Private

WS 3.119

Solutions for adapting to climate change in mountains

Details

Full Title
WS 3.119: Solutions for adapting to climate change in mountains: an exchange of lessons learned and ways forward
Scheduled
TBA
Location
TBA
Convener
Rosie Witton
Co-Conveners
Kate Williamson, Julia Josselyn Aguilera Rodriguez,
Assigned to Synthesis Workshop
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Thematic Focus
Adaptation, Cryo- & Hydrosphere, Ecosystems, Monitoring, Others
Keywords
Solutions, Adaptation, Knowledge Exchange, Knowledge Sharing, Learning

Description

Mountains feature some of the clearest indications of climate change, disrupting water flows and affecting ecosystems, creating and worsening natural hazards and threatening livelihoods and communities both within the mountains and downstream. Identifying and sharing best practice solutions (defined as technologies, approaches, and/or processes to reduce expected losses or harness benefits) are vital in accelerating the uptake and scaling up of innovative adaptation strategies in the mountains. This session would be convened through the Adaptation at Altitude Knowledge Network: a global community of practice through which stakeholders working on or interested in climate change adaptation in mountains share experiences and knowledge with the goal of increasing the resilience and adaptive capacity of mountain communities and ecosystems to climate change. Building on the meetings and learning events held since its inception in 2023, this session will bring together stakeholders to exchange and showcase solutions for adapting to climate change in mountains. The session will open with an introductory presentation, and be followed by a “marketplace” of projects and solutions adapting to climate change in mountains to aid learning, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. It will close with a discussion of best practices, shared gaps and challenges, and a Q&A.

Submitted Abstracts

ID: 3.11161

Adaptation solutions and climate resilience: a comparative analysis across the Andes

Alejandra Melfo
Llambi, Luis Daniel; Salas-Bourgoin, Andreina

Abstract/Description

Significant advances in adaptation to CC in the Andes have been made over the past two decades, but we still face challenges on several key fronts, including the analysis of the strategies that have been implemented so far, in order to assess their effectiveness and promote true adaptive management strategies. We present a study of the current state of adaptation solutions in the Andes, with a comparative analysis of 40 measures implemented along the range in a wide diversity of socio-environmental contexts, from the humid páramos of the northern Andes to the dry punas of the altiplano. The study offers a window into the path taken by adaptation to CC in the Andes in recent, years in terms of their geographical distribution and working ecosystems, the thematic approaches developed, the type of actors involved, their requirements in terms of human and financial resources, and their implementation timeframes. We show how solutions often share features such as significant community participation, but also illustrate different realities in terms of the duration and depth of adaptation processes in the territory, their articulation with national programs and policies, or the effective use of monitoring and evaluation strategies for their environmental and social impacts.

ID: 3.11163

Documenting Adaptation Progress in Mountain Regions: Insights from the Adaptation at Altitude Solutions Portal

Veruska Muccione
Aguilera Rodrigues, Julia; Scolobig, Anna; Witton, Rosie; Zwahlen, Johanna; Mackey, Alex; Barrott, Julia; Simonett, Otto; Stoffel, Markus; Allen, Simon K.

Abstract/Description

This research highlights the critical need for documented adaptation progress in mountain regions by reviewing implemented or ongoing projects sourced from the Adaptation at Altitude Solutions Portal (A@A Solution Portal). Employing a data-driven approach, the study investigates the characteristics, feasibility, and transformative potential of these solutions. The findings show a predominant focus on addressing droughts and floods, aligning with the IPCC’s emphasis on water-related impacts in mountainous areas. Solutions centred around education and awareness, along with land use practices, are prominent, reflecting their positive impact on project acceptability and the low associated risk of maladaptation. Agricultural lands and forests are the main ecosystems where solutions are reported, showing a clear link to education, awareness, and land use change solutions. Despite high community involvement in many solutions, challenges such as gender inequality persist. While solutions often demonstrate local relevance and depth of change, scaling up remains challenging, with limited evidence of mainstreaming and replication. Sustainability criteria are moderately met, incorporating inclusive decision-making, but uncertainty regarding long-term plans remains. Additionally, the findings underscore the importance of co-developing and maintaining adaptation solution portals, illustrating how this approach enhances our understanding of adaptation progress in mountainous regions. This research broadens the scope of systematic adaptation assessments by integrating local needs and diverse knowledge systems. Ultimately, the study contributes insights to the evolving landscape of monitoring and evaluating adaptation effectiveness and feasibility.

ID: 3.11328

Adaptation at Altitude: how can we exchange knowledge and share lessons of mountain solutions?

