Climate Adaptation and Local Resilience & Supporting Impact-Based Decision Support Services

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING ON CLIMATE ADAPTATION AND LOCAL RESILIENCE & SUPPORTING IMPACT-BASED DECISION SUPPORT SERVICES

COURSE BACKGROUND

The Climate Adaptation and Local Resilience & Supporting Impact-Based Decision Support Services course, offered under the Environmental Capacities and Sustainability (ECAS) Institute, is designed to address the growing challenges posed by climate change. As extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and environmental degradation continue to impact communities, the need for adaptive strategies and resilient systems has become critical. This course provides participants with the necessary knowledge, tools, and techniques to develop and implement effective climate adaptation strategies that enhance local resilience and support impact-based decision-making.

The course is structured to provide both theoretical foundations and practical applications in climate risk assessment, disaster risk reduction, early warning systems, and policy integration. By incorporating impact-based decision support services, the training emphasizes data-driven approaches that enhance preparedness and response to climate-related risks. Participants will engage with real-world case studies, interactive discussions, and hands-on exercises to develop skills applicable to their specific contexts.

Through this training, ECAS aims to build capacity among professionals, policymakers, and community leaders to implement sustainable adaptation measures that mitigate climate risks while promoting long-term resilience. The course aligns with global frameworks such as the Paris Agreement, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that participants are equipped with globally relevant best practices.

OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING

The Climate Adaptation and Local Resilience & Supporting Impact-Based Decision Support Services course aims to:

Enhance understanding of climate change impacts on ecosystems, communities, and economic sectors.
Equip participants with tools and methodologies for climate risk and vulnerability assessment.
Develop skills in designing and implementing adaptation strategies that strengthen local resilience.
Integrate disaster risk reduction (DRR) and early warning systems into climate adaptation planning.
Provide knowledge on impact-based decision support services to improve climate-informed decision-making.
Strengthen policy, governance, and stakeholder engagement for effective adaptation planning and implementation.
Encourage hands-on application of climate adaptation solutions through case studies, simulations, and practical exercises.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain the key principles of climate adaptation and resilience-building.
Conduct climate risk and vulnerability assessments using data-driven approaches.
Design and implement locally appropriate adaptation strategies.
Develop and apply disaster risk reduction and early warning systems.
Utilize impact-based forecasting for better climate risk communication.
Integrate climate adaptation strategies into policies, programs, and decision-making processes.
Engage stakeholders in climate adaptation initiatives for more effective implementation.
Analyze real-world case studies and apply best practices in climate resilience.

DURATION AND PROGRAM
TARGET PARTICIPANTS

This course is designed for government officials, policymakers, environmental and climate scientists, disaster risk management professionals, urban and rural planners, and development practitioners involved in climate adaptation and resilience-building. It is also beneficial for NGOs, private sector representatives, academics, researchers, and community leaders working in climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, water management, energy, and infrastructure. By bringing together diverse professionals, the course fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing to enhance climate adaptation efforts and impact-based decision-making.

TRAINING MODULES

The Climate Adaptation and Local Resilience & Supporting Impact-Based Decision Support Services course is structured into key modules that provide a comprehensive understanding of climate adapta tion, resilience-building, and decision support services. These modules cover fundamental concepts, practical tools, and policy frameworks necessary for designing and implementing climate adaptation strategies at local and national levels.

Participants will explore the science of climate change, assess risks and vulnerabilities, and develop adaptation strategies tailored to different sectors and communities. The course also focuses on disaster risk reduction, early warning systems, and impact-based decision-making, equipping participants with data-driven approaches to enhance resilience. Through case studies, scenario-based exercises, and real-world applications, participants will gain hands-on experience in applying climate adaptation solutions effectively.

The following modules outline the key areas of learning, with each module designed to build essential skills and knowledge for addressing climate challenges.

No	Module	Details
1.	Understanding Climate Change and Adaptation	The science of climate change and its global and local impacts. Key concepts and principles of climate adaptation and resilience. Climate adaptation vs. mitigation: Understanding the difference. International frameworks and agreements on climate adaptation (Paris Agreement, SDGs, Sendai Framework). The role of communities, governments, and organizations in adaptation efforts.
2.	Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment	Methods and tools for conducting climate risk assessments. Identifying exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity in communities. Climate data sources, modeling, and interpretation for risk assessment. Assessing sectoral vulnerabilities (agriculture, water, health, infrastructure). Integrating climate risk assessments into local and national planning.
3.	Strategies for Local Climate Adaptation and Resilience	Community-based adaptation (CBA) approaches and implementation. Ecosystem-based adaptation (EBA) strategies for nature-based solutions. Strengthening economic and social resilience to climate change impacts. Climate-smart agriculture and sustainable resource management. Integrating gender and social inclusion in adaptation planning.
4.	Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Early Warning Systems	Understanding the link between climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction. Designing and implementing climate-responsive early warning systems. Community preparedness and response strategies for climate hazards. Risk communication and public awareness strategies for disaster resilience. Case studies of disaster risk reduction and adaptation success stories.
5.	Impact-Based Decision Support Services	Introduction to impact-based forecasting and decision support tools. Using climate data to inform decision-making in key sectors. Developing risk-informed policies and climate adaptation strategies. Communication and dissemination of climate risk information to stakeholders. Application of GIS, remote sensing, and technology in climate decision support.
6.	Policy, Governance, and Stakeholder Engagement	National and local policy frameworks supporting climate adaptation. Strengthening governance structures for climate resilience. Effective stakeholder engagement and participatory decision-making. Financing mechanisms and funding opportunities for climate adaptation. Addressing governance challenges and institutional barriers in adaptation planning.
7.	Case Studies and Practical Applications	Real-world climate adaptation initiatives and best practices. Scenario-based exercises for climate risk assessment and planning. Developing localized adaptation strategies through simulations. Lessons learned from past climate adaptation interventions. Action planning for integrating adaptation strategies into policies and projects.

TRAINING STYLE

This course uses a practical and interactive approach to ensure participants gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. It includes expert lectures and presentations to provide foundational insights into climate adaptation and resilience. Case studies and real-world examples help participants analyze successful adaptation strategies and impact-based decision-making. Group discussions and collaborative exercises encourage knowledge-sharing and problem-solving, while hands-on practical exercises focus on climate risk assessments, disaster preparedness, and adaptation planning. Stakeholder engagement simulations train participants in public consultations and decision-making processes. Where applicable, field visits provide firsthand exposure to adaptation initiatives. The course also emphasizes climate data analysis, report writing, and policy integration, ensuring participants develop actionable skills.

9. GENERAL NOTES

Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate.
We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide needs. Contact us to find out more: info@ecasiafrica.org.
Payment should be sent to our bank account before the start of training and proof of payment sent to: info@ecasiafrica.org.

ABOUT ECAS INSTITUTE

The ECAS Institute designs and delivers independent and targeted training, research, and consulting services. Our work focusses on climate change and resilience building, carbon markets, renewable energy, nature-based solution, biodiversity conservation, agriculture and food systems, We are located in Nairobi Kenya and work across the African region. We have implemented training and research assignments in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Somalia, Malawi, Rwanda, Congo, and South Africa. Globally, we have supported our partners from the UK, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Germany, and USA.