1. Integrating climate change adaptation in disaster risk reduction
Module 5
Guiding principles for integrating adaptation in
disaster risk reduction

2. Welcome to e-Learning on integrating climate change adaptation in disaster risk reduction!
This module is part of an e-Learning package on integrating climate change adaptation in disaster risk reduction.
The package includes five modules:
Concepts in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation
Understanding vulnerability
Introduction to disaster risk reduction
Introduction to climate change adaptation
Guiding principles for integrating adaptation in disaster risk reduction
We recommend that you work through the modules in the specified order.
To access the other e-Learning modules, please visit the:
e-Learning Center - Integrating climate change adaptation in disaster risk reduction
NOTE: You will need a user name and password to access the e-Learning Center.
If you do not have an account, please contact:
COPY TO ALL MODULES

3. Who are the e-Learning modules for? How were they developed?
The e-Learning modules are designed for disaster risk reduction (DRR) practitioners. This includes practitioners within CARE, as well as our civil society and government partner organizations.
They were developed by Raks Thai Foundation and CARE, with significant inputs from CARE experts on climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, and most importantly from practitioners engaged in DRR initiatives in Country Offices across the Asia Pacific Region, as well as in Raks Thai Foundation.
Practitioner perspectives were gathered through two workshops. An initial workshop was conducted to develop the overall framework and brainstorm on key content. In the second workshop, the draft modules were tested and feedback was gathered. The current version reflects inputs from both workshops.
The modules reflect CARE’s current thinking on integrating adaptation in DRR initiatives. They should be considered as working versions. Our approach will be tested and refined as we develop more experience in this area.
Please send any feedback on these modules to Bruce Ravesloot:
COPY TO ALL MODULES

4. Synergies and differences
You can move through the module at your own pace.
Introduction
We estimate that this module will take you approximately 1 hour to complete.
However, everyone learns at a different speed, so you should feel comfortable moving at your own pace.
The map on the right helps you to track your progress through the module. Where you are will be highlighted in orange.
We recommend that you go through the module in sequence, however you will have the option of jumping forwards or backwards by clicking on the map.
Why integrate
adaptation
Synergies and differences
Guiding principles
Knowledge Review
COPY TO ALL MODULES
Self-Evaluation
At any point, you can go back to the previous slide by clicking the back arrow.

5. Are you ready? Then let’s get started!
Throughout the module, you’ll find links to
key definitions and documents.
This e-Learning module is designed to be as clear and user-friendly as possible. So, as we introduce different concepts, we’ll use simple language and examples to promote understanding.
However, we will also provide links to ‘official’ definitions for those who prefer this approach, as well as to documents that provide a more comprehensive overview.
Any time you see underlined text in the module, you can click to access the official definition.
Are you ready?
Then let’s get started!
COPY TO ALL MODULES WITH UPDATE

6. Module 5
Guiding principles for integrating adaptation in disaster risk reduction

7. Synergies and differences
Learning Objective for Module 5
Introduction
The learning objective for this module is to introduce a set of guiding principles for integrating adaptation in DRR.
The module begins with a review of the synergies and differences between DRR and adaptation. The synergies between the two approaches are further elaborated in a set of guiding principles for integrating adaptation in DRR.
The main topics covered in this module are shown in the map.
Why integrate
adaptation
Synergies and differences
Guiding principles
Knowledge Review
Self-Evaluation

8. Synergies and differences
In the preceding modules, we’ve discussed concepts and practice in adaptation and DRR. Now we’ll explore how we go about integrating adaptation in DRR.
Introduction
To review:
Disaster risk reduction (DRR) is an approach where disaster risk is systematically assessed, and addressed through the development of activities that will increase the resilience of the community.
Adaptation to climate change is a process of reducing vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. It includes reducing risks of climate-related disasters, but it also includes actions to improve resilience of livelihoods, build local capacity and address the underlying causes of vulnerability.
Why integrate
adaptation
Synergies and differences
Guiding principles
Knowledge Review
Self-Evaluation

