Mainstreaming climate change in International Waters projects 1st Asia Pacific Regional Targeted Workshop for GEF IW Projects Bangkok, Thailand 27 – 28 September 2012 Jerker Tamelander, UNEP

Why this session? Commitment to improve standardization and harmonization of GEF methodological approaches Recognized need to mainstream climate impacts in GEF IW projects GEF IW projects have unique requirements; how can existing resources and guidance as well as ongoing project activities and approaches be leveraged? IW Learn output: Methodology/guidance to address climatic vulnerability & change impacts in shared water bodies

Vulnerability

Social-ecological vulnerability

What is climate change mainstreaming? Mainstreaming climate change is the iterative process of integrating considerations of climate change (impacts, vulnerability, adaptation) into existing processes and decision cycles. It requires a continuous effort and entails working with a range of actors.

1. Awareness raising 2. Pre-screening of climate risks and vulnerabilities 3. Detailed climate risk assessment 4. Identification of adaptation options 5. Prioritization and selection 6. Implementation of adaptation options 7. Monitoring and Evaluation

Requirements Climate information: - existing and new monitoring and assessment data; - modeling; - attention to coverage, resolution, quality; understanding uncertainties Socio-economic analyses of linkages between climate change, vulnerability, adaptation and development; Assessments of costs and benefits of climate change adaptation activities; Engagement of a broad range of stakeholders at all levels; A combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches; Capacity building and institutional strengthening; Existence and provision of technical support; Availability of resources.

Existing guidance Stocktaking report 2010 Climate change risk screening tools, risk analysis and assessment Guidance documents, manuals climate proofing and climate risk management, DRR Systematic portfolio screenings

WB: Mainstreaming Adaptation to Climate Change in Agriculture and Natural Resources Management Project

IW CC Mainstreaming Workshop “... to come up with concrete ways to incorporate CC considerations into SAP and/or IWRM planning processes…” “… to develop indicators that help measuring the adaptation benefits to be realised through project implementation.”  A set of indicators agreed that track progress of CC mainstreaming into strategic planning at the project/basin level and the portfolio/regional level;  A compendium of useful resource material.

Topics for discussion Is there a common understanding of what climate change mainstreaming is about; is there sufficient common terminology ? Is there common understanding of linked issues to consider, e.g. DRR? What experiences are there among IW projects, what has been done, at what stage, and using what methods (existing tool, ad hoc approaches…)? What are the unique needs of IW projects? Is IW-specific guidance needed; general principles and broad concepts or detailed guidelines? What issues requires particular attention in guidance to IW projects? E.g. stages of project cycle, defining common indicators, quality standards… What process is needed to develop and roll out CC mainstreaming guidance in the IW portfolio? Challenges for new and existing projects. Piloting, building capacity, collaboration across projects, twinning.