Norwegian aid supports sustainable solutions for climate, food, environment, and energy

Norwegian aid supports conservation and sustainable use of natural resources

Norwegian aid contributes to the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources by supporting local communities, business development, and efforts to combat environmental crime. Funding is directed towards strengthening environmental management, implementing local biodiversity plans and developing green jobs.

Within the energy sector, Norway supports a range of initiatives that improve access to energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen climate adaptation. Norway also promotes the development of renewable energy such as solar, wind and hydropower. Norwegian assistance also plays a part in mobilising private capital for the green transition.

Through the Climate and Forest Initiative (NICFI) and sustainable ocean management efforts, Norway finances measures that reduce deforestation, protect marine ecosystems, and promote sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.

Part of the aid is also directed towards innovation. For example, Norad supports FSD Africa, which helps develop new ways to finance climate adaptation in African countries. Instead of traditional project support, the aim is to create new financial tools, so that more private capital can be channelled into climate adaptation, nature-based solutions and green jobs.

Geographic focus of climate, food, environment, and energy aid

Norwegian aid to nature, ecosystems and climate has a global reach. Support for forests is primarily directed towards tropical forest countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America through the Climate and Forest Initiative. Projects to protect biodiversity are funded in countries such as Indonesia, Brazil, Peru, Guyana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Colombia, in partnership with major environmental funds and civil society organisations.

Norad’s energy assistance focuses primarily on Sub-Saharan Africa and supports collaborations with development banks, Norwegian , and private companies, among others.

Aid aimed at promoting sustainable food systems and strengthen food security is mainly provided to countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

A more strategic Norwegian aid 

Norway’s assistance for nature, ecosystems and climate is organised into five portfolios: Oceans, Clean Energy, Forests, Nature and Climate and Food Systems. Portfolio management ensures a knowledge-based and strategic use of Norwegian aid resources to achieve the objectives of the development policy.

Read more about how Norad works with portfolio management.