9. Synergies and differences
Climate change has significant implications for disaster risks.
Introduction
As a result of climate change, climate-related hazard events are projected to become more frequent and more severe.
Climate change also creates ongoing stress on people’s livelihoods through changing conditions, including temperature and rainfall patterns. This places people, particularly poor and marginalized groups, in a position of increasing vulnerability.
The impacts of climate change also include increased uncertainty in weather patterns and trends in extreme events. As a result, we can no longer use the experiences of the past to predict what will happen in the future.
Why integrate
adaptation
Synergies and differences
Guiding principles
Knowledge Review
Self-Evaluation

10. Synergies and differences
This leads us to why it is important to integrate climate change adaptation in DRR.
Introduction
Climate change increases both the probability of hazard events and people’s vulnerability.
In order for DRR initiatives to be effective, they must be designed taking these changes in context into account.
To ensure that DRR initiatives sustainably reduce vulnerability, they must also consider future climate scenarios and how these will affect both vulnerability and disaster risks.
Integrating adaptation into DRR initiatives is a process of taking the changing context and future scenarios into account.
Why integrate
adaptation
Synergies and differences
Guiding principles
Knowledge Review
Self-Evaluation
Integrating adaptation in DRR initiatives will improve their effectiveness and sustainability.

11. Synergies and differences
To begin, we’ll look at the synergies and differences between the two approaches.
Introduction
While there are significant synergies between disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, there are also some key differences.
Understanding the distinctions between the two approaches is very important to recognize what we need to do differently in order to integrate adaptation in our DRR work.
With an understanding of the differences, we can focus our attention on the synergies, which provide us with a critical basis for integrating the two approaches.
Why integrate
adaptation
Synergies and differences
Guiding principles
Knowledge Review
Self-Evaluation

12. Synergies and differences
There are synergies and differences in many different dimensions of adaptation and DRR.
Introduction
Time scales
Level of intervention
Knowledge applied
Funding
Why integrate
adaptation
Synergies
and
Differences
Synergies and differences
Types of hazards
Actors
Guiding principles
Onset speed of hazards
Methods and tools
Knowledge Review
Self-Evaluation
Definition of impact
Risk approach
Vulnerability approach
Motivations
Click on the orange boxes to see the synergies and differences for each of the different dimensions.

13. Synergies and differences
To move forward on integrating adaptation in DRR, we need to build on the synergies between the two approaches.
Introduction
Adaptation can be integrated in DRR by building on the following synergies:
Focus on reducing vulnerability to both climate change and disasters.
Planning based on local knowledge as well as scientific information, including future climate projections.
Build capacity to respond to known hazards as well as to manage changing risks and uncertainty.
Address the underlying causes of vulnerability, including gender inequality and insecure rights.
To help in putting this into practice, we’ll explore a set of principles that can guide practitioners in working with these synergies.
Why integrate
adaptation
Synergies and differences
Guiding principles
Knowledge Review
Self-Evaluation

14. To support the process of integrating adaptation in DRR,
we’ve come up with a set of guiding principles.
Introduction
These principles are designed to guide systematic integration of adaptation to climate change in disaster risk reduction throughout the project cycle, building on the synergies between the two approaches.
The principles provide an overall framework and rationale for the integration process.
In this coming slides, we’ll introduce the principles and explain why they are important.
Why integrate
adaptation
Synergies and differences
Guiding principles
Knowledge Review
Self-Evaluation
REFLECTION
As you go through the principles, consider whether they contain new ideas, or if they are things you already take into account in your work.
Make note of those that are new for future reference.

15. Synergies and differences
Guiding Principle #1
Introduction
Plan integrated adaptation and DRR initiatives based on comprehensive, participatory and gender-sensitive analysis of vulnerability to disasters and climate change.
WHY?
In order to plan effective and sustainable actions to reduce vulnerability to disasters and climate change, we must first understand the dynamics of vulnerability – who is vulnerable, to what, and why.
This requires an investment in analysis, using participatory methods to ensure that vulnerable people have a voice in the process. Understanding the gender dimensions of vulnerability is a key element of the approach.
Why integrate
adaptation
Synergies and differences
Guiding principles
Knowledge Review
Self-Evaluation

