Climate Change Vulnerability, Impact and AdaptationAnalysis Methodological Framework:

Lessons from Latin America and the Caribbean

Andrea Sabelli UNEP

Adaptation Futures ConferenceFortaleza, Brazil May 12th 2014

Context: REGATTAContext: REGATTA

AdaptationObjectives:

1. Strengthen climate resilience of human and ecological systems in the LAC region

2. Strengthen the capacity of local institutions3. Facilitate mainstreaming adaptation into policy and

planning

Financed by:

Implemented by:

United Nations Environmental Programme Regional Office for Latin American and the Caribbean (2011-2015)

Regional Gateway for Technology Transfer andClimate Change Action

Strengthen the exchange of knowledge on climate change mitigation and adaptation

Based on the 1st Round Table meeting (May 2011) 31 country representatives, 10 NGOs, 4 Agencies

Lack of local scientifically-based information on climate change impact and vulnerability

Identify relevant and feasible adaptation strategies

Sectors of priority: agriculture and water

REGATTA: Why Conduct a VIA?REGATTA: Why Conduct a VIA?

REGATTA VIA Methodological Framework REGATTA VIA Methodological Framework

Sub-Region Start/End Dates Knowledge-Sharing Centre

Gran Chaco: Argentina, Bolivia & Paraguay

April 01, 2012-April 01, 2014

Andes: Colombia , Peru & Ecuador

June 01, 2012- April 01, 2014

Watersheds in Central America

April 2013-August 2014

Caribbean: Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica & Haiti

October 2013-Decemeber 2014

Moving from Theory to PracticeMoving from Theory to Practice

Challenge: Participation Challenge: Participation

Giradot, Colombia August, 2013 Buenos Aires, Argentina Sep. 2013

1 National Government

32 Departments

1101 Municipalities

1 National Government

7 Regions

24 Provinces

226 cantons

1500 Parishes

1 National Government

24 Departments

195 Provinces

1834 Districts

Challenge: Scale and Format of DataChallenge: Scale and Format of Data

Challenge: Lack of Methods and Data for Challenge: Lack of Methods and Data for Assessing Ecosystem ServicesAssessing Ecosystem Services

Andes Approach

Biodiversity and ecosystem services

Threats from Climate Change

Impact

Habitat and provision of food services

Loss and migration of species

Medium

Water resources, regulation of flows and floods

Reduced water availability, drought, flooding, expansion of the agriculture frontier, changes in precipitation patterns and prolonged rains

High

Chaco Approach

Municipalities most Exposed to Climate Change and Adaptive Capacity

Indicators in Ecuador

Climate Change Vulnerability in the Gran Chaco Americano (2031-2040

Challenge: Integration of the ResultsChallenge: Integration of the Results

Using the ResultsUsing the Results

• Policy Briefs prepared and presented to each country• Webinars, social media, conferences and meetings • National Adaptation Plan for the Agriculture Sector (Colombia)• Project proposals (Paraguay)• Preparation of the UNFCCC National Communications Report

(Argentina and Paraguay)

Breakfast Meeting, Lima Peru 2014

REGATTA Community of Practice

Remaining ChallengesRemaining Challenges

• Even when stakeholders participate questions remain as to whether and how adaptation recommendations are mainstreamed into policy and practice

• Urgent need for adaptation • Trade-offs between the amount of time and budget

spent on VIA and Adaptation Action

Lessons LearnedLessons Learned

•There is no “recipe” for VIA •Methodology depends on data, resources and time •Having a common methodological framework is valuable as a tool to maneuver through the various components of a VIA•Establish an inter-disciplinary team and ensure strong communication and coordination•Process should be iterative and flexible to incorporate new tools and approaches•Ensure adequate resources for communication and distribution of the study results using various channels