ALM UNDP

Output 1.1. Risk and vulnerability assessments conducted and updated at national level;
Output 1.2 Targeted population groups covered by adequate risk reduction systems;
Output 1.3 Targeted population groups participating in adaptation and risk reduction awareness activities; and
Output 2.2 Vulnerable physical, natural and social assets strengthened in response to climate change impacts, including variability.
Output 2.4. Targeted individual and community livelihood strategies strengthened in relation to climate change impacts, including variability

As detailed in the Adaptation Fund Proposal - Cook Islands - resubmission Oct 2011

• Output 1.1. Risk and vulnerability assessments conducted and updated at national level
• Output 1.2 Targeted population groups covered by adequate risk reduction systems
• Output 1.3 Targeted population groups participating in adaptation and risk reduction awareness activities
• Output 2.2 Vulnerable physical, natural and social assets strengthened in response to climate change impacts, including variability

Component 1: Climate early warning and information systems
The project will support the development of enhanced climate and weather information products and services (monthly outlook, seasonal forecasting, longer term projections), tailored particularly for flood and drought preparedness and agriculture sector users (local government officials, farmers, communities, extension services). To ensure the timely dissemination of climate early warning and information products, effective alert and communication system will be established for communities, village councils and local disaster management committees. Capacity building and training activities will involve technical workshops on the establishment, maintenance and use of climate early warning system, including the interpretation and application of tailored climate information services, targeting meteorologist and climatologist staff at Meteorology Service, community members of the voluntary emergency services, as well as farmers. To facilitate the application of climate information amongst agriculture sector users, the programme will support the development of climate-sensitive crop suitability and cultivation guidelines and manuals, with user-friendly information packages, customized to the climate and landscapes, and different crop varieties and forest types of the Ba watershed area.

Component 2: Community-based adaptation to flood and drought related risks and hazards
Activities under this output will be closely linked to the establishment of a Rural Land Use Policy. The main components of the plan will cover flood plain zoning, land use plan, water use and safety plan (pollution control, water distribution and rationing), preparedness and post flood and drought recovery processes, supported with adjusted regulations that recognize emerging climate change risks. Importantly, the plan will include a community-based monitoring system on land-use, water use, flood control measures, and conservation of related ecosystems (e.g. mangroves, forests), coupled with review and feedback mechanism to integrate experiences on an ongoing/periodic basis.

Resilience of crop production will be pursued through identifying and introducing climate change resilient crop varieties and suitable crop cultivation techniques. To ensure the continuous supply of climate-resilient plant species to farmers, a research station and associated community nurseries will be established in the Ba area, with appropriate distribution systems. The introduction of post-harvest processing and food storage techniques will be based on a review and enhancement of traditional practices.

Component 3: Institutional strengthening to support climate- and disaster-resilient policy frameworks
Activities under this output will serve to review and adjust relevant sectoral policies, legal and planning frameworks, corporate and management plans at the different levels, through analysis of existing frameworks and related institutional capacities, consultative processes and systematic training of policy makers and planners. The proposed project will promote the application of modified or newly created policy frameworks and instruments in target provinces and districts, while integrating on-the-ground experience to inform the higher level policy processes.

Component 4: Awareness raising and knowledge management
Outputs and proposed activities under this outcome aim at capturing, analyzing and disseminating programme experience at the national and regional levels in a systematic way, from early stages of the programme from the assessment, adaptation planning, implementation, monitoring phases, as well the throughout the policy mainstreaming processes. A range of knowledge products will be developed, tailored to different user groups and disseminated through specific channels and means, including education institutions, and supported by a project communication action plan for broader awareness raising purposes. It is expected that integrated knowledge management activities will significantly contribute to the replicability and sustainability of the project results, reaching out to broad layers of society and different generations.

1. Innovative copying mechanisms and practices (rain water harvesting, improved irrigation techniques, climate-resilient cropping and grazing systems, livelihood diversification…) field- tested in 5 high-risks areas;

2. Early warning and climate risk management systems designed and set up at central and local levels; Agriculture-related policies and practices revised and informed by EWS and climate information; Farmers, pastoralists and technical staff fully trained and equipped on CRM tools, strategies and practices;

3. National menu of best practices available; Successful pilot mechanisms and measures institutionalized; and National budget allocated to support country-wide upscaling efforts.

1. Enhanced early warning system which allows for climate change predictions. System in place to integrate climate change risk assessment and socio-economic parameters such as impacts on livelihoods and economic activities. Data coordination network is established through inter-agency coordination mechanism for hydro-meteorological information. Data is currently managed across departments without a central coordination mechanism. Disaster response plans are prepared and capacity to implement them is developed.
2. Science/Policy exchange forum is established through interchange platform between hydro-climatic network and policy makers Policy briefs and analysis for planners, policy makers and field actors to guide them in making decisions on adaptation strategies. Particularly related to water management and agricultural practices.
3. Land use management practices adjusted for anticipated climate change risks Capacity development program for communities formulated based a CC adaptation capacity needs assessment conducted during the PPG. Communities trained according to the capacity development program. Communities and policy makers sensitized with CC adaptation benefits to be attained through enhanced catchment management practices. Results of demonstrations distilled as experience notes for dissemination to policy makers. Adaptation policy adopted for the land use planning at the targeted area.
4. Development and dissemination of lessons learned for policy makers and for communities through out the project. Training plan developed and implemented for relevant stakeholders for uptake of lessons learned and engagement in the various project components. Platform for national learning and sustainability established.