The appraisal served two primary purposes. Firstly, it aimed to provide an independent assessment of the feasibility and implementation potential of the Local Adaptation to Climate Change (LACC) project, finalizing the Project Document (PD). This involved evaluating project relevance, implementation strategy, organizational structures, resource allocation, sustainability, and effectiveness in the given context. It also assessed the integration of cross-cutting objectives into the PD and addressed specific issues identified during the planning process, considering recommendations from the Quality Assurance Group of MFA Finland. Possible problem areas were pointed out, and workable solutions to the problems were presented. The Appraisal team collaborated with MFA and the Government of Nepal to make necessary PD revisions based on their decisions.
Secondly, the appraisal reviewed opportunities to broaden cooperation between Finland and Nepal beyond traditional development cooperation, particularly under Finland's Country Programme. This review contributed to the appraisal and finalization of the LACC PD, emphasizing practical proposals for the implementation strategy. The appraisal explored possibilities for cooperation in various sectors like natural resources management, WASH, climate solutions, green economy, circular economy, bio- and agro-technology, aiming to diversify cooperation modalities and partnerships involving the public and private sectors, academia, and civil society. The appraisal team presented comprehensive recommendations to support Team Finland's efforts, utilizing ODA instruments to assist Nepal's transition from Least Developed Country status by 2026 to a Lower Middle Income Country by 2030. This review aided Finland in supporting Nepal's graduation and navigating the post-graduation landscape to achieve its national sustainable development priorities. The relevant recommendations were translated into practical steps and activities to be included in the LACC PD, as applicable, taking into account the scope and modality of the Project.