Knowledge development
The ADAPTS approach starts with gathering information on vulnerabilities of communities and the environment under current and future circumstances, identifying existing local initiatives to adapt to climate change, and analysing the institutional and policy context.
The expected impacts of long term developments in the region (including climate change, population growth, economic growth, and changes in land use) on the water availability and quality in a region are analysed. This involves translating global and regional climate models into local impact scenarios.
Also, participatory analyses are done to assess the vulnerabilities, initaitives, needs and priortities of the communities which are dependent on the water resources for their livelihoods. Often, the communities have already started to adapt to the changes that occur in their environment, and have specific ideas on what is needed.
ADAPTS aims to ensure that local communities and civil society organisations are actively involved in decision-making in water management and adaptation strategies. Therefore, relevant policies and policy processes related to climate change adaptation and management of the water resources in the region, as well as the institutions and stakeholders involved, are identified, and interested policy makers are involved in the process from the start.
The analyses are a joint effort of NGOs, local communities, scientists, experts and decision-makers. The activities not only raise awareness on climate change and adaptation, they also empower the actors involved to take an active role in developing effective adaptation stategies.
