a clear roadmap for countries seeking access to the Fund, with eligibility criteria emphasizing country-led and bottom-up approaches.

The Board also endorsed access modalities that will enable direct budget support or allow countries to work through entities accredited to the Adaptation Fund, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

The operating entity under the financial mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the FRLB addresses the growing needs of vulnerable communities in developing countries facing the irreversible impacts of climate change.

By financing recovery initiatives from climate-related losses and damage, the Fund empowers communities to rebuild and adapt, striving for country-led locally driven solutions, ensuring interventions are aligned to country needs, priorities and context.

Nations interested in applying are encouraged to coordinate with the FRLD Secretariat and designate national focal points to oversee priority projects and local implementation.

Boosting resource mobilization

While the Fund has already received $768 million in pledges from 28 countries since COP28, FRLD officials acknowledged that the amount remains short of the mounting needs on the ground. To address this, the Board approved the launch of the Fund’s first replenishment process in 2027 and the creation of a Resource Mobilization Strategy to attract more contributors.

“Our work is just beginning,” Diong said. “The initial pledges are a good start, but we must now develop a concrete action plan to secure the substantial and additional funding required to fulfil our mandate.”

From planning to implementation

As the Fund enters a new phase, the FRLD Secretariat will focus on translating its boardroom decisions into concrete support for communities most affected by climate-related loss and damage.

Co-chairperson Jean Christophe Donnellier lauded the Board for its achievements and dedication, calling the Manila meeting a pivotal moment in advancing global climate solidarity.

“It’s been a privilege to serve the Fund over the last three years,” Donnellier said. “I recognize the tremendous effort that has brought us this far. I am convinced that the FRLD can make a meaningful difference for developing nations.”