At the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) today, the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) opened its first call for funding under the Barbados Implementation Modalities (BIM). The move marks the Fund’s shift from planning to action, allowing developing countries to access aid for climate-related losses.
An initial $250 million has been earmarked to help countries tackle both economic and non-economic impacts from slow-onset and extreme climate events. The Fund emphasizes country-led, bottom-up approaches to ensure support addresses local needs.
“This call signals to developing countries that support is now available,” said FRLD co-chair Richard Sherman, thanking stakeholders whose experiences shaped the BIM.
COP30, dubbed the “implementation and action COP,” offered a platform to explain the funding process, criteria, and timelines, with the call set to remain open for six months starting 15 December 2025.
“The first grants aim to test and refine our model while using existing accredited entities to speed up delivery,” said co-chair Jean-Christophe Donnellier.
The FRLD has progressed from agreement at COP27 (2023) to formal establishment at COP28 (2024), now culminating in this first funding opportunity. The pilot BIM phase will also provide lessons to guide the Fund’s long-term operations.
Executive director Ibrahima Cheikh Diong highlighted the need for more resources, noting the scale of climate-induced loss far exceeds initial funding, and committed to ongoing efforts to mobilize additional support.
