The UNFCCC NAP Technical Guidelines outline the four elements in the development and implementation of a NAP. These elements are the basis of an iterative process that is also country-driven, gender-sensitive and participatory. Under each element is a list of actions that can be used to identify entry points and sequence the selected adaptation activities into a road map.
However, they are not meant to be prescriptive. The formulation and implementation of a NAP is a flexible process that should conform to country circumstances. Those countries that chose to engage in the NAP process do not have to follow the steps in consecutively or completely.
Element A - Lay the groundwork and address gaps
- Initiating and launching the NAP process
- Stocktaking: identifying available information on climate change impacts, vulnerability and adaptation and assessing gaps and needs of the enabling environment for the NAP process
- Addressing capacity gaps and weaknesses in undertaking the NAP process
- Comprehensively and iteratively assessing development needs and climate vulnerabilities
Element B - Preparatory elements
- Analyzing current climate and future climate change scenarios
- Assessing climate vulnerabilities and identifying adaptation options at the sector, subnational, national and other appropriate levels
- Reviewing and appraising adaptation options
- Compiling and communicating NAPs
- Integrating climate change adaptation into national and subnational development and sectoral planning
Element C - Implementation strategies
- Prioritizing climate change adaptation in national planning
- Developing a (long-term) national adaptation implementation strategy
- Enhancing capacity for planning and implementation of adaptation
- Promoting coordination and synergy at the regional level and with other multilateral environmental agreements
Element D - Reporting, monitoring and reviewing
- Monitoring the NAP process
- Reviewing the NAP process to assess progress, effectiveness and gaps
- Iteratively updating the NAPs
- Outreach on the NAP process and reporting on progress and effectiveness
