Municipality
Taxonomy Term List
Generating Global Environmental Benefits from Improved Local Planning and Decision-making Systems in Burkina Faso
The project aims to address the inherent complexity and challenges that development institutions face when addressing global environmental issues. It aims to catalyze the mainstreaming of multi-lateral environmental agreements into development paths and processes in Burkina Faso by addressing key capacity gaps. This is to be achieved by strengthening information management systems and by providing capacity development support to local planning and development processes.
PIFs
The project outcomes are as follows –
- Functioning, sustainable system for collecting, analyzing, storing and making available accurate and reliable data related to all three Rio Conventions – this will be achieved through the design of the data/information management system (Outcome 1.1); Improved protocols and standards for data collection (Outcome 1.2); The Environmental Observatory technically and materially strengthened to provide a coordinated and sustainable information collection and storage mechanism (Outcome 1.3) and; Collection of a set of cross-cutting global environment knowledge materials covering all three Conventions (Outcome 1.4)
- Enhanced institutional capacities to plan and implement development processes that contribute to implementing the Rio Convention – through development of a manual with guidelines on mainstreaming biodiversity, climate change, desertification, disaster management and wetlands management into key development planning and processes (Outcome 2.1); Training a large cadre of experts on the use of such a manual (Outcome 2.2); Practical application of the manual and guidelines to modify development programmes (Outcome 2.3); Global environmental benefits accruing from the implementation of the modified plans (Outcome 2.4) and; Legislation to formalize use of the Manual and guideline (Outcome 2.5)
CBA Bolivia: Knowledge and Tools for Sustainable Management of Water and Soils in Moro Moro (Natura)
In the municipality of Moro Moro, Santa Cruz Department, Bolivia, climate change impacts are already becoming apparent. Livelihoods are primarily agricultural and pastoral, and baseline environmental challenges include serious deforestation and soil degradation on the steeply sloped pastures and farmlands. In addition to threatening agricultural productivity and farmer livelihoods, soil degradation and deforestation have serious implications for water quality and quantity for populations living downstream.
This Community-Based Adaptation project targets community awareness and adaptive capacity through an aggressive outreach and training component on sustainable forestry and resource management to protect native species, soils, and ecosystem services (flood, erosion, and landslide protection) from climate change risks. Lessons learned will be shared with neighboring municipalities.
* This project is part of Bolivia's Community-Based Adaptation portfolio. *
Project Brief / Fact Sheet
PIFs
Assessments and Background Documents
Bolivia Second National Communication, 2009 (English)
Bolivia Second National Communication, 2009 (Spanish)
This project will focus on the municipality of Moro Moro in Santa Cruz Department, Bolivia. Moro Moro is located in Bolivia’s “warm valleys” – an area of transition between the western high plains and the eastern lowlands. The area is somewhat dry, with an average precipitation between 600 and 700 mm/yr, and a distinct rainy and dry season. Temperature is largely determined by altitude. Livelihoods are primarily agricultural and pastoral, and baseline environmental challenges include serious deforestation and soil degradation on the steeply sloped pastures and farmlands. In addition to threatening agricultural productivity and farmer livelihoods, soil degradation and deforestation has serious implications for water quality and quantity for populations living downstream.
Climate change impacts are already becoming apparent in this part of Bolivia. Projected impacts include increasing temperatures, increasingly intense yet erratic rainfall, and more marked seasonality – in turn increasing risks of both floods and droughts. These pressures will worsen baseline land degradation pressures, and threaten to undermine other work on water and soil management being done in the region by the proponent and by its partners in IUCN and UNDP-Bolivia, which focus on integrated water resource management through an environmental services payment scheme. Absent adaptation components, these measures will not be sustainable.
This Community-Based Adaptation (CBA) project will compliment baseline activities by reforesting key hydrological capture zones and areas at risk from increasing erosion pressures. The project will also directly target community awareness and adaptive capacity through an aggressive outreach and training component, while sharing lessons with neighboring municipalities.
Outcome 1: Local knowledge regarding natural resources and changing climate used to inform municipal planning
Through use of participatory processes, develop a community- and science-informed plan for local-level adaptation (Output 1.1), including the compilation of information on community perceptions of climate change (Output 1.2).
Outcome 2: Establish local monitoring system for principal water sources
Execute physical and chemical analysis of local water flow parameters on the Moro Moro river (Output 2.1), as well as the installation of an automated climate measurement station (Output 2.2). Train community members in monitoring and analysis technologies (Output 2.3) in order to produce systematized information on community-based climate measurements (Output 2.4).
Outcome 3: Climate change adaptation practices developed
Afforest/reforest riparian fringes and non-vegetated land to minimize contamination, sedimentation and flood erosion risks (Output 3.1), while also protecting areas of sediment production (Output 3.2). Develop a plan to include private lands within adaptation frameworks through an environmental services payment scheme (Output 3.3).
Outcome 4: Climate change risk management integrated into municipal policy
Bring awareness of climate change risks to local government stakeholders (Output 4.1) and municipal residents (including children and youth) through workshops, short courses, and a student competition (Output 4.2). Bring consideration of climate change risks and adaptation to local and regional policies through a regional workshop on lessons learned from the Moro Moro project (Output 4.3).
