EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels, 12.11.2018

SWD(2018) 460 final

EMPTY

COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT

Adaptation preparedness scoreboard Country fiches

Accompanying the document

REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL

on the implementation of the EU Strategy on adaptation to climate change

{COM(2018) 738 final} - {SEC(2018) 472 final} - {SWD(2018) 461 final}

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels, 12.11.2018

SWD(2018) 460 final

COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT

Adaptation preparedness scoreboard Country fiches

Accompanying the document

REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL

on the implementation of the EU Strategy on adaptation to climate change

{COM(2018) 738 final} - {SEC(2018) 472 final} - {SWD(2018) 461 final}

Table of contents

Note to the Reader    

Austria    

Belgium    

Bulgaria    

Croatia    

Cyprus    

The Czech Republic    

Denmark    

Estonia    

Finland    

France    

Germany    

Greece    

Hungary    

Ireland    

Italy    

Latvia    

Lithuania    

Luxembourg    435

Malta    453

The Netherlands    475

Poland     502

Portugal    529

Romania    566

Slovakia    592

Slovenia    617

Spain    642

Sweden    667

The United Kingdom    695

Note to the Reader

This Staff Working Document collects the adaptation preparedness scoreboard country fiches for each Member State. Under Action 1 of the EU’s Strategy on adaptation to climate change (COM(2013)216), in collaboration with the Member States, the Commission developed an ‘adaptation preparedness scoreboard’. Using the scoreboard, the Commission prepared country fiches on each Member State in an iterative consultation process. 1 The country fiches assess the Member States’ adaptation policy, including the content of NASs and plans, for the following aspects:

§Institutional structure

§Quality of national vulnerability assessments

§Knowledge creation (national observation systems in relevant sectors 2 and climate modelling), transfer and use

§Action plans:

-Quality (incl. the basis used for assessment of adaptation options)

-Actual implementation mechanisms

§Funding mechanisms

§Mainstreaming into sectoral policies, in particular:

-Disaster risk reduction

-Spatial planning

-Environmental impact assessment (EIA) (how the Directive is transposed)

-Insurance policy    

§Transboundary cooperation

§Monitoring mechanisms in different sectors and governance levels

The fiches are based on internal work by the Commission and on targeted assistance from an external contractor. They also served as input to the assessment of Action 1 of the Strategy during its evaluation. Annex IX of the Commission’s linked SWD on the evaluation of the Strategy presents a horizontal assessment of the 28 country fiches, while Annex X presents the list of scoreboard indicators and the methodology used in applying them.

The assessments in the country fiches (yes/no/in progress) need to be read in conjunction with the narrative that accompanies them. They assess the state of play within each EU Member State. While all effort has been made to ensure the coherence across fiches in the assessment of the same indicator, it should not be directly compared across the Member States. Two countries with a "yes" on the same indicator could have a different national situation leading to that assessment. Not all indicators have the "in progress" status, some can only be "yes" or "no".

Adaptation preparedness scoreboard country fiche for

Austria

Table of contents

List of abbreviations    

POLICY FRAMEWORK    

Adaptation strategies    

A1. National adaptation strategy    

A2. Adaptation strategies adopted at subnational levels    

Adaptation action plans    

B1. National adaptation plan    

B2. Adaptation plans adopted at sub-national level    

B3. Sectoral adaptation plans    

SCOREBOARD    

Step A: Preparing the ground for adaptation    

1.    Coordination structure    

2    Stakeholders’ involvement in policy development    

Step B: Assessing risks and vulnerabilities to climate change    

3    Current and projected climate change    

4    Knowledge gaps    

5    Knowledge transfer    

Step C: Identifying adaptation options    

6    Adaptation options’ identification    

7    Funding resources identified and allocated    

Step D: Implementing adaptation action    

8    Mainstreaming adaptation in planning processes    

9    Implementing adaptation    

Step E: Monitoring and evaluation of adaptation activities    

10    Monitoring and reporting    

11    Evaluation    

SUMMARY TABLE    

List of abbreviations

ACRP    Austrian Climate Research Programme

APCC    Austrian Panel on Climate Change

BMNT    Ministry of Sustainability and Tourism

CCCA    Climate Change Centre Austria

COIN    Costs of Inaction

EAA    Environment Agency Austria

EIA    Environmental Impact Assessment

EUSALP    EU Strategy for the Alpine Region

LURK    Provincial Environmental Speaker’s Conference

NAP    National Adaptation Plan

NAS    National Adaptation Strategy

NGO    Non-Governmental Organisation

NUTS    Classification of Territorial Units for Statistics

PACINAS    Public Adaptation Costs: Investigating the National Adaptation    Strategy

