2 October 2014: The UNFCCC Secretariat has published a ‘Synthesis report on methods and tools for, and good practices and lessons learned relating to, adaptation planning processes addressing ecosystems, human settlements, water resources and health, and good practices and lessons learned related to processes and structures for linking national and local adaptation planning.’

The report synthesizes information contained in submissions from parties and Nairobi work programme (NWP) partner organizations on: available and implemented tools and methods for adaptation planning processes that address ecosystems, human settlements, water resources and health; good practices and lessons learned regarding planning processes, including monitoring and evaluation, in the four sectors; and good practices and lessons learned related to processes and structures for linking national and local adaptation planning.

The report concludes with a brief summary of the main elements common to the submissions, such as the importance of knowledge management systems. An annex contains examples of methods and tools for adaptation planning processes addressing the four sectors.

More specifically, the report looks at tools and methods for: assessing current and future vulnerability; and planning, identifying and appraising adaptation options. The submissions include a range of examples on developing and disseminating methods and tools, providing data and scenarios, and assessing impacts and vulnerability to determine whether and to what extent climate change will impact the four sectors. They also address lessons learned on facilitating the national adaptation plan (NAP) process.

The paper emphasizes: the need to develop a holistic approach to climate change response and development, and to integrate adaptation planning and practices across sectors; effective coordination and clarity on roles and responsibilities among ministries; the importance of partnerships and involving all stakeholders in adaptation planning processes; the importance of integrating adaptation planning into development and sector planning and implementation; and decision-making processes informed by local and scientific information.

The paper also concludes that understanding vulnerabilities, capacities and development priorities and aspirations of populations, and making climate information user-friendly and suitable to local conditions is important for achieving climate-resilient development. It points out that while some countries have institutional frameworks and processes in place for strengthening links between national and local adaptation planning, the provision of and/or direct access to funding could further strengthen such links, as could focusing on disaster risk reduction (DRR), integrating adaptation into sectoral and development planning processes of local governments, and undertaking the NAP process. [Synthesis Report on Methods and Tools for Adaptation Planning Processes]