Monitoring and evaluation for community-based adaptation is a new field, and the CBA project is piloting innovative approaches to evaluating the success of locally-driven adaptation projects, and generating lessons to inform ongoing practice.
Key considerations in M&E for CBA include:
- Grounding M&E in the local context: M&E for CBA should avoid overly rigid frameworks, recognizing community heterogeneity and maintaining local relevance
- Capturing global lessons from local projects: CBA projects are highly contextualized, but lessons generated should be relevant to stakeholders globally
- Incorporation of both quantitative and qualitative indicators: to ground projects in tangible changes that can be objectively evaluated, and to capture lessons and case studies for global dissemination
To these ends, the CBA project uses three indicator systems: the Vulnerability Reduction Assessment, the Small Grants Programme Impact Assessment System, and the UNDP Climate Change Adaptation Indicator Framework.
The Vulnerability Reduction Assessment (VRA)
The VRA is a question-based approach with the following aims:
- To make M&E responsive to community priorities
- To use M&E to make projects more accountable to local priorities
- To make M&E capture community ideas and local knowledge
- To gather community-level feedback to guide ongoing project management
- To generate qualitative information
- To capture lessons on specific issues within community-based adaptation
- To generate case studies highlighting adaptation projects
The VRA follows UNDP's Adaptation Policy Framework, and is measured in a series of meetings with local community stakeholders. In these meetings, locally-tailored questions based on standard VRA questions/indicators are posed, and the community assigns a numerical score on a 1-10 scale for each question. Progress is evaluated through changes in scores over the course of implementation, as well as through qualitative data collected in community discussions surrounding the exercise.
UNDP has developed a Users Guide to the VRA (Espanol) (Francais) as a tool to assist practitioners to conceptualize and execute VRA measurements in the context of CBA projects.
The SGP Impact Assessment System (IAS)
The CBA, being a project of the GEF Strategic Priority on Adaptation, aims to increase the resilience of ecosystems and communities to the impacts of climate change, generating global environmental benefits, and increasing their resilience in the face of climate change impacts. To this end, the CBA projects use the SGP's impact assessment system for monitoring achievements in GEF focal areas (focusing primarily on biodiversity and sustainable land management).
The IAS is composed of a number of quantitative indicators which track biophysical ecosystem indicators, as well as policy impact, capacity development and awareness-building.
UNDP Climate Change Adaptation Indicator Framework
CBA projects also track quantitative indicators from UNDP's adaptation indicator framework, corresponding to the thematic area on natural resources management. More information on UNDP's indicator framework can be found on the UNDP climate change adaptation monitoring and evaluation website.
* This description applies to all projects implemented through UNDP's Community-Based Adaptation programme. Specific details on this project's M&E will be included here as they become available. *
Combating the Effects of Climate Change on Agricultural Production and Food Security in CAR
This project is well aligned with GEF objective related to "Increase adaptive capacity to respond to the impacts of climate change, including variability, at local and national level" through the pursuit of specific project outcomes including: i) Policy, institutional and financial capacities developed and strengthened to plan for and manage climate change risks to the agricultural sector; ii) Adapted agro-pastoral options implemented in key vulnerable areas; ii) knowledge/experiences shared, capitalized and disseminated.
This project is well aligned with the national priorities defined in the first National Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper. Agriculture development and sustainability is a key issue in the third pillar of the "Rebuild and Diversify the economy" national plan which is designed to address poverty issues in urban and rural areas The main sub programs are related to institutional capacity building to plan, conduct research, and supervise. These sub programs are also linked with goals 1 and 7 of the MDGs.
Source: UNDP CAR Project Identification Form (November 23, 2010)
PIFs
In recent years, CAR has suffered from political instability and endured recurring internal conflicts. Despite vast natural resources, the Central African Republic is one of the least developed countries in the world (LDC) group. In 2009, GDP per capita was estimated at approximately US$362, which puts the CAR among the bottom five poorest countries in the world. The prevalence of extreme poverty has increased, with a particularly high concentration of poor people in rural areas where inhabitants are unable to meet the costs of food.
In the framework of economic recovery and improvement of social conditions, the Central African Republic seeks to revitalize the food and agricultural sector to contribute to shared, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth and development, provide food and nutritional security, increase employment and income, and measurably reduce poverty. This project is designed as a contribution to the achievement of MDG 1.
As the backbone of the Central African Republic's economy, the agriculture sector is dominated by agro- pastoral production, involving nearly 74% of the active population and representing 45% of GDP. Agricultural and pastoralist systems are found along a bioclimatic gradient running north to south from the dry Sudanian to the humid Guinean zones with the different agricultural systems, including cattle farming, matched closely with rainfall. Due to its geographical situation, the country produces a wide range of crops, for cash (sugar cane, cotton, coffee) and for food (cassava, rice, sorghum, groundnut, maize). Cattle farming are essentially dominated by extensive herding (transhumance).
Despite significant potential, yields are very low and most of the rural inhabitants, as indicated above, remain in extreme poverty. Several factors affect production such as heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture and ongoing practices regarding crop selection, water resource management, and agro-ecosystem and rangeland management. Part of the country is already seriously affected by severe land degradation, especially in the region around Bangui where there's high demand for foodstuffs. Co-existence between herders and farmers have been decreasing over the past years due to mismanagement of ecosystem services and natural resources leading to conflicts over competition for access to diminishing stocks of land and water.