PATCH:ES    Private Adaptation Threats and Chances: Enhancing Synergies

SEA    Strategic Environmental Assessment

SKKM    Strategy for National Crisis and Disaster Protection Management

VIOLA    Violent Observed Local Assessment

ZAMG    Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics

ÖREK    Austrian Spatial Planning Concept

ÖROK    Austrian Conference on Spatial Planning

POLICY FRAMEWORK

Adaptation strategies

A1. National adaptation strategy

In Austria, a national adaptation strategy (NAS) was adopted on 23rd October 2012 by the Council of Ministers and endorsed by the Provincial Governors’ Conference on 16th May 2013. The Austrian NAS consists of two parts: a Strategic Framework (or “Context”) and an Action Plan 3 . The aim of the Austrian NAS is to avoid the adverse effects of climate change on the environment, society, and the economy and to fully utilise any opportunities that may arise. The NAS aims to create a national framework to ensure coordination and harmonisation of the various climate adaptation activities in all areas. In August 2017, a revised version of the NAS was adopted by the Austrian Council of Ministers, which was subsequently also approved by the Conference of the Governor’s of the Bundesländer (NUTS II) in November 2017. This new version aims to update and further develop the NAS, while preserving its overall structure.

A2. Adaptation strategies adopted at subnational levels

In Austria, the Bundesländer have legislative and executive powers (e.g. with regard to spatial planning, nature protection, transport), which are relevant to climate adaptation. The Bundesländer are also responsible for the administration, implementation and enforcement of certain federal laws at lower levels of government. Representatives from all Bundesländer were actively involved in the development of the NAS and NAP.

The Bundesländer have either developed regional adaptation strategies (Oberösterreich, 2013; Steiermark, 2015; Vorarlberg, 2016; Salzburg, 2017) or integrated adaptation and mitigation strategies (Tirol, 2015), or have integrated adaptation into existing climate mitigation strategies (Niederösterreich, 2011; Wien, 2009). Kärnten is in the process of preparing a climate adaptation strategy. In Burgenland, adaptation measures are directly integrated into sectoral programmes and strategies. The Bundesländer propose, enact and implement measures. Overall, 93.6% of the population and 88.6% of the territory of Austria are covered by sub-national adaptation strategies (with Kärnten as the only Bundesland without one).

Adaptation action plans

B1. National adaptation plan

A national adaptation plan (NAP) was adopted in 2012 (as part of the NAS) and revised in 2016 (and approved together with the revised NAS in 2017, see above). The NAP presents a catalogue of 136 adaptation options for 14 areas of action. These areas are: agriculture, forestry, water resources and water management, tourism, energy (with a focus on the electricity industry), protection from natural hazards, construction and housing, disaster risk management, health, ecosystems and biodiversity, transportation infrastructure and selected aspects of mobility, spatial planning, business/industry/trade, and cities (with a focus on urban green and open spaces).

B2. Adaptation plans adopted at sub-national level

The NAP makes reference to a range of individual Bundesländer in its 136 adaptation options, however, only Tirol and Vorarlberg have also prepared (together with their strategy) their own action plan with relevant state-specific adaptation measures 4 .

The development of local adaptation concepts and measures is supported by KLAR! – Climate Change Adaptation Model Regions 5 , a programme which was launched in 2016. Until the end of March 2017, regions and municipalities were invited to submit their applications including a basic concept to the Climate and Energy Fund, who initiated the programme in cooperation with the Ministry of Sustainability and Tourism (BMNT). Since 2018 and up until 2020, beneficiaries are now working on implementing the measures laid out in these concepts. In a third phase post-2020, the action plans and their executed measures will then be evaluated.

