The UNDP-GEF Adaptation Policy Frameworks

About the APF
UNDP took the lead in developing the Adaptation Policy Frameworks (APF) for Climate Change on behalf of the GEF. The APF is a structured approach to formulating and implementing adaptation strategies, policies and measures to ensure human development in the face of climate variability and change.

The APF links climate change adaptation to sustainable development and global environmental issues. It is structured around four major principles:

• Adaptation to short-term climate variability and extreme events serves as a starting point for reducing vulnerability to longer-term climate change;

• Adaptation policies and measures are assessed in a developmental context;

• Adaptation occurs at different levels in society, including the local level;

• The adaptation strategy and the process by which it is implemented are equally important.

The APF process can be used for formulating and designing adaptation-related projects, or for exploring the potential to add adaptation considerations to other types of projects. Projects can focus on any population scale, from the village to the national level.

Adaptation Policy Frameworks for Climate Change:
Developing Strategies, Policies and Measures

Contents Front Matter, Contents, Foreword Executive Summary Section I - User's Guidebook Section II - Technical Papers, Preface: Scoping and Designing an Adaptation Project Engaging Stakeholders in the Adaptation Process Assessing Vulnerability for Climate Adaptation Assessing Current Climate Risks Assessing Future Climate Risks Assessing Current and Changing Socio-Economic Conditions Assessing and Enhancing Adaptive Capacity Formulating an Adaptation Strategy Continuing the Adaptation Process Section III - Case Studies Annexes