Additional vulnerability drivers are related to (i) diminished public safety affecting a wide part of the country and causing refugee migration; and (ii) a dearth of basic investment in agriculture over the past 20 years (weak support from extension services, no access to credit, limited market access, etc.). On the whole, public services at national and local levels have suffered, and agricultural extension services as well as meteorological support services are therefore very limited. Private sector involvement in the agriculture sector is limited to cash crops, which is the only area exhibiting the use of conventional inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, HYV seeds) though on a reduced level.
Climate Change is an additional threat for agriculture and food security. The Initial National Communication and the National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) have clearly highlighted major climate change driven risks. For the past years, it has been increasingly difficult to identify the optimal time to plant crops. In the humid Guinean area (south of the country), the short dry season, previously lasting, on average, one month, has for the past several years exceeded two months. In many regions, reduced soil moisture is considered to be a factor in sub-optimal cereal yields. The increase in temperatures and decrease in rainfall has led to the reduction of the cool period, resulting in increased evaporation and soil desiccation, factors causing disruption in the supply of water to the cotton crop. The phenomenon also affects cassava, leading to slower plant growth and tuber development and a corresponding reduction in production. With sugar, there are phenological and physiological effects with consequent reduction in output.
Over the coming years, climate change is expected to increasingly lead to changes in rainfall patterns with droughts occurring more frequently and lasting longer, and an increase in extreme events. The increase in temperature and the decrease in rainfall will lead to further reductions in duration of the rainy season, increasing evaporation and desiccation of already poor soils and impacting agricultural calendars. The phenomenon will affect food crops such as cassava as well as other crops such as millet, maize or peanuts. It is also likely to have negative impacts on cash crops (cotton, coffee) while during their critical growth periods. Pastoralism, the livelihood for a significant number of rural people, may also be affected by the change in rainfall patterns, as access to water is crucial during transhumance. This, in turn, is likely to exacerbate conflicts with farmers.
In the context of the above underlying-causes, the performance of the agricultural sector and its capacity to adapt are limited. The CAR Government, with support from a few donors (FAO, EU), tried recently to revitalize the sector through the implementation of baseline activities which include various agriculture and rural development initiatives focusing primarily on stimulating rural economies by improving agricultural productivity (see D and E, below). While necessary for the overall development of the sector, these interventions are insufficient to ensure resilience of the agriculture and food production sector to overcome climate change risks.
In order to respond to the greatest and most immediate threats of climate change, the government of CAR prepared a National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA), which prioritized a number of interventions that should enhance the adaptive capacity of the agriculture sector. These include: promoting drought-adapted seeds, rehabilitation of degraded land, establishment of an early warning system.
Source: UNDP CAR Project Identification Form (November 23, 2010)
- Outcome 1: Policy, institutional and financial capacities developed and strengthened to plan for and manage climate change risks to the agricultural sector
- Output 1.1: Long term planning tools developed to facilitate mainstreaming of climate change into policies
- Output 1.2: Climate change adaptation and measures and finance options integrated into PRSP, Rural Development Strategy, local development plans, and other appropriate policies
- Outcome 2: Adapted agro-pastoral options implemented in key vulnerable areas
- Output 2.1: Strategic Action Plan for the internalization of climate change risks into conservation of Plant Genetic Resource for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) developed (with support from co-financing)
- Output 2.2: Climate resilient agro-pastoral practice and technologies (e.g. water management and soil fertility, pasture and rangeland management) demonstrated in Bangui and the surrounding regions (ex. Bambari and Sibut)
- Output 2.3: Appropriate seasonal and other long-term climate change including variability information disseminated to rural farmers and breeders
- Outcome 3: Knowledge and experiences shared, capitalized, and disseminated
- Output 3.1: Awareness and capacity built to facilitate the process of integrating climate change risks and adaptation into agricultural strategies
- Output 3.2: Project lessons codified and disseminated while learning and exchange mechanisms are put in place
Source: UNDP CAR Project Identification Form (November 23, 2010)
Project Start:
- Project Inception Workshop: will be held within the first 2 months of project start with those with assigned roles in the project organization structure, UNDP country office and where appropriate/feasible regional technical policy and programme advisors as well as other stakeholders. The Inception Workshop is crucial to building ownership for the project results and to plan the first year annual work plan.
Daily:
- Day to day monitoring of implementation progress: will be the responsibility of the Project Manager, based on the project's Annual Work Plan and its indicators, with overall guidance from the Project Director. The Project Team will inform the UNDP-CO of any delays or difficulties faced during implementation so that the appropriate support or corrective measures can be adopted in a timely and remedial fashion.
Quarterly:
- Project Progress Reports (PPR): quarterly reports will be assembled based on the information recorded and monitored in the UNDP Enhanced Results Based Management Platform. Risk analysis will be logged and regularly updated in ATLAS.
Annually:
- Annual Project Review/Project Implementation Reports (APR/PIR): This key report is prepared to monitor progress made since project start and in particular for the previous reporting period (30 June to 1 July). The APR/PIR combines both UNDP and GEF reporting requirements.
