ALM UNDP

Summary:

Uruguay - Second National Communication - 11 May 2004

The first research activities and evaluations on vulnerability to climate change and identification of adaptation measures, covering Agriculture and Coastal Resources sectors were conducted within the framework of the Country Study made by the National Commission on Global Change through 1994-1998, with the funding of the United States Country Studies Program (USCSP).

Uruguay is currently participating in the implementation of three regional projects, with the support of the Assessments of Impacts and Adaptations to Climate Change (AIACC) initiative:

a) Impact of global change on the coastal areas of the Río de la Plata: sea level rise and meteorological effects; b) Building capacity to assess the impact of climate change and climatic variability and to develop adaptive responses for the mixed crop and livestock production systems in the Argentinean, Brazilian and Uruguayan Pampas; c) Assessing global change impacts, vulnerability and adaptation strategies for estuarine waters of the Río de la Plata.

Uruguay - Initial National Communication - 15 October 1997

Key Vulnerabilities

• Coastal Zones and Marine Ecosystems
• Fisheries

Potential Adaptation Measures

Agriculture and Food Security

• Educational & outreach activities to change management practices to those suited to climate change
• Switch to different cultivars
• Improve and conserve soils
• Enhance irrigation efficiency and/or expand irrigation
• Agricultural research and transfer of technology
• Establish seed banks
• Improve pest and disease forecast and control

Coastal Zones and Marine Ecosystems

• Develop Integrated Coastal Zone Management
• Develop planning/new investment requirements
• Protect, including building sea walls, and beach nourishment
• Research/monitor the coastal ecosystem