National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy

ADB TA 7326-SRI

Primary Goals

• Support Government initiative to bring focus on the need for adaptation to climate change

• Help safeguard Sri Lanka’s development trajectory from impacts of climate change

• Move stakeholders towards adaptation project development/investment footing

• Exploit potential to capture concessional funding sources

Primary Output

• Develop a comprehensive National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy– A prioritized framework for action– Based on national development priorities– The basis for mobilizing resources – Move the nation towards a climate change resilient

future

Guiding Principles:

• Pragmatic solutions, in line with national development agenda– Mahinda Chinthana – National Physical Planning Policy and Plan– National Environment Policy– Haritha Lanka Programme

• Harness the wealth of expertise and knowledge already available– Participatory process that engages key stakeholder

groups

Guiding Principles:

• Initiate process to mobilize significant investments– Elevate thinking above a mere advocacy agenda– Mobilize resources to support and sustain

development

• Mobilize people/institutions – Stimulate stakeholder interest and initiative

Why Adapt?

Aggressive Development Targets

• Unprecedented scale of investment expected in

next few years: – Rs. 600 billion on human settlements;Rs. 150 billion

on urban development;Rs. 160 billion on roads and railways;Over Rs. 120 billion on irrigation and drinking water schemes;2.5 million tourists and 35,000 hotel rooms.

– However climate change considerations are currently NOT included in development / investment planning in Sri Lanka.

The Results

The Strategy Development Process

Key Steps in the Adaptation Strategy Development Process

• Develop Sector Vulnerability Profiles for key sectors

• Identify key strategic thrusts

• Identify and prioritize strategic investments for climate change adaptation

• Engage with broad range of stakeholders throughout entire process

Recurrent Themes During Consultations

• Climate change-related risks aggravate existing development disparities and problems.

• Problems are rarely isolated clearly within one sector—cross sectoral linkages are common

• A multidisciplinary approach is critical.

• Integrated solutions straddling multiple sectors are needed to address key concerns.

From SVPs to Strategy

Establishing the Strategy Framework

NCCAS Positioning

• NCCAS must support and mirror the country’s development trajectory

• Rational and constructive interventions to ensure long-term sustainability

• Prevention is better than cure

The Strategy

Originated from analysis of vulnerability-SVPs Framework established and internally endorsed

Framework circulated for commentThematic areas and interventions identified and

prioritized through consultations Draft refined through further consultations

Final draft circulated for commentAdaptation project concept notes collected

Structure of the Strategy

• Strategic Thrusts– Thematic Areas

• Priority Adaptation Measures

• IEC Strategy

• Adaptation Project Pipeline

Strategic Thrust #1:

Mainstream Climate Change Adaptation into

National Planning and Development

Thrust 1: Thematic Areas

A. Strengthen national level climate-adaptation planning and implementation capacity

B. Ensure future investments/economic plans are climate resilient

C. Systematically research climate change-adaptation options and disseminate knowledge

D. Increase financing for climate change adaptation

E. Inform and mobilize stakeholders at multiple levels in support of climate adaptation

Strategic Thrust #2:

Enable Climate Resilient and Healthy

Human Settlements

Thrust 2: Key Issues

• Improved land use planning needed

• Demand for water increasing, yet resource threatened

• Climate-linked public health concerns rising

• Adaptative measures developed are poorly utilized

• Awareness on climate risks is low

Thrust 2: Thematic Areas

A. Mobilize stakeholders for climate change adaptation of settlements

B. Improve planning to include climate change considerations

C. Ensure adequate quality and quantity of water for settlements

D. Combat climate change-related health concerns in settlements

E. Increase awareness on vulnerabilities and adaptation of settlements

Strategic Thrust #3

Minimize Climate Change Impacts on

Food Security

Thrust 3: Thematic Areas

A. Ensure ability to meet food production and nutrition demand

B. Ensure adequate water availability for agriculture

C. Mitigate food security-related socio-economic impacts

D. Increase awareness and mobilize communities for climate change adaptation

Strategic Thrust #4

Improve Climate Resilience of Key Economic Drivers

Thematic Areas

A. Minimize impacts of climate change on infrastructure

B. Minimize impacts of climate change on plantation sector

C. Assist key industries in coping with climate change impacts

D. Raise awareness about climate vulnerability in key economic sectors

Strategic Thrust #5

SafeguardNatural Resources and Biodiversity

from Climate Change Impacts

Thrust 5: Thematic AreasA. Ensure adequate quality and quantity of water for

human wellbeing and ecosystem services B. Enhance climate change resilience of terrestrial

ecosystems and their services C. Enhance the resilience of coastal and marine

ecosystems and associated vulnerable speciesD. Enhance climate change resilience of natural inland

wetlands and associated species. E. Address socioeconomic concerns resulting from

climate change impacts on biodiversityF. Research, monitor and address impacts of climate

change on biodiversityG. Raise awareness and mobilize stakeholders for

conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services

CC Adaptation Project Pipeline

• Project concepts developed by range of stakeholders

• Straddle across all strategic thrusts

• Various scales

• Documented in separate volume

• Continuous process

Financing the Strategy

The Financing Envelope

• Some activities will be effectively budget neutral

• Low expenditure in 2011—ramp up.

• Strengthen/refocus CCS, organize stakeholders/mechanisms first

• Financing for interventions could potentially come from many sources

Sources of Financing

• Treasury• Multilateral and bilateral DA• Adaptation Fund• Recurrent budgets• Private sector• Civil society

Where Should the Money Go?

• Resources should be channelled DIRECTLY to agencies that can implement interventions

• Access to financing for NGOs/CBOs and research institutions should also be enabled

• Aggressive pursuit of resources required

• Min. of Environment to play facilitation and coordination role

Implementing the Strategy