One of the main objectives of the project “Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Program for the Aral Sea Basin” (CAMP4ASB) is to provide stakeholders with access to improved knowledge on climate change and climate services. Perhaps the key area in the field of climate change, in which new knowledge and services are most in-demand, is an adaptation to climate impacts. To plan and implement measures to adapt to climate change, it is necessary to assess the vulnerability to the current and future impacts of climate change.
For the successful implementation of this task, the project selected an organization to provide advice on assessing vulnerability to the effects of climate change. This assessment covers the sectors of agriculture, energy, water, forestry and health.
“Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) is important for identifying risks associated with climate change and provides information for identifying measures to adapt to the effects of climate change,” - Georg Petersen, an international expert in water management and climate change.
What are the main tasks facing the consultant?
1. Conducting a climate risk and vulnerability assessment
Within this goal, first of all, vulnerability and climate risks will be assessed in the sectors of agriculture, energy, water management, forestry and health. Based on the data collected, a methodology for assessing vulnerability and climate risks will be developed.
Mr. Petersen explained that this assessment will be implemented based on the methodology most suitable for Central Asia, taking into account the availability of information and the specific needs of the region.
2. Development of adaptation measures and methodologies for assessing climate vulnerability and risks
The main idea, in this case, is to provide decision-makers with the necessary tools to integrate climate change adaptation into national development strategies and plans. Particular attention will be paid to the most vulnerable local communities, and stakeholder consultations will also be conducted under this component.
3. Capacity building for integrating adaptation measures into plans and programs
As part of this task, the consultant will identify the basic needs at the national and sub-national levels. Based on the collected data, knowledge products will be developed and seminars will be conducted at the national and sub-national levels.
“Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment allows practitioners and decision-makers to identify the most vulnerable areas, sectors, and social groups. This means that adaptation options to climate change can be developed and implemented, oriented to a specific context, ”- Georg Petersen, an international expert in the field of water resources management and climate change
The final results of the work of the international consultant include a methodology for assessing vulnerability and climate risks at the national and subnational levels, interactive maps showing vulnerability to various types of current and future impacts of climate change. Work will also be done on the economic assessment of climate risks at the level of countries and communities, including the socio-economic impacts of certain types of hazards on countries and communities of Central Asia.
The results of this work will be presented in the form of publications, tables, charts and maps and will be published on the Central Asian Climate Information Platform (CACIP). So far, this climate information platform is under development. Its full launch is planned until September this year.
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Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Program for Aral Sea Basin