An increasing number of activities carried out at regional and local level can be identified already; however, these are not always explicitly labelled as adaptation. Many of these activities are fostered by applied research projects, which are financed by the ACRP (Austrian Climate Research Programme) of the Climate and Energy Fund 6 and StartClim 7 . Examples of Bundesländer-level activities are: touristic concepts and water management measures for an important large lake in eastern Austria, research projects devoted to impacts and adaptation measures in the Alps, projects for flood risk management and spatial planning, protection of forests and habitats, and concepts for safeguards against summertime overheating of buildings in urban areas. 8 The Austrian government has recently published a good practice guide presenting various examples of how cities and communities can implement adaptation actions 9 .

B3. Sectoral adaptation plans

A range of sectors are discussed in the NAP, as well as the Tirol action plan on adaptation and others. However, no sector-specific adaptation plans exist as of today.

SCOREBOARD

Step A: Preparing the ground for adaptation

1.    Coordination structure

1a. A central administration body officially in charge of adaptation policy making

Yes / No

In Austria, the BMNT 10 (formerly, BMLFUW) holds overall responsibility for adaptation policy-making (Division I/4 of the BMNT). One of its main assignments is to provide guidance by keeping the NAS and NAP updated, as well as by drafting the progress report on its implementation. The NAP is implemented in collaboration with a wide range of fellow ministries, regional government actors and sector stakeholders.

1b. Horizontal (i.e. sectoral) coordination mechanisms exist within the governance system, with division of responsibilities

Yes / In progress / No

All federal ministries were invited to join the NAS and NAP development process and to provide feedback and comments on the document via three rounds of written consultations. More precisely, the Inter-Ministerial Committee to Coordinate Measures to Protect Global Climate (IMC Climate Change) was regularly updated on the status of work towards the NAS. (According to the latest amendment of the Austrian Climate Protection Law, § 4. (2), instead of the IMC the National Climate Protection Committee is in charge of adaptation to unavoidable climate impacts. The Committee meets at least once a year and is chaired by the BMLFUW.)

Given the holistic and cross-sectoral nature of adaptation action, there is a need for horizontal coordination in the implementation phase as well. In accordance with the current division of competences (after the national election in 2017), the BMNT holds a much broader range of responsibilities as concerns areas of action in climate change. The National Climate Protection Committee is the relevant institutional body, set up by law, to provide sectoral coordination of adaptation and mitigation measures. The Austrian Spatial Planning Concept (ÖREK) 11 , also calls for the continued organisation of ‘round table’ meetings between sectoral representatives to discuss relevant climate-related issues during the implementation of measures.

1c. Vertical (i.e. across levels of administration) coordination mechanisms exist within the governance system, enabling lower levels of administration to influence policy making.

Yes / In progress / No

The Bundesländer are highly committed to cooperating with the Federal Ministry (BMNT) on climate adaptation. Climate coordination officers/units have been installed in all provincial governments and act as the main agents of vertical cooperation with the National Ministry 12 .

The Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism together with all Bundesländer (decision taken by the LURK - Provincial Environmental Speaker’s Conference) has established an implementation plan summarising a few specific measures to be implemented in close cooperation, as a first step. One of the decisions 13 was the implementation of “dialogue events” 14 in various Austrian cities. Twelve such dialogue events took place in 2016 and 2017.

The National Climate Protection Committee is the relevant institutional body, set up by law, to provide vertical (and sectoral) coordination of adaptation and mitigation measures.

2    Stakeholders’ involvement in policy development

2a. A dedicated process is in place to facilitate stakeholders' involvement in the preparation of adaptation policies

Yes / No

A broad participatory process conducted by the Environment Agency Austria (EAA) accompanied development of the NAS. The main objective of the participation process was to discuss the adaptation options identified by the scientific community (expert studies) with stakeholders from the organised public (e.g. federal and provincial ministries or related institutions, interest groups and social/environmental NGOs) for inclusion in the policy paper 15 .

