Events

In order to identify and prioritize knowledge gaps in climate change adaptation in the Andes using a new pilot methodology, a workshop was earlier in the year conducted through a collaboration between UNFCCC, UNEP, GAN and CIAT.

The results of this collaborative engagement will be presented in form of a Policy Brief aiming to inform decision makers on knowledge gaps in climate change adaptation in the Andes using the new pilot methodology. The current state of knowledge and context of climate change adaptation in the Andes will be outlined, and the identified gaps and pilot methodology will be presented, including the criteria by which gaps were prioritized. The resulting list of most important knowledge gaps and potential options on how to close the knowledge gaps will be discussed.

Key questions to be addressed by the panel

1. Present new pilot methodology and its potentials for thematic/regional areas

2. Highlight identified gaps and the ones assessed as the most important to close

3. Discuss potential options on how to close the knowledge gaps

Key Messages

1. The Andean region can highly benefit from climate change adaptation measures, which will be most successful if current knowledge gaps will be closed.

2. The pilot methodology used for prioritizing knowledge gaps was perceived as very supportive and can easily be applied for other thematic sectors and regions.

3. A holistic approach addressing the most urgent knowledge gaps on the bio-physical, socio-economic and policy level is necessary to increase resilience of populations and ecosystems.

4. The highest ranking knowledge gaps emphasise the urgency to focus research:

• on impacts of climate change on ecosystems and resulting effects on human settlements
• on  developing mechanisms for including adaptation in current planning tools
• on how climate change will affect human health in the Andes.