Mainstreaming adaptation into local development planning: A case study in Chainat, Thailand
Kitichai Rattana, Dusita Krawanchid
Partner Report Series No 7
Preface
During the last three years, the Regional Climate Change Adaptation Knowledge Platform (AKP) has worked towards building bridges between existing knowledge on adaptation to climate change and the governments, agencies and communities that need this knowledge to inform their adaptation to the impacts of climate change, while working for poverty reduction and environmental sustainability. AKP’s work has been carried out following three key objectives:
1. Promoting dialogue and improving the exchange of knowledge, information and methods within and between countries on climate change adaptation, and linking existing and emerging networks and initiatives.
2. Generating new climate change adaptation knowledge, promoting understanding and providing guidance relevant to the development and implementation of national and regional climate change adaptation policy, plans and processes focused on reducing vulnerability and strengthening the resilience of the poor and women: the most vulnerable segments of society in most Asian countries.
3. Synthesizing existing and new climate change adaptation knowledge and facilitating its application in sustainable development and poverty reduction practices at the local, national and regional levels.
This publication is a result of these objectives. AKP supported thirteen countries in the Asian region to strengthen their capabilities to mainstream adaptation, introduce effective adaptation measures and assess their needs and priorities for adaptation. Thailand is one of the thirteen countries.
AKP is implemented by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), AIT’s Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific (AIT RRCAP), and the United Nations Environment Program Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (UNEP ROAP) with funding provided by the Swedish Government through the Royal Swedish Embassy in Bangkok and the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida).
The former Swedish Environmental Secretariat for Asia (SENSA) was also instrumental in setting up and supporting AKP. AKP’s publications provide insights on adaptation in the region. A consolidated initiative, known as the Asia Pacific Adaptation Network (APAN), has been established and will be fully implemented starting 2013. Its ultimate objective is to assist the region to build the climate resilience of human systems, ecosystems and economies through the mobilization of knowledge and best practices, enhanced institutional capacity, informed decision making processes, and facilitated access to finance and technologies.
The outcomes of AKP have been made possible by the active participation of partners and various stakeholders. SEI acknowledges the editorial assistance provided by Marion Davis and Skye Turner-Walker. SEI also expresses heartfelt thanks to John Soussan, Lailai Li, Kai Kim Chiang, Lisa Schipper, Sabita Thapa, Tatirose Vijitpan, Muanpong Juntopas, Nantiya Tangwisutijit, Chanthy Sam, and Dusita Krawanchid for their contributions to AKP.
Abstract
Photo Credit: creativecommons | CIAT International Center for Tropical Agriculture
This pilot study aimed to understand climate risks and uncertainty within local communities and demonstrate the integration of climate change adaptation into local development plans. The study began with an assessment of climate risks, uncertainty and vulnerability in an agricultural community within the Sapanhin sub-district, Nong Mamong district, Chainat province in Thailand. From this, adaptation options were identified. In addition to the vulnerability assessment, the study employed a mixture of approaches, including Participatory Rural Appraisal, a review of local development plans and related documents, in-depth interviews, household surveys, and focus group discussions. Raising awareness of climate risks and variability, communicating climate information, and fostering public engagement are central to the integration of climate change adaptation into community development plans. If government officials can work with the local agriculture office, community leaders, farmer groups and other stakeholders to plan and implement the adaptation actions, the community’s vulnerability to climate change could be significantly reduced.