Rosie Witton
Williamson, Kate; Aguilera Rodriguez, Julia Josselyn

Abstract/Description

The Adaptation at Altitude programme aims to foster exchange among the mountain areas of the world and promote short- and long-term solutions to the problems arising from climate change. One way the programme is doing this is through the Adaptation at Altitude Solutions Portal and Knowledge Network (built on the theory of a community of practice), which provide space for those interested in climate change adaptation in mountains to share their experiences and knowledge.

Solutions can be shared via the Adaptation at Altitude Solutions Portal, with the goal of increasing the resilience and adaptive capacity of mountain communities and ecosystems to climate change. The Solutions Portal, containing short or detailed solutions, allows users to explore tried and tested climate change adaptation solutions for mountain regions, see where they have been implemented, and by who.

The Adaptation at Altitude Knowledge Network began in 2023 and is a network where participants share experiences and knowledge on adaptation in the mountains and collaborate to accelerate the uptake of innovative solutions. Meetings and learning events have been held each year, based on topics of interest that participants have suggested, to encourage open and useful forums of learning and exchange for participants.

This presentation will highlight the Adaptation at Altitude Solutions Portal and Knowledge Network, emphasising the importance of knowledge sharing and exchange, as well as encourage participation and engagement in the future exchanges.

ID: 3.12034

Mountains ADAPT: learnings from piloting a small grants scheme in mountain communities

Ansgar Fellendorf
McCallum, Sabine; Devidze, Mariam

Abstract/Description

Knowledge about the available tested adaptation solutions in mountains increases among governance stakeholders thanks to online portals, capacity development activities and knowledge exchange. However, often flexible easy-accessible funding is missing on the local mountain community level.
To close this gap, UNEP has engaged in the Mountains ADAPT project. This session will present learnings and findings from the first pilot phase in the South Caucasus and East African Community. A substantive stock-take and analysis of existing small grant schemes and grants programs has been undertaken through desk research and expert/donor interviews. The analysis has been focused on more than 30 financing schemes´ characteristics and practical operations that have been further investigated through follow-up interviews. The synthesis report provides a broad overview of existing schemes, including for the global level and both benefitting regions, discussing main findings along eight different categories such as identification of beneficiaries, application process, selection, grant nature, transfer, reporting, monitoring and evaluation and sustainability. In addition, recommendations for concrete next steps towards developing a mountain community small grants scheme for adaptation are elaborated.

ID: 3.12208

Socio-ecological vulnerability and adaptive capacity of small-scale agriculture to Global Environmental Change in Important Agricultural Heritage Systems in southern Chile. Encouraging local knowledge as a tool for better adaptation strategies

Carla Marchant

Abstract/Description

This project analyzes the socio-ecological vulnerability and the adaptive capacity of small-scale agriculture to current variability and future climate change in southern Chile, especially in territories of high importance for agrobiodiversity and food production, such as the Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems Pehuenche Mountain Range. For this, we use the Global Environmental Change perspective, which, under a relational approach, understands that climate change and variability transcend the biophysical dimensions, affecting the livelihoods and well-being of indigenous and local communities. To understand these relationships, we will use a mixed methodological approach to present and future socio-ecological vulnerability of small-scale agriculture and explore the contribution of local knowledge as a tool that may allow feasible and efficient adaptation strategies to the impacts of these phenomena. We evaluate the role of local knowledge as the main asset for the development of adaptation strategies to climate variability and Climate Change, where the knowledge of the protagonists themselves is the guide of the process.

ID: 3.12275

MountResilience – Testing innovative frameworks for climate change adaptation practices at a regional scale

Dario Pezzotti
Sala, Stefano; Coatti, Gloria; Giupponi, Luca; Vizzarri, Matteo; Panza, Riccardo; Bisaglia, Beatrice; Giorgi, Annamaria

