This Project Preparation Facility (PPF) request aims to support the development of a full funding proposal under the Simplified Approval Process (SAP) for the project "Strengthening Climate Information Services and Impact-Based Early Warning Systems in Uruguay." The project seeks to reduce the impact of extreme hydrometeorological events by enhancing climate information services and end-to-end multi-hazard Early Warning Systems (EWS), with a particular focus on vulnerable populations affected by hydrological impacts and the agricultural and energy sectors.

This initiative is expected to improve the five pillars of quality climate information services in alignment with the Global Framework for Climate Services, as well as the four components of EWS: risk knowledge, hazard observation, monitoring, analysis and forecasting, warning dissemination and communication, and preparedness and response capacity. These objectives will be achieved through modernizing and expanding the hydro-meteorological network, optimizing forecasting models, and developing tools for more effective and sustainable risk management. The theory of change posits that high-quality climate information and effective early warning systems enable populations and productive sectors to better adapt to climate hazards and increase resilience against disaster risks.

PPF funding will be allocated to conduct all necessary field studies and research required to prepare a high- quality project funding proposal and its annexes. Specifically, GCF financing will be used to hire expert consultants to conduct technical studies essential for project design, validate the project proposal with key stakeholders, and compile the Full Proposal Package. This includes preparing the main funding proposal document and required annexes, such as environmental and social risk identification and management, gender assessment and action plan development, detailed budgeting, and ensuring efficient and effective implementation measures.

The PPF will also support the design of the National Climate Services Fund and review financial mechanism needs within the country. Furthermore, the PPF will assist in preparing an operational manual and addressing technical review comments from the GCF.

The total budget for the 16-month PPF process (considering review rounds from the GCF Secretariat and the Independent Technical Advisory Panel, ITAP) is estimated at USD 784,535 , with a funding request of USD 689,710 from GCF. Uruguay’s National Designated Authority (NDA) supports this request, recognizing the importance of the project’s technical and consultative design process. As the Accredited Entity, CND assumes responsibility for implementing all activities under this PPF.