Periodic Monitoring through Site Visits:
- UNDP CO and the UNDP RCU will conduct visits to project sites based on the agreed schedule in the project's Inception Report/Annual Work Plan to assess first hand project progress. Other members of the Project Board may also join these visits. A Field Visit Report/BTOR will be prepared by the CO and UNDP RCU and will be circulated no less than one month after the visit to the project team and Project Board members.
Mid-Term of Project Cycle:
- Mid-Term Evaluation: will determine progress being made toward the achievement of outcomes and will identify course correction if needed. It will focus on the effectiveness, efficiency and timeliness of project implementation; will highlight issues requiring decisions and actions; and will present initial lessons learned about project design, implementation and management. Findings of this review will be incorporated as recommendations for enhanced implementation during the final half of the project's term.
End of Project:
- Final Evaluation: will take place three months prior to the final Project Board meeting and will be undertaken in accordance with UNDP and GEF guidance. The final evaluation will focus on the delivery of the project’s results as initially planned (and as corrected after the mid-term evaluation, if any such correction took place). The final evaluation will look at impact and sustainability of results, including the contribution to capacity development and the achievement of global environmental benefits/goals. The Terminal Evaluation should also provide recommendations for follow-up activities.
- Project Terminal Report: This comprehensive report will summarize the results achieved (objectives, outcomes, outputs), lessons learned, problems met and areas where results may not have been achieved. It will also lie out recommendations for any further steps that may need to be taken to ensure sustainability and replicability of the project’s results.
Learning and Knowledge Sharing:
- Results from the project will be disseminated within and beyond the project intervention zone through existing information sharing networks and forums.
- The project will identify and participate, as relevant and appropriate, in scientific, policy-based and/or any other networks, which may be of benefit to project implementation though lessons learned. The project will identify, analyze, and share lessons learned that might be beneficial in the design and implementation of similar future projects.
- Finally, there will be a two-way flow of information between this project and other projects of a similar focus.
Source: UNDP CAR Project Identification Form (November 23, 2010)
Identification and Implementation of Adaptation Response Measures in the Drini-Mati River Deltas
The Drini and Mati River Deltas in Albania are experiencing stressful impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems as a result of climate change. There is currently a lack of institutional and individual capacities to undertake a rigorous assessment or to address the potential climate change impacts on biodiversity. The aim of this project is to address key risks and vulnerabilities in the coastal areas of Drini Mati River Deltas of the Northern Adriatic by developing the capacity to adapt to climate change. The key lessons learned thus far with regard to the adaptation project have been: engaging in broad stakeholder consultation during project design; building regional collaboration and support from project inception; ensuring coordination among multiple stakeholders during implementation stage; focusing on strengthening local institutional and human capacity; remaining focused, pragmatic and strategic about scope, objectives and outcomes.
For updates on UNDP Early Warning Systems and Climate Resilient Development projects, click here.
Assessments and Background Documents
ProDocs
Case Study
Brochures, Posters, Communications Products
The Drini and Mati River Deltas (DMRD) are two of the three deltas on the northern Adriatic coast of Albania. DRMD represents a
complex and compound system of sandy belts, capes, bays, lagoons and island areas. They also harbour significant biodiversity
values in three types of habitats: marine, wetlands and non‐wetland habitats, including forests, shrubs, and open fields where
traditional agriculture is practiced. Biodiversity is one of the most important assets of Lezha region, in which DMRD lies. The Drini
Delta is an internationally recognized Important Bird Area, providing wintering grounds for the endangered pygmy cormorant and
over 70 other species of waterfowl and water birds. The Patok lagoon, within the Mati Delta, serves as an important feeding area for
globally endangered loggerhead turtles.
Climate change has the potential to undermine biodiversity conservation efforts in the DRMD’s protected areas, unless the system
accommodates uncertainty and management strategies are put in place to respond to climate‐related stress. According to Albania’s
first comprehensive vulnerability and adaptation assessment, conducted as part of the preparation of the First National
Communication (FNC), the DMRD is critically vulnerable to climate change and requires adaptation measures to be put in place.
Scenarios for Albania predict an annual increase in temperature of up to 3.6ºC, a decrease in precipitation of 12.5%, and
consequent reductions of water resources and arable land (due to soil erosion and alteration) by the year 2100. In the coastal
zones, an increase in sea surface temperature as well as sea level rise (SLR) of up to 61 centimetres is expected to place additional
stress on marine and littoral biodiversity as well as livelihoods of local communities. SLR, more frequent and intense floods,
frequent inundation, and submersion of low lying coastal areas could affect life cycles of various species and result in habitat loss
and fragmentation. Rising temperatures will also affect the composition and distribution of DRMD’s marine and terrestrial species.
The overall development goal of this medium size project is to assist Albania in establishing a mechanism by which strategies to moderate, cope with, and take advantage of the consequences of climate change are enhanced, developed, and implemented. The specific objective of the project is to build adaptive capacities in the DMRD to ensure resilience of the key ecosystems and local livelihoods to climate change. This will be done by first identifying, and then integrating climate change response measures into development programming in the DMRD.
