One of the most notable features of the support provided to LDCs under the UNFCCC process was the packaging of priorities for support into the LDC work programme in 2001. Furthermore, decisions were adopted to define the guidelines for the preparation of NAPAs, and an expert group (the LEG) was created to provide technical support to LDCs in the preparation of their NAPAs. In addition, the LDCF was created to provide a funding source to support the LDC work programme.

In 2001, given the unpredictability of the level of funding in the LDCF and before addressing other elements of the LDC work programme, priority was given to the preparation of NAPAs. In 2005, further prioritization took place after some NAPAs had been prepared, in order to support the implementation of those NAPAs.

The preparation of NAPAs has provided valuable experience to the climate change process. In many LDCs, this was the first opportunity to undertake various climate change related studies and to align adaptation projects with national development priorities. Furthermore, the participatory approach and consultations conducted during the NAPA preparation process were a key mechanism for interaction with vulnerable communities and allowed for a better understanding of vulnerability issues related to climate change and development.

The NAPA preparation process also improved the level of awareness and capacity at the national and community levels; this increased capacity has benefited other processes, including the preparation of national communications, and the awareness of the importance of climate change has been raised at the policymaking level.

In many LDCs, the NAPA has become a strategic document that is used not only to raise awareness but also to mobilize resources at the national and international levels on adaptation issues. The LDCs view the NAPA process as a tangible outcome of the UNFCCC process that directly benefits their country and, for many, it forms the cornerstone of their climate change activities at the national level.

Most LDCs under the Convention have completed their NAPAs (as of September 2011, 46 NAPAs had been submitted) and some are already undertaking a review to incorporate new information into the revision and update of their NAPA and other related plans. As of May 2011, 43 countries had submitted at least one project under the LDCF and 28 projects had been endorsed by the CEO of the GEF.