COP29: German Government seeks trailblazing international projects on biodiversity and climate action

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) and the Federal Foreign Office launched the 2024 Thematic Call of the International Climate Initiative (IKI) at the Climate Change Conference in Baku. The IKI is looking for ambitious and innovative project ideas from around the world to combat the climate crisis and protect biodiversity in developing countries and emerging economies. The aim is to help partner countries reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change, enhance natural carbon sinks and protect biodiversity. Since 2022, the IKI has been implemented by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action in close cooperation with the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection and the Federal Foreign Office.

Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck said: "We need fair lead markets, role models, examples of successful implementation and, not least, a clear policy framework if we are to build low-carbon economies. Our International Climate Initiative supports our partner countries as they work in this direction and tackle the big challenges of our time together. The focus must be on mobilising private-sector investment in modern, climate-friendly, reliable infrastructure and forward-looking business models."

Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke commented: "The climate crisis and the biodiversity crisis are inextricably linked. That is why key agreements for closer integration of nature and climate action were already adopted in Colombia at the UN Biodiversity Conference in the run-up to the UN Climate Change Conference. This was an urgently necessary step. Peatlands, forests, seas and oceans and other vital ecosystems store vast amounts of carbon and are crucial to curbing global warming and halting biodiversity loss. Through the International Climate Initiative, we are showing that nature-based solutions have multiple benefits in the fight against biodiversity loss, in climate change adaptation and greenhouse gas reduction. In view of the huge need for investment, this is also economically smart. These projects create new sources of income, thereby sustainably improving the livelihoods of local communities."

Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated: "The climate crisis is the major security issue of our day and age. Many conflicts are already being negatively affected by the climate crisis: extreme heat, droughts and floods are exacerbating the fight for scarce resources. Data analysis shows that the effects of the climate crisis are aggravating many conflicts, and causing other new conflicts to arise. Climate protection is therefore also conflict prevention. With the International Climate Initiative, we are thus this year supporting innovative project ideas that encompass both climate adaptation and peace-promoting measures in order to support our partner countries, especially in African regions that are particularly affected by the climate crisis."

As in previous years, the IKI Thematic Call pools the specific competencies of the three ministries involved. This year’s priorities are designed to rigorously implement the IKI Strategy for the years to 2030, drawn up by the ministries. Accordingly, involving the private sector and mobilising private capital for climate action are at the forefront of the competition.

All in all, the BMWK, the BMUV and the Federal Foreign Office are making available a good 200 million euro for projects in nine priority areas.

The thematic priorities of the three IKI ministries are:

1. Promotion of cooperative approaches to the implementation of Art. 6: Removal activities and mobilisation of private capital [BMWK)
2. Building energy efficiency: Business models for scaling energy efficiency measures [BMWK]
3. Climate-friendly transport: Support of partner countries in the creation of foundations, strategies and specific approaches for climate action and the energy transition in transport [BMWK]
4. Scaling innovative financing solutions for the decarbonisation of energy-intensive industries [BMWK]
5. Development and implementation of innovative financing models and programmes for the sustainable conservation of primary forests and the restoration of semi-natural forests [BMUV]
6. Conservation, sustainable management and restoration of critical wetlands for biodiversity and climate action [BMUV]
7. From Blue Carbon to Blue Value – locally-led approaches for coastal marine ecosystem services [BMUV]
8. Building climate resilience through protecting vulnerable watersheds in South America [BMUV]
9. Enhancing climate resilience to prevent conflict and sustain peace [Federal Foreign Office]

Participation in the ideas competition is open to potential German and international grant recipients and to potential contractors (implementing organisations of the federal government). The participation of German and foreign businesses as part of the winning project consortia is expressly welcomed and is indeed required in two out of the nine priority areas. The funds are not intended to directly finance governmental agencies in the countries of implementation.

Project outlines may be submitted until 18 February 2025 (16:00 CET). All further information on the IKI Thematic Call can be found on the IKI website.