Methodbriefs for the Adaptationcomunity.Net

-TEMPLATE–

MethodBriefs for the AdaptationComunity.net

In the context of the project Inventory of Methods for Adaptation to Climate Change (IMACC)[1], MethodBriefs are a means to document and share experiences with the application of approaches / methods / tools for decision support in adaptation to climate change, and thus a means of knowledge management. The target audience isadvanced or basic method users – or those who decide on their use.

Principles

Be specific – a Method Brief documents specific lessons from application!

Use simple and everyday language – instead of technical and academic phrases!

Be short and concise – do not use more than 2 to max 3 pages, i.e. approx. 5500 – 7000 characters excluding spaces!

Find examples of Methods Briefs in the Knowledge section of the AdaptationCommunity.net

Please send the filled template back to the IMACC team

Title of your Method Brief:

Please provide a short title for your Method Brief (max. 70 characters, including spaces)

1. Approach or Method or Tool(please select one of the termsin accordance to the instruments described below)

Mention the name of the approach / method / tool and its essentials in one sentence, including the type of approach / method / tool and what question it helps to answer. Please also clarify whether we are dealing with an approach / a method / a tool. Since the Method Brief documents a concrete application pleasespecify the locationwhere it was applied.

Definition of terms:

An approach is defined as a complete framework that prescribes an entire process and offers a broad strategic approach (e.g. a national adaptation strategy, UNDP Adaptation Policy Framework). It can in some instances assemble certain methods and toolkits to support this process.

A method is a set or sequence of steps that should be followed in order to accomplish a specific task within a larger framework. A method can be implemented through using a number of tools (e.g. methods for development and use of scenario data in the vulnerability and adaptation assessment).

A tool is defined as a means or instrument by which a specific task is accomplished (e.g. decision tools like cost-benefit analysis, Multi Criteria Analysis or vulnerability indexes.

Source and further information: UNFCCC (2005): Compendium on methods and tools to evaluate impacts of, and vulnerability and adaptation to, climate change; available at:

2.Scope and entry points

Here the policy / decision-making / planningprocessneeds to be identified, which was supported by the method. This could be the development of a national adaptation strategy,selection of adaptation measures, the upgrading of a regional flood protection plan, emergency planning, decisions on city infrastructure etc.Also, the key functionof the method within this process needs to be specified, e.g. manage complexity, improve data availability, deal with uncertainty, support mainstreaming, prioritize etc.. Please also mentionthe level of application, e.g. national, programme specific, site specific. Please specify further‘when’ in the policy / decision-making processthe method was applied.

3.How it works

This section explains the functioning in detail: Certain steps / phases to pass through, certain expert assessments necessary, certain consultation processes conducted. Where ever possible, illustrations, graphic schemes etc. should visualize the explanations.

Figure 1: Include a visualization of the functioning or process of the tool.

4.Specifics of application

4.1Stakeholders and institutional set-up

Who was responsible for applying the method? Who supported, who was involved? Who took the lead? This section should also specify how far method application was conducted in a participatory approach.

4.2Input

Often (but not always), method application requires additional resources, personnel, data demand, funds, time. These should be specified to allow the potential applicant to decide, whether it will be realistic to secure these resources. The ‘resource intensity’ should be indicated. This includes how time consuming the method is as well as what challenges were encountered in obtaining data and involving stakeholders.

4.3Output

What are the products and deliverables from applying the method, e.g. maps, diagrams, spread sheets, ranking of adaptation options?

4.4Capacity required and ease of use

What are the capacities and expertisein terms of knowledge and skills required to apply the method? Have particular challenges been encountered? How difficult is it to implement the method?

5.Conclusions for future application

5.1Outcome and added value

Specify the concrete outcome of method application.How far did the method application really change the matter? It might help the practitioner to decide, whether this coincides with his / her intended results. Outcome specification would also support indicating the cost-benefit ratio in the next section.

5.2Cost-benefit ratio

Briefly describe your assessment of the ratio of benefitsversus costs/resources.Where possible a comparison with other approaches should be included.

5.3Potential for replication

Express your recommendations for future applications based on the concrete experiences.Describe the chances of the method to be mainstreamed in regular planning processesand decision making.Please specify necessaryadjustments.

6. References

Indicate references for the user tofind more detailed information: web-links, contact persons including email address or phone number, publications, links to concepts and approaches that served in the development of the applied method, guidance documents, reports etc.

[1] The project Inventory of Methods for Adaptation to Climate Change (IMACC) and its exchange platform AdaptationCommunity.net are funded by the International Climate Initiative (ICI) of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU).