The vision of the Santiago Network is to catalyze the technical assistance of relevant organizations, bodies, networks and experts, for the implementation of relevant approaches for averting, minizine and addressing L&D at the local, national and regional level, in developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change (Decision 2/CMA.2, para 43).

The network connects vulnerable developing countries with providers of technical assistance, knowledge, resources they need to address climate risks comprehensively in the context of averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage.

Approaches to cooperation, facilitation and implementation for averting, minimizing and addressing can take into account:

• Current impacts as well as short-, medium- and long-term risks, of climate change;
   
• A range of hydro-meteorological hazards, climate variabilities, extreme weather events, slow onset events;
   
• Diverse types of losses – income losses, physical assets, non-economic losses;
   
• A range of comprehensive risk management approaches – assessing, reducing and retaining the risks, mobility options, pooling for risk financing, measures for emergency preparedness, social protection, recovery and rehabilitation, transformation.

   

The Santiago Network will draw on experience and expertise globally to catalyze technical assistance to the complex challenges vulnerable countries face in implementing approaches to address loss and damage in a coherent manner. The network will be convened and coordinated by the UNFCCC Secretariat, who will announce the call for technical assistance, and guide developing countries for matching and addressing their support needs.

The initial focus of establishment of the Network will be identifying needs and service providers. Further information on the launching of the Network will follow soon.