Asia-Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Information Platform (AP-PLAT)

Institutional arrangements provide a basis for the process to develop adaptation plans. Such arrangements entail setting up institutions for designing and implementing adaptation measures, so as to enable continuous and flexible promotion of adaptation measures. An appropriate institution should be designated or established with a mandate to lead the planning and implementation of adaptation measures, as well as having the necessary authority and resources. It is important to clarify specific roles and mandates in terms of relevant laws and policies for more effective implementation. Lastly, it should have coordination mechanisms with relevant actors. It is important to note that the ideal model for institutional arrangements varies from one country to another and should be designed to fit the individual circumstances in each country.

Laying the groundwork

Climate change effects are diverse and complex, with impacts that are felt differently depending on local contexts. Therefore, it is not realistic to have a single central committee which designs the entire climate change adaptation plan. Instead, appropriate arrangements for coordination and integrated responses should be put in place to address such complex issues. Commonly needed elements include, but are not limited to, collaboration with relevant ministries and agencies, cooperation with local governments, and a mechanism that generates and makes use of scientific knowledge.

Cooperation and collaboration with related ministries and agencies: Institutional arrangements should include a mechanism to enable effective cooperation among relevant ministries and agencies. To this end, it is imperative to make sure that they have a good understanding of what challenges their respective sectors will face due to climate change. For example, adapting to climate change will affect the height of levees or will have an influence on how agricultural policies are promoted. Once the relevant ministries have a better and more specific image of how different sectors are affected by climate change, then they are in a better position to effectively cooperate. In addition, if the ministries are working separately, they may miss opportunities for synergistic initiatives. To fill this gap, climate change officials from various ministries should meet periodically to gain a common understanding on climate risks, share their efforts to develop strategies for synergistic initiatives, and cooperate in monitoring and evaluation processes.
Cooperation and collaboration with local governments: Since the effects of climate change will be felt at the local level, cooperation with local governments is essential for a nuanced response. For example, in disaster management, it is often more effective for local governments to take on the roles of activating early warning systems and facilitating the evacuation of local residents. It is also necessary to promote horizontal linkages among local governments. For example, in implementing adaptation measures for rivers that flow across multiple municipalities, a forum for horizontal coordination is necessary. One way to do this would be to establish a system for regular consultation with local governments, to provide an opportunity to develop their own initiatives on adaptation.
Mechanism for generating and utilizing scientific knowledge: Effective adaptation actions need to be backed by scientific knowledge. Scientific knowledge is not limited to climate risk analysis, but also includes analysis of economic and social conditions for adaptation measures. Such information can be used to determine the types of adaptation measures that will be more effective in a given context. Governments must establish a system to ensure that scientific findings are appropriately reflected in adaptation measures. Furthermore, such scientific knowledge is often lacking in developing countries, and initially they tend to rely on technical assistance from developed countries. However, as a mid- to long-term challenge, appropriate investment in research institutes should be considered to establish a system that can generate the necessary scientific information in each country.

Stakeholder Engagement

By establishing a framework for collaboration with relevant ministries and agencies, as well as with local governments, institutional arrangements can first be put in place as a basis for implementation of adaptation measures. However, this is still not enough. In order to plan and implement more comprehensive and inclusive adaptation measures, a wider range of stakeholders must be included. This section discusses the inclusion of local and indigenous communities and collaboration with the private sector as typical examples.

Inclusion of local and indigenous communities: Working with local governments in developing adaptation measures is essential. However, this alone does not mean that local communities have been adequately included in the process of adaptation. It is the local and indegenous communities that will be most affected by impacts of climate change. From the perspective of locally-led adaptation, it is important to take a participatory approach in order to better understand the needs and gaps of such people, as well as their preference on ideal adaptation options. Moreover, local and indegenous knowledge is indispensable for designing adaptation strategies, and active participation by these communities in the adaptation process should be encouraged. It is desirable to consult with them and seek their cooperation as necessary in the implementation phase of adaptation measures as well.
Collaboration with the private sector: Adaptation measures should not be the sole responsibility of national governments or public administration. Businesses also need to play an important part. Not only do companies need to respond to climate risks, but they have the technology and knowledge necessary to facilitate adaptation. For example, firms with high engineering skills will be essential in implementing levee construction. Companies with large stores or supermarkets may be able to open them up as evacuation centers in the event of a disaster emergency. As such, involving businesses can be essential to implement, and improve, adaptive measures. Businesses, as part of local communities, should make use of their experience and lead initiatives on adaptation.

CHECKLIST

NAP PROCESS UNDER THE UN FRAMEWORK: Understand why adaptation planning is necessary in the long run to implement the Paris Agreement. Learn about the latest trends in international adaptation negotiations and support systems for NAP formulation under the UN bodies.; See More

STATUS OF ADAPTATION IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC: What adaptation plans are being developed in the Asia-Pacific? Learn some of the most distinctive features and best practices, and find the latest information on adaptation plans being carried out by your neighboring countries or countries facing similar challenges.; See More

Finance & Implementation: Identify key points, good practices, and useful examples for financing both in the planning and implementation phases of adaptation.; See More

Monitoring & Evaluation: Once adaptation measures are implemented, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) is conducted to track and evaluate the effectiveness of adaptation measures. Find useful resources including the latest discussions and good practices here.; See More

INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT

Laying the groundwork

Stakeholder Engagement