Author Forner, C. & Robledo, C.

Year of publication 2005

Issues regarding land use, land-use change and forestry have being receiving increased attention in the multilateral negotiation process on climate change. Remarkable progress has been made in discussions of definitions and methodologies and in capacity building for the inclusion of forestry activities in the mitigation of climate change. While most efforts have been directed to mitigation measures, less attention has been given to the development of practical tools for analysing vulnerability and options for adapting forest ecosystems to climate change, particularly at the national and local levels in developing countries. This document summarizes information that facilitates the definition and formulation of policies and projects aimed at decreasing vulnerability to climate change. It emphasizes that adaptation to climate change must be part of a country's development process, and that every adaptation action should be framed within the national development policies. This document is intended to assist policymakers and other professionals involved in the planning, project formulation or implementation of adaptation measures for climate change in forest ecosystems. It is of particular interest to the people who deal with national communications to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It will also be useful to those responsible for developing national policy frameworks for adaptation to minimize the effects of climate change, and to reduce vulnerability of societies, as part of national development strategies addressing poverty alleviation and food security.