Abstract/Description

Innovative approaches are urgently needed to address the complex challenges posed by climate change, particularly in mountain regions where its impacts are rapid and more pronounced than in urban areas. In this context, the MountResilience project, funded by Horizon Europe, aims to enhance the adaptive capacity of local communities through a multi-level stakeholder engagement process that integrates local knowledge with scientific expertise. The innovative approach developed by MountResilience begins with reconstructing impact chains (ICs) to assess risk and vulnerability through bilateral interviews across the quadruple helix stakeholders. Building on this local knowledge, the project adapts and reinterprets European engagement frameworks, such as the Regional Adaptation Support Tool (RAST) and the TransformAr playbook, to align with local expertise via a decision-making process that validates early-collected information. In this context, Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) are crucial for enhancing the resilience of mountain territories by synergizing ecological sustainability with social resilience: in fact, they improve communities’ abilities to anticipate and respond to climate-induced disturbances while offering multiple benefits. This method also has incorporated the use of a bibliographic collection of solutions to climate change, focused on Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). Originally designed to cover specific areas of interest for MountResilience regional demonstrators, the database has been implemented by collecting articles and projects related to mountain areas: it includes reviews, case studies, engagement methods, innovative ideas, and traditional approaches, and stakeholders can have access to this source of knowledge through a free, user-friendly online tool available on the MountResilience website. This interdisciplinary approach, integrating local stakeholder engagement with scientific research, is fundamental to addressing climate change challenges. In that working flow, the Solution Database can offer ideas and suggestions for local needs, facilitating the understanding of climate change and accelerating decision-making and solution adoption in mountain areas.

ID: 3.12593

Assessing climate adaptation solutions in the Andes: Perspectives from beneficiary communities on effectiveness and sustainability

Julia Josselyn Aguilera Rodriguez
Allen, Simon K.; Lllambi, Luis Daniel; Salas Bourgoin, María Andreína; Rodriguez Molano, Lina María

Abstract/Description

This presentation outlines the results of an assessment of five climate change adaptation solutions implemented across five different countries in the Andean Cordillera. Led by members of the University of Geneva and the Consorcio para el Desarollo Sostenible de la Ecoregión Andina (CONDESAN) as part of the Adaptation at Altitude programme, this research had the objective to assess the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of the solutions from the perspective of beneficiary communities.
The solutions analyzed were carefully selected from the Adaptation at Altitude Solutions Portal on the basis of their transformative potential and relevance for replication. They offer valuable insights into climate adaptation efforts in mountain regions.
Unlike conventional evaluation frameworks, which often rely on retrospective data and results reported by implementers, sometimes overlooking the lived experiences of those most affected, our study employs an assessment framework that focuses on the perspectives of beneficiaries and local stakeholders, providing a more nuanced understanding of adaptation effectiveness.
The study identifies best practices, extracts lessons learned and analyses key factors, both facilitating and constraining, that influence the effectiveness, sustainability and scalability of these solutions. The findings aim to strengthen climate change adaptation efforts in mountain regions, both in the Andes and beyond, providing evidence to inform policy and decision-making on adaptation strategies.

ID: 3.12664

Local Adaptation Readiness for effective Climate Risk Management

Annemarie Polderman
Kehl, Andrea; Mayer, Andreas; Keiler, Margreth

Abstract/Description

Adaptation readiness at the local level is crucial for effective climate risk management, particularly in the context of multi-hazards, due to their spatially explicit and localised nature. Natural hazards such as floods, debris flows, landslides, or avalanches tend to have geographically distinct impacts, and their risks are often intensified by local climate variations. In mountainous regions, where climate change manifests itself in diverse location-specific ways, due to high geo and cultural diversity, the importance of localised adaptation is even more pronounced. In Austria, municipalities have primary responsibility for civil protection and spatial planning decisions, making them key actors in managing climate risks and natural hazards. Based on the CAUTION project, funded by the Austrian Climate Research Programme, this contribution highlights the need to adapt climate risk management (CRM) strategies, policies, and initiatives from the international or national level to the regional and local contexts, where they are actually implemented and where tangible changes can occur. A comprehensive understanding of the local multi-risk situation, including how it is embedded in governance structures, is therefore crucial for the effective implementation of CRM and subsequently for enhancing the resilience of mountain communities.

ID: 3.12874

Nature-Based Solutions for Building Mountain Resilience: Lessons from the HKH Region

Babar Khan

Abstract/Description

Mountain communities in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region face increasing environmental and socioeconomic challenges, including climate change, food insecurity, biodiversity loss, pollution, and socio-economic inequality. This paper presents 10 nature-based solutions (NbS) that enhance mountain communities’ resilience by strengthening local livelihoods, preserving natural resources, and preparing communities for future challenges. Implemented by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and partners, these solutions address three key dimensions of resilience: climate resilience, socioeconomic resilience, and future resilience. Local actions, such as improved irrigation and climate-resilient agriculture, boost food security and increase crop yields. Socially inclusive solutions empower women and youth, enhance economic opportunities, and reduce poverty. Digital innovations improve knowledge-sharing and disaster risk management across wider regions. Combining multiple solutions en

ID: 3.13114

Factors that shape the reaction of Agricultural Marketing Cooperatives to Climate Change in the Southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Wivina Byera Msebeni

