As the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) celebrates 39 years of its conservation journey, it marks a defining moment in its history being accredited as the 39th National Implementing Entity (NIE) by the Adaptation Fund.

Adaptation Fund has officially accredited RSPN as its 39th National Implementing Entity (NIE)  under the Direct Access modality. This landmark recognition strengthens Bhutan’s capacity to directly access and manage international climate finance, further empowering locally led climate adaptation and resilience efforts across the country.The milestone represents a defining moment for Bhutan, opening new pathways to scale up community-driven climate solutions and resilience-building initiatives nationwide.

With this achievement, Bhutan makes history as the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to have two accredited NIEs, alongside the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation (BTFEC). Bhutan also becomes the third country globally after Kenya and Senegal to have two NIEs accredited under the Adaptation Fund framework. This milestone injects renewed momentum into Bhutan’s climate action journey, significantly strengthening national systems to design and deliver impactful adaptation projects in response to emerging and escalating climate risks. The achievement is the result of strong collaboration between RSPN, the Adaptation Fund, and the Royal Government of Bhutan, supported by the dedicated efforts of the RSPN team and partners working at the forefront of conservation and climate resilience.

“This accreditation marks an important step in advancing Bhutan’s climate resilience and national priorities,” said Mr.Wangchuk Namgay, Director, Department of Program Coordination and Climate Change at RSPN. “This achievement reflects the dedication of our team and the strong support of the AF and the Royal Government of Bhutan. We are committed to delivering impactful, community-driven adaptation solutions.”

“This milestone reflects the strength of the direct access approach and the role of strong national institutions in leading climate action,” said Mikko Ollikainen, Head of the Adaptation Fund. “Having two NIEs in Bhutan further strengthens their national capacity in adaptation. RSPN’s commitment throughout a rigorous accreditation process shows true country ownership, and we are pleased to welcome them to the Adaptation Fund community. We are also pleased to see new NIEs accessing resources through the Fund’s streamlined accreditation process, which creates important opportunities for smaller states that may otherwise face barriers to accessing climate finance.” Source- Adaptation Fund’s website

RSPN extends its sincere gratitude to the Adaptation Fund for its trust, guidance, and partnership. This recognition further strengthens Bhutan’s commitment to advancing locally led, community-driven climate adaptation and enhancing resilience on the ground. Looking ahead, RSPN remains committed to working closely with partners to translate climate finance into meaningful impact for ecosystems and communities, ensuring long-term benefits for future generations.

RSPN also expresses its sincere appreciation to the Designated Authority, Ministry of Finance, Royal Government of Bhutan, for its continued guidance and support throughout the accreditation process.

Click here to read the official announcement from the Adaptation Fund- https://sl1nk.com/mzxfh3a