This objective will be achieved through the following outcomes:
Outcome 1: Capacities to monitor and respond to anticipated climate change impacts in the DMRD at the institutional and community levels developed
- Output 1.1: A system for monitoring climate change and its impacts on the DMRD ecosystem is in place
- Output 1.2: Local government institutions have the capacity to analyze data on climate variability and associated ecological impacts and integrate this into decision making
- Output 1.3: Community capacities to understand the impacts of climate fluctuations and expected changes on natural ecosystems and local livelihoods are developed
Outcome 2: DMRD region’s conservation and development programmes, plans and policies integrate climate change risks and take local pilot actions for coastal adaptation
- Output 2.1 A package of amendments to biodiversity conservation activities within protected areas of the DMRD aimed at integrating adaptation measures is prepared and implementation is initiated
- Output 2.2 A package of amendments to sustainable development activities in the wider landscape surrounding protected areas in the DMRD aimed at integrating adaptation measures is prepared and implementation is initiated
Outcome 3: Capacity for adaptive management, monitoring and evaluation, learning, and replication of project lessons developed.
- Output 3.1: System for monitoring and evaluation of project impacts established
Down to Earth: Territorial Approach to Climate Change (TACC)
The Down to Earth: Territorial Approach to Climate Change (TACC) is part of a partnership between the United Nations and sub-national governments for fostering climate friendly development at the sub-national level. This partnership is a collaborative effort involving UNDP, UNEP and eight associations of regions.
The TACC project will support the integration of climate change adaptation and mitigation measures into sustainable development planning and programming in developing countries by:
- Developing partnerships with UN and specialised agencies, national and sub-national governments, centres of excellence and regional technical institutions, and the private sector;
- Making available methodologies and tools for long-term climate change participatory planning to regions and cities and sharing best practices;
- Providing regions with information about climate change challenges and opportunities and technical and financial solutions;
- Providing technical support to up to 20 regions for the preparation of regional climate change plans, including identification of priority mitigation and adaptation measures; and
- Providing technical support to up to 20 regions to identify policy and financing instruments to implement priority climate change measures.
For more information on project activities read the TACC - 2011 Update or the TACC - 2012 Update.
ProDocs
Project Document: Down to Earth: Territorial Approach to Climate Change
Document
Territorial Approach to Climate Change (TACC) 2012 Update
Quarterly Updates
The Down to Earth: Territorial Approach to Climate Change (TACC) project aims to assist regional and local governments in developing countries in:
- Developing integrated climate change strategies and action plans to assess development options that are robust enough to withstand different future climatic conditions.
- Strengthening capacity of sub‐national authorities to integrate climate change into sustainable development planning and programming.
- Identifying no regrets/negative costs/low‐cost adaptation and mitigation measures that promote long‐ term sustainability and poverty reduction.
- Enhancing the capacity of regional and local government to enact regulatory measures, as well as to take advantage of new sources of environmental finance, to implement these no regrets/negative cost/low‐cost options.
Sub-national authorities to have identified risks and opportunities related to climate change at the territorial level and integrated priority mitigation and adaptation measures into sustainable development planning and programming, taking into consideration gender aspects and aligned and coordinated with existing climate change projects in the region.
- Outcome 1: Partnerships established and operational with UN and specialised agencies, national and sub‐national governments, centres of excellence and regional technical institutions, and/or the private sector.
- Outcome 2: Methodologies and tools for long‐term climate change participatory planning are developed and made available, and best practices shared with regions and cities.
- Outcome 3: Regions are aware of climate change challenges and opportunities and of available technical and financial solutions.
- Outcome 4: Technical support is provided to 20 regions in developing countries for the preparation of their regional climate change plans, including identification of priority mitigation and adaptation measures.
- Outcome 5: Technical support is provided to 20 regions to identify possible policy and financing instruments to implement priority climate change measures.
Reducing Risks and Vulnerability to Flooding and Drought in Nicaragua
Climate variability, especially during El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) episodes, results in droughts that cause significant losses, particularly affecting the agricultural sector on which Nicaraguans' food security depends. This project is designed to reduce drought and flooding risks generated by climate change and variability in the Estero Real River watershed. To reach this objective, this project relies upon a coordinated set of interventions designed to implement new public policies for addressing climate change by introducing agro-ecological practices and participatory watershed management in highly vulnerable rural communities. Through targeted investments in water retention, long-term farm planning, and institutional capacity building in local communities, municipalities and government agencies, the project will validate an adaptation scheme as a vehicle for implementation of the national climate change strategy.
Document
PIFs
Nicaragua is extremely susceptible to natural hazards, including hurricanes, destructive earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. Moreover, flooding and droughts present some of the most challenging natural phenomena to contend with. The areas that will be most affected by climate change are those currently classified as dry zones, such as the northern region and the municipalities in the departments of Chinandega and León, where the current project will be located.
In these areas, higher temperatures and increasing rainfall variability combined with more intense events will aggravate current conditions of water scarcity and extreme poverty. Under changed climate conditions, it is estimated that these areas will receive an average annual rainfall of 500mm, which will have significant repercussions for agricultural and livestock activities, and will also affect both water quantity and quality.
