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Background and use of SL
The first phase of this project aimed to identify successful
ecosystem management and restoration actions that reduce the
vulnerability of communities to climate-related
hazards and climate change. It also sought to enhance the
role of these activites by developing a common framework drawing
in experience in disaster risk reduction, climate and climate
change, environmental management and poverty reduction. It
further aimed to expand operational capacities for adopting
this approach and promote its integration into emerging policy
frameworks.
As
the approach was developed in phase 1, it eventually changed
to one which emphasised sustainable livelihoods
(SL), rather than simply natural resource or ecosystem management
(NRM and EM&R). The approach recognised the full range
of mutually-reinforcing activities (i.e. economic and community
development, capacity building, education, etc.) that help
the poorest and most vulnerable adapt to climate change. Vulnerability
reduction is achieved not only through preserving or enhancing
the buffering capacity of natural systems, thereby reducing
community exposure to certain hazards, but also by contributing
to the productivity and security of local
livelihoods. Understanding the dynamics of poor people’s
livelihoods can reveal how they will be affected by climate
change impacts, how they might respond with the resources
they have, and how these conditions can be reflected and built
upon for successful adaptation strategies.The SL approach
also captures some of the other aspects of adaptation that
the partners seek to promote – that is the bottom-up,
people-centered approach that builds upon existing
strengths and experiences.
Two
case studies undertaken in phase 1 which involved returning
to areas where SL/EM&R interventions had taken place previously.
They used locally-derived resilience indicators based on critical
livelihood assets to measure community resilience. The findings
confirmed that communities were better able to cope with climate-related
hazards as a result of a SL/EM&R intervention.
The
Task Force recommended 3 general steps for identifying ‘win-win’
options that address current realities and assist with long-term
capacity-building:
- understanding
the vulnerability-livelihood interactions;
- establishing
the legal, policy and institutional framework through which
adaptation measures can be implemented; and
- developing
a national climate change adaptation strategy, including
reform measures, contingency planning and investment options.
Phase
Two focuses on operationalizing adaptation through these steps.
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