• ADA
  • Activities
  • Sustainable development

The Agricultural Development Agency (ADA) holds a strategic position within the international climate finance framework through its accreditation with climate funds. ADA was accredited as a National Implementing Entity by the Adaptation Fund (AF) in 2012 and subsequently as a Direct Access Entity by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) in 2016.
These accreditations provide ADA with direct access to climate finance resources to support sustainable development projects for the benefit of the vulnerable populations, particularly within the agricultural sector and at the national level. Up to date, ADA has mobilized approximately MAD 475 million in grant financing.

  • The Climate Changes Adaptation Project in Oasis Zones (PACCZO) with a budget of USD 10 million ;
  • Development of arganiculture orchards in degraded environment (DARED) with a total budget of USD 49.2 million, including USD 39.3 million in grant financing.

What does this accreditation consist of?

ADA’s accreditations enable the Agency to directly access financial resources from the Adaptation Fund and the Green Climate Fund, thereby strengthening national ownership of climate projects and reinforcing its strategic role in mobilizing resources for agricultural adaptation, sustainable natural resource management, and Morocco’s contribution to international climate and sustainable development commitments.

What is the Adaptation Fund (FA) ?
  • Established in 2001 under the Kyoto Protocol and operational since 2007;
  • Finances concrete projects and programs for enhancing the resilience of vulnerable populations, ecosystems, and the most vulnerable sectors to climate change impacts;
  • Its main specification is the Direct Access mechanism, which allows accredited entities to directly access and manages climate finance without the involvement of multilateral intermediaries.
What is the Green Climate Fund (GCF) ?
  • Established in 2010 during COP16 in Cancun and operational since 2015;
  • The principal multilateral financing mechanism dedicated to supporting climate adaptation and mitigation actions in developing countries;
  • Ensures a balanced allocation between adaptation and mitigation, with 50% of its resources devoted to adaptation, half of which is prioritized for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and African countries.
ADA’s Role as an Accredited Entity

As an Accredited Entity to the Green Climate Fund, ADA ensures the following functions in collaboration with the executing entities:

  • Supporting project proponents in the preparation of Concept Notes (CNs) and Funding Proposals (FPs);
  • Providing technical assistance and guidance to executing entities during the implementation of approved GCF-funded projects;
  • Monitoring project implementation and ensuring compliance with the signed agreements between the Green Climate Fund and ADA, as well as between ADA and the concerned executing entities.

Direct access to climate finance

Comment y accéder ?

Eligibility

Eligibility

Developing countries that are Parties to both the Kyoto Protocol and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Direct Access

Direct Access

Access is provided through an Accredited National Entity (such as ADA), as well as through regional and international accredited entities.

Submission Process

Submission Process
Learn more
Project Size
  • Adaptation Fund (AF): up to USD 25 million per country;
  • Green Climate Fund (GCF): up to USD 50 million per project.
Types of eligible projects for climate finance
Adaptation Fund (AF) :

The Adaptation Fund finances concrete adaptation projects, particularly in the following areas:

  • Sustainable water resources management;
  • Flood and drought risk reduction;
  • Restoration of degraded ecosystems;
  • Climate-resilient agriculture;
  • Combating desertification;
  • Strengthening early warning systems;
  • Institutional capacity building for climate adaptation.
Green Climate Fund (GCF) :

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) finances climate action through two complementary strategic result areas:

  • Adaptation, by supporting projects and programmes that enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities, ecosystems, and economic sectors to the adverse impacts of climate change;
  • Mitigation, by financing interventions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions across key sectors, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transport, waste management, and forestry.

The GCF also supports integrated projects and programmes that deliver both adaptation and mitigation outcomes, thereby maximizing climate benefits and promoting sustainable development.

Key stakeholders

What is an Accredited Entity?

An Accredited Entity is a national, regional, or international organization officially accredited by the Green Climate Fund and/or the Adaptation Fund to manage climate finance and oversee the implementation of climate projects at the national level.
In Morocco, ADA serves as a National Accredited Entity.

What is the National Designated Authority (NDA)?

The National Designated Authority (NDA) serves as the national focal point for climate funds and plays a central role in climate project governance by:

  • Ensuring alignment with national priorities;
  • Issuing the mandatory No-Objection Letter required for project submission;
  • Facilitating coordination among national stakeholders.

In Morocco, this function is performed by the Department of Sustainable Development.

What is an Executing Entity?

The Executing Entity is the organization responsible for implementing climate project activities on the ground for the benefit of the target populations.
It operates under the supervision of an Accredited Entity and signs an agreement defining the responsibilities, resources, and obligations of each party.
While the Accredited Entity remains accountable to the climate fund, the Executing Entity is responsible for the technical and operational implementation of the project and does not maintain a direct contractual relationship with the funding institution.