This project seeks to reduce climate change-related risks from droughts and flooding Estero Real River watershed. This will be achieved through investments in water storage infrastructure and climate resilient agro-ecological practice pilots for family farms in the designated project areas.
Component 1: Investments in infrastructure for storing and using rain and surface water in eight micro-watersheds in the upper watershed of the Estero Real River.
Create two communal irrigation systems in two micro-watershed (Output 1.1) and at least 880 rainwater collection and storage facilities in eight micro-watersheds (Output 1.2) to supply family farms. Train and organize at least 100 farm families in management, efficient use and maintenance of their communal and individual irrigation systems and water storage facilities (Output 1.3).
Component 2: Introduction of climate resilient agro-ecological practices to make effective use of available water.
Prepare agro-ecological farm transformation plans with at least 1000 farm families to use their own resources and available credit for implementation (Output 2.1). In each micro-watershed, convert at least 140 hectares to water-conscious and climate resilient agro-ecological production (Output 2.2) and at least 50 hectares in water system recharge areas and riparian zones (Output 2.3).
Component 3: Institutional development and capacity building in micro-watersheds, municipalities, and participating national institutions.
Work with local organizations in eight micro-watersheds to prepare and implement climate-resilient management plans (Output 3.1) and establish inter-institutional coordinating bodies in El Sauce, Achuapa, and Villanueva to arrange governmental and NGO work plans (Output 3.2). Design proposals for instruments to build resilience and for operation of a Villanueva River sub-watershed committee (Output 3.3), and facilitate the adoption of climate adaptation measures in nine municipalities’ plans and policies (Output 3.4).
Component 4: Ongoing monitoring and analysis of climatic conditions and changes in land use, water flows and soil quality.
Identify hydraulic works needed to reduce flooding in lower Villanueva River basin (Output 4.1). Establish ongoing participation monitoring of water flows and quality, soil conditions, and land use changes (Output 4.2), along with electronic information posts, monitoring data dissemination, and preparation of maps for farmers, organizations, and users of the National Environmental Information System (SINIA) (Output 4.3).
Programme monitoring and evaluation will be carried out by the Programme Team and the UNDP-Country Office in accordance with established UNDP procedures.
Climate Resilient Flood Management Practices in Georgia
This project aims to make highly vulnerable communities and regions resilient to climate related hazards such as floods and flash floods. It takes an integrated and comprehensive approach by addressing critical gaps in land use policy and regulatory frameworks, which are fundamental to climate resilient flood management.
The Georgian Government's priorities for long term flood prevention and management will be implemented by directly involving local municipalities and populations. The project will enhance the capacity of all appropriate national agencies to deliver early warnings in a timely and effective manner. A balanced combination of policy, early warning, and concrete adaptation actions will allow Georgia to take steps toward ensuring long-term resilience for the most vulnerable communities in the Rioni River basin region.
Project snapshot: Georgia after the flood
For updates on UNDP Early Warning Systems and Climate Resilient Development projects, click here.
Reports and Publications by country teams
Climate Change Adaptation in Europe and Central Asia: Adapting to a changing climate for resilient development
Assessments and Background Documents
PIFs
Georgia Approved Proposal to the Adaptation Fund - Dec. 2011
Georgia - The Story of Floods
UNDP and Adaptation Fund help Georgia introduce new approaches in flood management. 200 thousand residents of the Rioni basin, one of the most dangerous rivers in Georgia, are the main focus of this assistance.
Georgia is vulnerable to a variety of natural hazards, including floods, flash floods, earthquakes, droughts, landslides, avalanches, and mud flows. Catastrophic events with a 50% annual probability of occurrence threaten economic losses that exceed 20% of the country’s GDP. Floods, including flash floods, are the highest probability catastrophic events.
The Rioni River basin houses approximately 986,800 people and covers one-fifth of Georgia's total land area. Between 1842 and 2008, 111 incidents of flooding were recorded in the basin, incurring losses from $200,000 to $60 Million USD and the inundated area ranging from 4 to 200 square kilometres. The number of events per year has increased in the last decade, with 7 events occurring in 2005, 6 of which were categorised as "strong". The largest number of flood events has been recorded in 6 municipalities in the last 10 years: they are Oni, Tsageri, Lentekhi, Ambrolauri, Tskaltubo, and Samtredia. The project targets these 6 vulnerable municipalities for climate adaptation measures.
The underlying causes of vulnerability to climate change in the Rioni basin can be categorised into:
- Physical Factors –direct manifestations of climate change;
- Anthropogenic Factors – those related to the harmful ways in which humans have and continue to interact with the environment which has exacerbated vulnerability; and
- Institutional Factors – related to the legislative/regulatory barriers placed by government and other institutions, as well as limited capacity (human and resources) to manage climate change vulnerability.
This project aims to develop resilience of highly vulnerable communities and regions to climate related hazards. Activities have been prioritised through consultation with local communities including heads of municipalities, NEA (National Environment Agency at the Ministry of Environment Protection) local staff responsible for management of the hydrometric network and national NEA and Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure (MRDI) staff responsible for the assessment of need (NEA) and implementation of flood protection measures in the catchment (MRDI). The project takes an integrated and comprehensive approach by addressing critical gaps in land use policy and regulatory framework, fundamental to climate resilient flood management. It will implement the Georgian Government’s priorities for effective and long term measures for flood prevention and management by direct involvement of local municipalities and populations residing in the highly exposed locations. Furthermore, it will enhance the capacity of all appropriate national agencies to deliver timely and effective early warnings. A balanced combination of policy, early warning and concrete adaptation actions will support Georgia in taking steps towards long-term resilience of its most vulnerable communities.
