In the development field there’s a growing consensus that foreign assistance must be driven by local leadership. This principle, known as “localization,” advocates for making aid efforts more locally led and responsive. Despite its broad support among funders, policymakers, and international organizations, translating this theory into practice remains a challenge. As Oxfam’s report, Funding the Localization Agenda, notes, while USAID has made progress to localize assistance, this progress has been slow and well below the Agency’s internal targets.

As a community of practice, we must do better, especially if we are to effectively address the climate crisis. NGOs and funders need to become more comfortable working with groups that are less formal and more dispersed, adapting their funding mechanism to meet the operation and programmatic needs of these groups.

Oxfam’s experience with Localization

Localization in climate action means recognizing and amplifying the expertise and experiences of communities affected by environmental changes. These are communities that live on the front lines of the climate crisis—preserving forests, water bodies, and natural ecosystems. By respecting their knowledge and leadership, development efforts will become more practical and grounded in real-world solutions.

In 2021, supported by the Ford Foundation, Oxfam embarked on an effort to elevate the voices of Indigenous and traditional communities in climate spaces. Our initiative aimed to bring their narratives to national and global platforms through innovative communication strategies and locally crafted advocacy agendas. Three years later, we’ve gathered valuable insights into the benefits and complexities of localizing climate advocacy. Our lessons are not new, but they do bear witness to the importance of local partnerships for identifying workable solutions, rather than focusing on overly technical fixes that are further sidelining those most affected by the climate crisis.

Prioritize Local Knowledge

Localization for climate action requires valuing the perspectives of local environmental champions. Our approach involved investing in small civil society organizations deeply rooted in their communities. These organizations—often led by Indigenous women and youth—are already engaged in resistance against land dispossession, pollution, and the adverse effects of climate change. They know what needs to be done. Through targeted support, these groups refined their messages, offered alternative perspectives to mainstream climate discussions, and crafted influencing strategies grounded in practicality.

Meet Organizations Where They Are

Small local organizations often struggle with power imbalances and resource constraints. Effective support begins with addressing their basic needs—such as access to the internet, computers, and communication tools. For climate communications, this means bridging gaps in skills related to photography, journalism, and social media. Rather than carrying out standard trainings, support must focus on bridging their existing capacities and working through concepts and methodologies that resonate with their unique world views. In our project, we co- designed support activities and incorporated concepts of ecofeminism, nature as a rights holder, and the concept of buen vivir as the main lenses for analyzing demands and drafting influencing agendas.

Weave Global Connections

The role of international organizations in localization must evolve from mere funders and trainers to active connectors and facilitators. This involves helping local organizations build their own networks and serve as reference points within them. Funders should step back from their own interests and instead leverage their recognition to make space for local voices. Our project connected organizations with each other and with academics, journalists, radio stations, and environmental movements. We used Oxfam’s convening power as an international organization to aggregate local campaign efforts into larger messaging platforms, creating connections with national influencers and media outlets. Collaborations with global news outlets like Mongabay further amplified local narratives, ensuring they resonated with international audiences.

Redefine Risk

Localization involves rethinking how we perceive and manage risk. Traditional partnerships understand risks in terms of compliance and accountability, yet as we encourage local activists to take center stage on national and international climate spaces, we must above all manage risks to their safety and security. Ensuring continuous communication with local leaders, providing support for security measures, and advocating for the protection of civic spaces must all be seen as crucial components of risk management and responsible programming.

The fight against climate change requires a shift in how the international community approaches partnerships and crafts advocacy agendas. Embracing local leadership and enhancing its effectiveness will guarantee that the demands put forth by front line communities are heard and valued. Only then will we adequately address the climate crisis and create a more sustainable future.