Event

Communities possess various mechanisms for making decisions related to their autonomy, and thus are positioned to implement adaptation initiatives to climate change impacts. The strategic role of communities provides a viable subject to strengthen competence development and technology transfer to improve adaptive capability. Community-based adaptation (CBA) capitalizes on participatory approaches, builds on priorities and traditional knowledge, and empowers and strengthens local capacities. 

‘Good’ community-based adaptation, like other forms of participatory development, is community-driven. Each ‘community’ has a wealth of knowledge about the local environment, and has been adapting to and coping with change for many years. This knowledge and traditional coping mechanisms are autonomous and may become less effective as climate change leads to greater unpredictability in weather patterns. There are significant strengths and weaknesses in both local and scientific knowledge which need to be well integrated.

Community-based adaptation brings together those working in the fields of disaster risk reduction, community development, climate change science and adaptation and vulnerability assessment.

The seminar is co-organised by the Adaptation Knowledge Platform, Asia Pacific Adaptation Network, CARE International, Climate Change Knowledge Friday, 6 Aug 2010 Management Center, Thailand and USAID Thailand.