This project was approved and funded by the Adaptation Fund Board in December 2011, and is currently Under Implementation (as of June 2012).
Component 1: Floodplain development policy introduced to improve long-term resilience to climate change induced flood/flash flood risks
Produce hazard and inundation maps (Output 1.1), use them to enhance land use regulations (Output 1.2) and building codes (Output 1.3), then train relevant authorities to utilize advanced climate risk management planning and flood prevention measures (Output 1.4). Design and implement community-based flood insurance scheme for highly-exposed villages in 6 municipalities (Output 1.5).
Component 2: Climate resilient flood management practices developed and implemented to reduce vulnerability of highly exposed communities
In Lnetekhi, Oni, Ambrolauri, Tskaltubo, Samtredia, and Tsageri municipalities, collaborate with local governments and populations to implement direct flood prevention and risk mitigation measures (Output 2.1), including community-based adaptation measures (Output 2.2) and floodplain seasonal production systems such as short season cropping and agroforestry (Output 2.3). Disseminate lessons learned and best practices (Output 2.4).
Component 3: Early warning system in place to improve preparedness and adaptive capacity of population
Improve access to historical observation data for use in policy formulation and planning (Output 3.1), conduct a multi-hazard risk assessment for Rioni river basin (Output 3.2), and train targeted staff in advanced methods of risk assessment and forecasting (Output 3.3). Procure and install equipment for increased monitoring and forecasting capabilities in the target basin (Output 3.4) and integrate information into a flood early warning system for government and public access (Output 3.5).
Project monitoring and evaluation (M&E) will be in accordance with established UNDP procedures and will be carried out by the Project team, verified by the Ministry of Environment, NEA and MRDI and the UNDP Country Office in Georgia. Dedicated support by the technical adaptation teams in the UNDP Regional Center for ECIS and UNDP New York will be provided on a regular basis. A comprehensive Results Framework of the project will defines execution indicators for project implementation as well as the respective means of verification. A Monitoring and Evaluation system for the project will be established based on these indicators and means of verification. Targeted M&E activities for the proposed project include the following:
A Project Inception Workshop will be conducted within two months of project start up with the full project team, relevant government counterparts and UNDP. The Inception Workshop is crucial to building ownership for the project results and to plan the first year annual work plan. A fundamental objective of the Inception Workshop will be to present the modalities of project implementation and execution, document mutual agreement for the proposed executive arrangements amongst stakeholders, and assist the project team to understand and take ownership of the project’s goals and objectives. Another key objective of the Inception Workshop is to introduce the project team which will support the project during its implementation. An Inception Workshop Report will be prepared and shared with participants to formalize various agreements decided during the meeting.
A UNDP risk log will be regularly updated in intervals of no less than every six months in which critical risks to the project have been identified. Quarterly Progress Reports will be prepared by the Project team and verified by the Project Board. Annual Project Reports will be prepared to monitor progress made since project start and in particular for the previous reporting period. These annual reports include, but are not limited to, reporting on the following:
Progress made toward project objective and project outcomes - each with indicators, baseline data and end-of-project targets (cumulative);
- Project outputs delivered per project Outcome (annual);
- Lessons learned/good practices;
- Annual expenditure reports;
- Reporting on project risk management.
Government authorities, members of Project Board and UNDP staff will conduct regular field visits to project sites based on the agreed schedule in the project's Inception Report/Annual Work Plan to assess first hand project progress.
In terms of financial monitoring, the project team will provide UNDP with certified periodic financial statements, and with an annual audit of the financial statements relating to the status of funds according to the established procedures set out in the Programming and Finance manuals. The Audit will be conducted in accordance with UNDP Financial Regulations and Rules and applicable audit policies on UNDP projects by a legally recognized auditor of the Government, or by a commercial auditor engaged by the Government.
The project will undergo an independent Mid-Term Evaluation (MTE) at the mid-point of project implementation, which will determine progress being made toward the achievement of outcomes and identify course correction if needed. It will focus on the effectiveness, efficiency and timeliness of project implementation; will highlight issues requiring decisions and actions; and will present initial lessons learned about project design, implementation and management. Findings of this review will be incorporated as recommendations for enhanced implementation during the final half of the project’s term. Final External Evaluation will be conducted 3 months before project closure.
Climate Change Resilient Infrastructure Development in El Salvador
El Salvador has been exposed to a growing number of hurricanes and tropical storms from the Pacific and the Caribbean/ Atlantic Ocean, with concomitant heavy rainfall events that have boosted annual rainfall, especially in the last ten years.
Through this project the Government of El Salvador seeks to enhance the country’s preparedness for climatic events within the framework of sustainable development. The overall goal of the project is to increase climate resilience in El Salvador through implementation of concrete adaptation measures in the most vulnerable urban areas, supported with appropriate policy and regulatory development, and to disseminate best practices demonstrated therein for eventual replication throughout El Salvador, and perhaps other parts of Central America.
