Adaptation knowledge needs and response under the UNFCCC process Adaptation Knowledge Day V Session 1: Knowledge Gaps Bonn, Germany 09 June 2014 Rojina Manandhar, UNFCCC

Institutional structure to support work on adaptation under the Convention

Evolving adaptation discourse under the Convention

Overview of knowledge needs Assess impacts, vulnerability and risks Monitor and evaluate adaptation Implement adaptation measures Plan for adaptation

Overview of knowledge needs Assess impacts, vulnerability and risks Monitor and evaluate adaptation Implement adaptation measures Plan for adaptation Nairobi Work Programme (workshops, meetings, technical papers) LDC Expert Group reports National Communications Implement adaptation measures

Knowledge needs identified under the UNFCCC Assess impacts, vulnerability and risks Identifying available information on climate change impacts, vulnerability and adaptation Awareness about the types of data and data availability and needs (NWP); Lack of data available to meet the demands of the methodologies for these assessments (either not present (uncollected), inaccessible or inappropriate) (NCs); Approaches, processes and options for data analysis, management and visualization in support of the NAP process (LEG). Scientific research How ecosystems connect the well-being of natural and human systems and how climate change affects these interactions (NWP); Addressing key vulnerabilities (water, forest protection, etc.) (NCs); Analysis of climate data and the development and application of climate change scenarios in assessing climate change risks at the national, sectoral and local levels (LEG); Design of research and systematic observations for adaptation planning (LEG). Assessing climate vulnerabilities Need for more work to be carried out on integrated assessments, socio- economic assessments, identification of adaptation options and costing implications (timing, magnitude, nature, ecosystem adaptation, community adaptation) (NCs); Best available knowledge on impacts, vulnerabilities and adaptation options (LEG); Shortlists of recommended data, methods and tools for risk, vulnerability and adaptation assessment (LEG).

Knowledge needs identified under the UNFCCC Plan for adaptation Identifying adaptation options at the sector, subnational, national and other appropriate levels Insufficient information on good practices and experiences on economic diversification (NWP); Access to good practices with limited human resources, tools, information, and high costs(NCs); Best practices and lessons learned in the various stages of the NAP process, including at the regional level (LEG). Appraisal of adaptation options and ranking (LEG) Implement adaptation Prioritizing climate change adaptation in national planning Cost benefit assessment of adaptation options Need to perform economic analysis for demonstrating the value of adaptation needs to policymakers (NWP); Integrating costs of inaction or delay (poverty, economic growth, food, water, energy, livelihood security), and resource mobilization for financing (NCs); Monitor and evaluate adaptation actions Lack of indicators and absence of long-term monitoring (NWP); Improving evaluation of the effectiveness, based on proper benchmarks and designed to generate evidence-based assessment (NCs); Design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation systems for adaptation at multiple levels (LEG).

Needs on ACCESS to KNOWLEDGE Promoting coordination and synergy at the regional level (Regional collaboration and networking) key role of regional centers through exchange of experiences on region specific scenarios and solutions; regionally relevant climate scenarios (e.g. by facilitating collaboration); systems to promote two-way flow of knowledge between regional networks and countries; mechanism to raise the profile of networks and cooperative initiatives; improved South-south collaboration (e.g. by establishing champions for different initiatives to promote learning). Policy practice interface enhanced dialogue between policymakers and the private sector; increase of the relevancy of information and guidance from policy to community level; understanding existing policies and assessment with the view to amend/design new policies and legislation. Communicating information and uncertainty to decision makers and policymakers Platform to share views and feedback platforms on methods and tools, scenario products; improved programs for formal and non-formal education, training and public awareness; engagement of all key stakeholders (e.g. multi-stakeholder advisory committees). improved websites and clearing houses for provision of information; Dissemination of knowledge and information compilations, synthesis and exchange of guidelines/best practices; engagement of regional networks; improved access of local communities to practical information; linkages between data providers and users.

Possible ways to respond to knowledge needs

Thank you!