Abstract/Description

This study examines the internal factors influencing the reaction and performance of agricultural marketing cooperatives to climate change in the Southern Slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. A qualitative approach was employed, utilizing in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussions with members of selected cooperatives. The research identifies various adaptive strategies that cooperatives have undertaken, including seeking international markets, diversifying beyond coffee cultivation, and adopting climate-resilient coffee varieties. Some cooperatives have also formed joint ventures or become dormant, while others have been amalgamated by the government due to poor performance. The performance of these cooperatives is evaluated through criteria such as the ability to meet members’ expectations, timely payment for coffee, engagement in coffee cultivation, increased coffee production, and involvement in non-coffee-related activities. The study finds that leadership, member commitment, cooperative experience, capital availability, and land size are significant factors shaping cooperative responses to climate challenges and influencing their overall performance. The findings underscore the importance of strong leadership, member engagement, and adaptive strategies in enhancing cooperative resilience to climate change. This research contributes to the understanding of how cooperatives in the region navigate environmental stressors and provides insights for improving their long-term sustainability and performance. The study highlights the need for policy interventions that strengthen the internal dynamics of cooperatives and support their adaptation to climate change, ensuring more stable livelihoods for the farming community.

ID: 3.13208

The flux of climate information in mountain regions: an example from the Andes

Sofia Foladori-Invernizzi
Jurt, Christine

Abstract/Description

The Andes mountain range extends through seven countries in South America. The cultural, political and economic aspects vary widely, and so do the impacts and responses to hydroclimatic events. Against this background, the Bern University of Applied Sciences, through the projects ENANDES “Enhancing Adaptive Capacity of Andean Communities through Climate Services” and ENANDES+ “Building Regional Adaptive Capacity and Resilience to Climate Variability and Change in Vulnerable Sectors in the Andes”, examines the flow of climate information in different contexts the countries and assesses how socio-political-economic aspects might lead to different cooperation possibilities and user responses. One of the biggest challenges is to get the information to the users in such a way that they can use it effectively Some National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) deliver information directly to the users other NMHS rely on a complex network of institutions that evaluate and modify the CS before it gets to the users. This results in a final product that differs in content, frequency, and channel from the NMHS These different approaches make it necessary to analyze the structures of the information flows in addition to the production of the service and the co-production spaces between CS and end users. Knowing the potentials and limitations of the flow could allow can contribute to the adaptation of the service and the configuration of the User Interface Platform (UIP) to the local conditions. It gives insights on how to accelerate institutional linkages and changes in the CS, which is crucial particularly considering EWS.

ID: 3.14128

Enhancing data availability as a basis for adaptation solutions in global mountains: Contributions from GEO Mountains

James Thornton
Massot, Alex; Adler, Carolina

Abstract/Description

In order to design appropriate, locally-relevant climate change adaptation solutions across the world’s diverse mountain regions, a rich catalogue of accessible and high-quality data would ideally be available. These data should include both historical observations from both in situ stations and satellite remote sensing, as well as future climate and climate impact projections, and should correspond to all relevant biophysical and socio-economic system components (e.g. cryosphere, biosphere, etc) in a given region. However, data collection and compilation efforts in mountain globally often encounter challenges. In this context, GEO Mountains, a Flagship Activity of the MRI and co-led by CNR (Italy), seeks to enhance the discoverability, availability, and use of mountain data for multiple applications, including – given our involvement in the Adaptation at Altitude Programme – the design and adaptation measures. Here we present an overview of various GEO Mountains’ activities and products, including data inventories, outcomes of past regional workshops in multiple regions (the Andes, East Africa, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Hindu Kush Himalaya) regarding data and information, and the 20 data-related projects that have been supported through our “Small Grants” programme, several of which represent contributions to the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025. In addition, we present progress on a project to develop a supplement to the Technical Guidelines of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) on the topic of “Earth Observations for Mountains” (EO4Mountains). All activities of GEO Mountains are underpinned by a strong commitment to Open Data and Open Science, as well as collaboration with many partner organisations. In conclusion, we encourage users of mountain and data to support adaptation measures to consider joining the GEO Mountains network.

WS 3.118: Innovative Approaches for Mountain Resilience: Bridging Practice, Science, and the Private Sector

WS 3.121: The science-policy interface for regional mountain governance

#IMC: September 14 - 18 2025

WS 3.119

Solutions for adapting to climate change in mountains

Details

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Scheduled

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Co-Conveners

Assigned to Synthesis Workshop

Thematic Focus

Keywords

Description

Submitted Abstracts

Abstract/Description

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