PIFs
El Salvador has been identified as one of the most vulnerable countries in Latin America with regard to climate-related disasters. The country is particularly sensitive to the negative impacts of climate change due to its location (on the narrow part of the Central American isthmus, exposing it to weather systems in both Pacific and the Caribbean/ Atlantic), which increases the probability of extreme weather events being experienced. In addition, the effects of climate change are exacerbated by the extent of El Salvador‟s social, economic, and environmental problems (deforestation, and poor communities with inadequate housing located on critical slopes in ravines and gullies). This situation constrains effective responses to extreme weather events and magnifies the consequences of lack of preparedness and inaction at the community level.
The overall goal of the project is to increase climate resilience in El Salvador through implementation of concrete adaptation measures in the most vulnerable urban areas, supported with appropriate policy and regulatory development, and to disseminate best practices demonstrated therein for eventual replication throughout El Salvador, and perhaps other parts of Central America. More specifically, the main objective of the project is to reduce the vulnerability of selected urban areas in the Metropolitan Area of San Salvador to flooding, erosion, and landslides created by extreme precipitation associated with current climate variability and expected climate change in the near future. This will be achieved through three project components:
- The design and construction of resilient infrastructure (at two locations in the MASS) that can resist and mitigate the impacts of extreme events (improved storm water management, capture, and aquifer recharge). Current interventions to address water flow are focused on downstream measures designed to prevent major erosion or flooding. As noted previously, such measures are becoming very expensive and mostly ineffective, as they can hardly cope with one or two major events. The project will therefore incorporate a broader approach to water management that also addresses upstream measures necessary to reduce peak flows and the stress on current drainage infrastructure. The proposed approach will also reduce the necessity to relocate large numbers of people. It is expected that the project will catalyze new paths of growth in the MASS and other urban communities in the country, reducing their vulnerability and enhancing their resilience to the negative impacts of climate change.
- Institutional strengthening, including improved policy guidelines, more appropriate building standards and codes, and more effective coordination of private and public stakeholders, to increase the climate resilience of vulnerable communities in El Salvador.
- Related knowledge management and dissemination, to increase the public awareness of climate resilient options for future public and private construction in urban areas.
Component 1: Infrastructure Climate Proofing in the Metropolitan Area of San Salvador (MASS)
An analysis of flooding and erosion vulnerability in MASS conducted (Output 1.1) and integrated into a database including climate, hydraulic, and economic variables (Output 1.2), allowing for the development of a 5-year storm water master plan that accounts for the likely range of climate change risks (Output 1.3). Resilient infrastructure measures implemented in selected municipalities (Output 1.4).
Component 2: Institutional Strengthening
Policy guidelines to improve planning for climate resilient human settlements developed (Output 2.1) and used to revise/improve building codes and planning standards (Output 2.2). Coordination mechanisms established between key stakeholders to address relevant climate change risks on infrastructure (Output 2.3).
Component 3: Knowledge Management and Dissemination
Lessons Learned developed and disseminated to local governments and stakeholders (Output 3.1) alongside a Communication Campaign (Output 3.2), including technical specifications, revised building codes, and relevant planning guidelines (Output 3.3).
The monitoring and evaluation (M&E) scheme will be applied in accordance with the established UNDP procedures throughout the project lifetime. As an implementing partner, the Ministry of Public Works (MOP), together with the UNDP El Salvador Country Office, will ensure the timeliness and quality of the project implementation. Technical guidance and oversight will be provided by the UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean (RBLAC), as well as the Project Steering Committee (PSC).
Project start: A Project Inception Workshop (IW) will be held within the first 3 months of project start with those having assigned roles in the project management (i.e., AF, UNDP El Salvador Country Office and where appropriate/feasible, regional technical advisors as well as other stakeholders). The IW is crucial to building ownership for the project results and to plan the first year annual work plan.
Annual progress report: An Annual Progress Report (APR) shall be prepared by the National Project Director, shared with the PSC and submitted to the AF. The APR will be prepared with progress assessed against set goals, objectives and targets, lessons learned, risk management and detailed financial disbursements.
Mid-term evaluation of the project cycle: The project will undergo an independent Mid- Term Evaluation (MTE) at the mid-point of project implementation (February 2014). The MTE will determine progress being made towards the achievement of outcomes and will identify course correction if needed. It will focus on the effectiveness, efficiency and timeliness of project implementation; it will also highlight issues requiring decisions and actions, and will present initial lessons learned about project design, implementation, and management. The findings of this review will be incorporated as recommendations for enhanced implementation during the final half of the project‟s term.
Periodic monitoring through site visits: UNDP El Salvador Country Office will conduct visits to project sites based on the agreed schedule in the project's Annual Work Plan to assess, first hand, project progress. Other members of the PSC may also join these visits.
Project closure: An independent Final Evaluation will take place 3 months prior to the final PSC meeting. The final evaluation will focus on the delivery of the project‟s results as initially planned and as corrected after the mid-term evaluation, if any such correction takes place. The final evaluation will look at impact and sustainability of results, including the contribution to capacity development and the achievement of global environmental benefits/goals.