16. Synergies and differences
Guiding Principle #2
Introduction
Integrated analysis and planning process, combining local knowledge with scientific climate information.
WHY?
DRR is often planned largely based on local knowledge. In order to integrate adaptation, we need to understand how climate change is and will affect the current situation. To do this, we need to use scientific climate information in combination with local knowledge.
This means that to get to the right actions, we need to combine bottom-up, community-based analysis and planning processes with top-down, science- and policy-based processes.
Why integrate
adaptation
Synergies and differences
Guiding principles
Knowledge Review
Self-Evaluation

17. Synergies and differences
Guiding Principle #3
Introduction
Actions to reduce vulnerability to climate change and disasters identified based on: observed and historical climate and disaster information; future climate projections; and consideration of interactions of different hazards.
WHY?
One of the main things that we need to understand about climate change is that we can no longer rely on the past to predict what will happen in the future. The past and current context provides a starting point, but we need to use the best available future climate projections to understand how things are changing.
We also need to look at how different hazards interact, and how actions to address one hazard may affect the ability to manage another.
Why integrate
adaptation
Synergies and differences
Guiding principles
Knowledge Review
Self-Evaluation

18. Synergies and differences
Guiding Principle #4
Introduction
Meaningful participation of multiple stakeholders throughout the project/program cycle.
WHY?
This principle is not specific to adaptation and DRR initiatives, but it becomes even more important with the evolving challenges of climate change and disasters.
Meaningful participation requires a partnership approach.
It also requires that we give all stakeholders, including the most vulnerable people and communities, the opportunity to influence the process and decisions that are made.
Why integrate
adaptation
Synergies and differences
Guiding principles
Knowledge Review
Self-Evaluation

19. Synergies and differences
Guiding Principle #5
Introduction
Embed immediate DRR results and initiatives in a longer-term programmatic approach to reducing vulnerability to disasters and climate change.
WHY?
Climate change means that disaster risks will change. What works today to reduce vulnerability to disasters may not work in the future.
A longer-term programmatic approach that takes climate change into account will result in DRR results that are more sustainable. It also provides more scope for addressing the underlying causes of vulnerability.
Why integrate
adaptation
Synergies and differences
Guiding principles
Knowledge Review
Self-Evaluation

20. Synergies and differences
Guiding Principle #6
Introduction
Target the most vulnerable communities and people to disasters and climate change.
WHY?
Within communities and even within households, some people are more vulnerable than others to disasters and climate change.
For the same reasons they are particularly vulnerable, these groups – women, children, the elderly and marginalized groups – may not benefit from DRR and adaptation efforts if their needs and priorities are not explicitly taken into account.
Why integrate
adaptation
Synergies and differences
Guiding principles
Knowledge Review
Self-Evaluation

21. Synergies and differences
Guiding Principle #7
Introduction
Incorporate actions to enhance community food and livelihood security through reduced vulnerability to climate change and disasters.
WHY?
Climate change and disasters affect different dimensions of food and livelihood security. Integrating adaptation in DRR requires a holistic approach that addresses these different dimensions.
This will likely require an approach that cuts across different sectors.
Why integrate
adaptation
Synergies and differences
Guiding principles
Knowledge Review
Self-Evaluation

22. Synergies and differences
Guiding Principle #8
Introduction
Incorporate actors and actions at multiple levels: community, regional, national and international.
WHY?
While DRR actions have often been targeted at the community level, it is very important to look at higher levels to ensure that the appropriate policies are in place and that relevant actors have the capacity to act.
Our DRR and adaptation efforts therefore may need to incorporate advocacy at higher levels to create an enabling environment for local action. Capacity building for actors at higher levels may also be needed.
Why integrate
adaptation
Synergies and differences
Guiding principles
Knowledge Review
Self-Evaluation

23. Synergies and differences
Guiding Principle #9
Introduction
A process-oriented approach incorporating specific strategies to address known hazards and flexibility to manage evolving hazards and emerging priorities.
WHY?
Because climate change means that disaster risks will change over time, there is a need to adopt a process-oriented and flexible approach that builds capacity to deal with a range of different scenarios.
At the organizational level, flexibility will allow adjustments to the approach to deal with changes in context.
For people, focusing on reducing vulnerability through increased capacity will build resilience for the long term.
Why integrate
adaptation
Synergies and differences
Guiding principles
Knowledge Review
Self-Evaluation

