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Linking Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management for sustainable poverty reduction. Synthesis report

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R. Few
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This report presents a cross-cutting summary of country study findings and workshop deliberations on linking climate change adaptation and disaster risk management for sustainable poverty reduction. It uses examples from Mexico, Kenya and Vietnam to provide insights into how a more integrated approach to disaster risk management and climate change adaptation can be built. The study explores several key components of climate resilient development covering the generation and communication of climate risk and vulnerability information, institutional capacity and coordination, grassroot capacity and community level involvement and financing of disaster risk reduction and adaptation to climate change. The study reveals the important advances in each of these components and also highlights major impediments to progress and elements that need strengthening if integration is to succeed. The paper presents the following recommendations highlighting key components: Information packaging and communication

Improve the spatial and temporal coverage of climate data
Increase use of existing data sources and strengthen integration of climate and hazard data with social and economic data
Create forums for communication between science and local agencies
Enhance climate modelling capacity, with emphasis on investment in regional initiatives
Support greater application of sector-specific risk assessment tools
Use risk information to apply land-use planning as a tool for adaptive disaster risk reduction
Ensure continuous monitoring and updating of risk information to enhance flexibility

Incorporating livelihood resilience

Strengthen local level capacity to initiate and implement adaptive measures
Critically assess the potential role of traditional practices in managing disaster risk
Tackle underlying vulnerability and livelihood resilience as an adaptive measure

Coordination

Build and strengthen coordination networks at different scales
Promote political leadership to build lasting political momentum toward integration
Develop mechanisms for coordination and integration that target specific development themes

Financing

Build a financial case for adaptation in national budgets and ensure that planning and finance ministries are involved in the process
Promote access to external funding sources for disaster risk reduction and adaptation
Promote private sector adaptation mechanisms

Creating an enabling environment

Demonstrate the benefits of taking action by finding entry points for adaptation projects
Develop high-level policy dialogue on integration between donors and governments