The Santiago Network for Loss and Damage is an association of various international organizations, networks, initiatives, and institutions aiming to address and combat losses and damages caused by climate change. It was established in 2019 at COP25 within the framework of the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage, with the objective of catalyzing technical support for addressing climate impacts in particularly affected developing countries (Decision 2/CMA.2). The goal is to assist vulnerable countries in identifying their needs for technical assistance to cope with losses and damages. Also, countries are encouraged to engage with relevant institutions within the network that can provide such assistance.
However, there are still many questions regarding the specific structure of the network and how it will work. At COP27, in Decision 19/CMA.3, parties defined some of its functions. In addition to reaffirming the existing mandate, this decision introduced the idea that the new network should facilitate and catalyze “collaboration, coordination, coherence, and synergies.” This includes accelerating members’ actions and sharing knowledge and information on the prevention, minimization, and management of losses and damages. As the intensifying climate crisis makes losses and damages an increasingly pressing concern, many stakeholders hope that the Santiago Network will commence its work after COP28 and provide support to the most affected countries.
