Considering the rapidly expanding adaptation portfolios in most international cooperation institutions, there is a need to support project managers, particularly in designing and monitoring projects focussing on climate change adaptation. This guide by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is aimed at government representatives, donors and non-governmental organisations involved in planning and implementing adaptation projects. It is also intended as a reference source for national and international organisations, NGOs and research bodies that require a practical framework for the results-based design of adaptation interventions and verification of the results achieved. The guide is divided into three parts: an introduction; a practical part explaining the recommended step-by-step approach to designing an adaptation project and setting up its monitoring system; and a summary.