The mandate of the LEG was extended at COP 16 for a period of five years (2011-2015). The LEG is mandated as follows ( Decision 29/CP.7, Decision 4/CP.11, Decision 8/CP.13, Decision 6/CP.16):

(a) To provide technical guidance and advice on [preparation] including the identification of possible sources of data and its subsequent application and interpretation, upon request by LDC Parties;

(b) To provide technical guidance and advice on the preparation and on the implementation strategy of NAPAs, including the identification of possible sources of data and its subsequent application and interpretation, upon request by LDC Parties;

(c) To develop a work programme that includes implementation of NAPAs;

(d) To serve in an advisory capacity to the LDCs, for the preparation and strategy for implementation of NAPAs through, inter alia, workshops, upon request by LDC Parties;

(e) To advise on capacity-building needs for the preparation and implementation of NAPAs and to provide recommendations, as appropriate, taking into account the Capacity Development Initiative of the Global Environment Facility and other relevant capacity-building initiatives;

(f) To facilitate the exchange of information and to promote regional synergies, and synergies with other multilateral environment conventions, in the preparation and in the implementation strategy of NAPAs;

(g) To advise on the mainstreaming of NAPAs into regular development planning in the context of national strategies for sustainable development;

(h) To develop a work programme that takes into account the Nairobi work programme;

(i) To provide technical guidance and advice on the revision and update of NAPAs to further improve their quality, to facilitate integration of adaptation actions of LDCs into development planning and to reflect increased adaptation knowledge and changed priorities in the countries, upon request by LDCs;

(j) To provide technical guidance and advice on the identification of medium-and long-term adaptation needs, their integration into development planning and the implementation of identified adaptation activities;

(k) To provide technical guidance and advice on strengthening gender-related considerations and considerations regarding vulnerable communities within LDC Parties;

(l) To provide technical guidance and advice on the implementation of the elements of the LDC work programme other than the preparation and implementation of NAPA that are relevant to the expertise of the LEG.

In addition, by its decision 5/CP.17, paragraphs 13 – 17, the COP requested the LEG:

(m) To provide technical guidance and support to the national adaptation plan process, as appropriate;

(n)  To prioritize support for the formulation and implementation of national adaptation plans in carrying out its mandate to support the identification and implementation of medium- and long-term adaptation in least developed countries;

(o) To prepare technical guidelines for the national adaptation plan process, based on the initial guidelines, included in the annex to this decision;

(p) To arrange a review of the above-mentioned technical guidelines and to identify support needs for the process of formulation and implementation of the national adaptation plans;

(q) To invite the Adaptation Committee and other relevant bodies under the Convention to contribute to its work in support of the national adaptation plan process; and to report, as appropriate.