Analysis of climate change risks should be followed by the identification of adaptation measures, with priority given to areas or sectors that require urgent actions. Possible adaptation measures will be selected and listed up for those priority areas and sectors . Following that, the actual measures to be incorporated into the adaptation plan will be selected based on certain evaluation criteria. Importantly, prioritization should be finalized through a consultative process, as adaptation measures have a direct impact on addressing local vulnerabilities. After prioritizing adaptation measures, they should be compiled into a plan with other relevant arrangements for implementation. Following these steps, adaptation plans should be developed as a document to promote adaptation measures using limited resources in an efficient manner.
Identifying Adaptation Measures
First, based on the assessment of climate risks, priority areas or sectors should be identified and a list of possible adaptation measures should be developed. While the actual measures will vary from country to country, adaptation measures from countries with similar geographic and socioeconomic conditions may be used as a reference. Then, those adaptation measures will go through a process of evaluation and prioritization. The process of designing and evaluating adaptation measures should involve, as much as possible, a participatory approach to co-create the plan with stakeholders.
- Selecting Priority Areas
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Once climate risks have been assessed, a country should decide which areas and sectors are to be addressed as part of climate change adaptation. Commonly addressed sectors include, but are not limited to, water resources management, food security, disaster prevention, coastal zone management, forest and ecosystem management, agriculture, and health. The need for adaptation should be considered based on urgency of the risks, severity of the risks, feasibility of measures and so on. Such criteria may vary in different countries. Once priority areas have been identified, possible adaptation measures should be listed for evaluation and selection.
- Evaluating Adaptation Measures
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In selecting adaptation measures, it is also necessary to go through the process of choosing the appropriate one among the possible adaptation measures. For example, no- or low-regret measures or cost-effective measures could be selected, depending on the situation. Economic, social, technological and environmental feasibility of such measures should be accounted for as well. Other factors to consider might include consistency with other national plans, such as development plans and nature conservation plans, as well as the strategic importance of adaptation measures.
Developing Adaptation Plan
Next comes the process of compiling all the selected adaptation measures into a single adaptation plan. The adaptation plan should be workable, and the contents of the plan should be well communicated to the relevant ministries and local governments. Tocal and indigenous communities, and the private sector might also have appropriate roles to play. The plan could give guidance on how to improve the institutional arrangements that support adaptation measures.
- Appraising adaptation measures
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In finalizing the adaptation measures to be included in the adaptation plan, it is desirable to have a consultation process with the stakeholders. In light of promoting locally-led adaptation, it is also a good idea to consult with local and indigenous communities and include adaptation measures that are needed by local residents. The adaptation measures selected through this process will be organized and compiled into a single plan, outlining the entities responsible for implementation, timing and steps of implementation, and other factors necessary to put it into action. The plan will serve as a guideline for the implementation of subsequent adaptation measures.
- Foundational Measures
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Adaptation plans should, as appropriate, also include foundational measures, which aim to improve institutional arrangements to plan and implement adaptation measures, as well as monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and any necessary follow-up actions. This can be considered as capacity building. For example, approaches to improve inadequacies in the institutional arrangements or responses to international trends and developments in the field of adaptation can be included in the plan. Additional measures such as further generation of relevant information, regular risk assessment updates, and outreach activities can be incorporated as appropriate.
Resources
Below is supplementary content that can be viewed on AP-PLAT to help you consider adaptation measures.
- Website
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INAS: Inspired by Nature-based Actions and Solutions:
“INAS” originates from the Japanese word inasu which means to proactively cope with disasters by making use of the natural environment. Showcasing good practices on NbS, this website is a source of inspiration for how communities can address various societal issues including climate change by being in harmony with nature.
- E-learning
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Nature-based Solutions for the local communities
This e-learning course on NbS is designed to help local officers in vulnerable countries learn how to integrate NbS into their policy/financing processes with respect to climate change adaptation, disaster risk management, and other issues.
- 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.
- 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.
- Finance & Implementation
- Identify key points, good practices, and useful examples for financing both in the planning and implementation phases of adaptation.
- 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.
