Guidelines for conflict-sensitive adaptation to climate change

Climate change increases the frequency and severity of natural disasters, and reduces access to and the availability of resources – environmental changes that have serious negative impacts on human development, peace and security. An understanding of the interplay between climate change, adaptation, vulnerability and crisis prevention is crucial if decision and policy-makers are to design and implement effective adaptation measures that strengthen resilience and promote long-term sustainable development. This is particularly important in developing countries and fragile states where people already live in precarious conditions.

The guidelines for conflict-sensitive adaptation to climate change were developed by adelphi on behalf of the German environment Agency (UBA) and outline how to design and implement an adaptation project in a fragile or conflict-affected context. Addressed at planner and project managers, the guide provides tools and methods to ensure that an adaptation project does not exacerbate tensions and, ideally, contributes to peace and stability.

"Guidelines for conflict-sensitive adaptation to climate change" comprises three major parts: the first is a conceptual framework explaining conflict sensitivity and the relevance of climate change adaptation processes. The second is a detailed and practical step-by-step guideline on how to integrate conflict sensitivity in an adaptation project. This guideline is structured along a typical cycle for climate change adaptation project and comprises the modules vulnerability assessment, planning & design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the project. The last part is an annex with supplementary information and tools to support the practical implementation of the guidelines. It also comprises documentations of good practice examples to further inspire the user.