24. Synergies and differences
Guiding Principle #10
Introduction
Empower all stakeholders with information, knowledge and capacity to integrate DRR and CCA.
WHY?
Following from the last principle, in order to manage the uncertainty associated with climate change and how it will affect disaster risks, people must be empowered with access to information, skills to use the information and capacity to make appropriate decisions to manage risks.
This applies at all levels – national governments, local governments and civil society organizations, communities and individuals.
Why integrate
adaptation
Synergies and differences
Guiding principles
Knowledge Review
Self-Evaluation

25. Synergies and differences
Guiding Principle #11
Introduction
Ongoing monitoring of changing climate and disaster risks (locally, nationally and internationally) and of progress in reducing vulnerability to climate change and disasters.
WHY?
In order to ensure that DRR approaches continue to be appropriate as disaster risks evolve, ongoing monitoring of disaster and climate risks and of vulnerability is necessary.
This is important both to track changes in the context and to ensure that actions are effectively reducing vulnerability over time.
Why integrate
adaptation
Synergies and differences
Guiding principles
Knowledge Review
Self-Evaluation

26. Synergies and differences
Guiding Principle #12
Introduction
Adopt a continuous learning approach by incorporating reflection and learning processes, and seeking support from others when needed.
WHY?
There is limited practical experience in integrating adaptation in DRR. In order to ensure that we’re getting it right, we need to continuously learn from our experiences, adjust our approach as necessary and document our reflections so that others can learn from our mistakes and successes.
This will also allow us to contribute to the broader knowledge base on adaptation and DRR.
Why integrate
adaptation
Synergies and differences
Guiding principles
Knowledge Review
Self-Evaluation

27. Synergies and differences
Want to learn more about
implementing the guiding principles?
Introduction
This e-Learning process has provided a brief overview of the guiding principles. To support you in putting these principles in practice, we’ve developed a handout that you can download and use as you move forward in integrating adaptation in your DRR work.
The handout can be downloaded here.
Why integrate
adaptation
Synergies and differences
Guiding principles
Knowledge Review
Self-Evaluation

28. Synergies and differences
Let’s review the key learning points for this module.
Introduction
There are some differences between DRR and adaptation in different aspects of the approaches.
It is important to understand these distinctions in order to recognize what we need to do differently to integrate adaptation into our DRR work.
There are also significant synergies between the two approaches.
Focusing on these synergies is a good starting point for integrating adaptation in DRR.
The guiding principles provide a basis to build on these synergies.
Why integrate
adaptation
Synergies and differences
Guiding principles
Knowledge Review
Self-Evaluation

29. Synergies and differences
Ready to review your knowledge?
Introduction
In this module, we’ve explored the synergies and the differences between adaptation and DRR, and have introduced a set of guiding principles for integrating adaptation in DRR.
Next, you’ll have a chance to review your knowledge before moving on to the next module.
Ready?
If you feel you’re ready for the knowledge review, click on the forward arrow.
Not quite there yet?
If you’d like to go through any part of the module again before moving on to the knowledge review, click on the appropriate box in the map.
Why integrate
adaptation
Synergies and differences
Guiding principles
Knowledge Review
Self-Evaluation

30. Synergies and differences Both local and scientific knowledge
Knowledge Review
Question 1
Introduction
Which of the following types of knowledge are important in integrating adaptation in the planning of DRR initiatives?
Why integrate
adaptation
Synergies and differences
Local knowledge
Scientific knowledge
Both local and scientific knowledge
Guiding principles
Knowledge Review
Self-Evaluation
Click on the appropriate box to indicate your answer.

31. Synergies and differences
Knowledge Review
Question 2
Introduction
TRUE OR FALSE?
In terms of disaster risks, the past provides a good indication of what will happen in the future.
Why integrate
adaptation
Synergies and differences
TRUE
FALSE
Guiding principles
Knowledge Review
Self-Evaluation
Click on the appropriate box to indicate your answer.

32. You can exit the module by pressing the Esc key.
Congratulations!
You have completed the e-Learning process!
You have reached the end of Module 5, the last of the e-Learning modules in this package.
Please send any feedback on these modules to Bruce Ravesloot:
Thank you for your participation!
We hope that this has been a useful learning experience.
You can exit the module by pressing the Esc key.