Stakeholders were consulted during the development of the NAS via online-surveys, written feedback on policy drafts and advisory committees. Governmental stakeholders from national level and sub-national level have been actively involved. The private sector, interest groups and researchers have been consulted and information has been gathered from the general public. 16  

2b. Transboundary cooperation is planned to address common challenges with relevant countries

Yes / No

In the NAS/NAP, cooperation to address common challenges with neighbouring countries is not explicitly addressed. Nevertheless, Austria is participating in several international partnerships that are actively working on climate change and adaptation issues, although it is not clear how these interact with the Austrian strategic approach to adaptation.

Austria is a contracting Party to the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River, which adopted a Climate Adaptation Strategy in 2012 17 . The Strategy is based on a thorough assessment of possible climate impacts and suggests possible means to adapt to and mitigate them.

Austria is also a member country of the Alpine Convention, a framework that sets out general measures for sustainable development in the Alpine region. A ministerial declaration 18 on climate change was adopted in 2006, followed in 2009 by an action plan 19 of measures for the Alpine region to contribute to the reduction of emissions affecting the climate and the development of strategies to adapt to a changing environment. Within the Alpine convention, guidelines have been developed on local climate adaptation in relation to water management and natural hazards in the Alps 20 . In addition, the recently established Advisory Committee on the Alpine Climate (Alpine Climate Board) 21 under the Alpine Convention gathers climate change specialists from the eight Alpine States and observer organisations. It aims to bundle the current contributions of the Alpine Convention to climate mitigation and adaptation. The Board will prepare recommendations for future reinforced action, for the attention of the next Alpine Conference in 2018, with the establishment of a climate-neutral Alpine space 2050 as the overarching goal.

A shared task of all Alpine countries is to intensify research work on the consequences of climate change. Joint activities are taking place in the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP) in Action Group 8 22 , which focuses on improving risk management and coping with climate impacts, including major natural risks prevention.

The EU Interreg project, C3-Alps aimed to foster transboundary cooperation with the focus on information and knowledge transfer 23 . During the course of the C3-Alps project (2012-2014), an informal exchange among ministerial representatives of all Alpine countries was initiated. Meetings took place twice per year and served the purpose of transnational coordination for issues of common concern. These activities are continuing.

Step B: Assessing risks and vulnerabilities to climate change

3    Current and projected climate change

3a. Observation systems are in place to monitor climate change, extreme climate events and their impacts

Yes / In progress / No

Data collection and provision is located at the Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) with meteorological stations measuring temperature, precipitation, wind, sunshine and many other meteorological parameters 24 . Since 1948, data about damage caused by extreme events have been recorded by ZAMG. The VIOLA (VIolent Observed Local Assessment) 25 project started in 2014 with the development of a digital extreme-weather-platform. It works like a search engine for extreme events and offers different search options. In the frame of the project damage.at (funded by the Austrian Climate and Energy Fund), the feasibility for the development of an Austrian-wide damage-database for weather- and climate-related natural hazards is currently being assessed 26 .

3b. Scenarios and projections are used to assess the economic, social and environmental impacts of climate change, taking into account geographical specificities and best available science (e.g. in response to revised IPCC assessments)

Yes / In progress / No

New regional climate scenarios for Austria and its nine provincial states have been available since Autumn 2016. The scenarios are based on 13 EURO-CORDEX models, a 12.5km x 12.5 km grid, and use two greenhouse gas scenarios. Results are available via the Climate Change Centre Austria (CCCA) data portal 27 .

A scientific evaluation of the financial consequences of climate change in Austria was presented in January 2015 as results of an ACRP project, Costs of Inaction (COIN) 28 . The main results of two projects – PACINAS (Public Adaptation Costs: Investigating the National Adaptation Strategy) 29 and PACTCH:ES (Private Adaptation Threats and Chances: Enhancing Synergies with the Austrian NAS implementation) 30 – were published in mid-2017.

The ACRP also emphasises the social aspects of climate change. Projects, such as Capital-Adapt 31 , have used projections and collected data on a variety of indicators to assess the climate vulnerability of different parts of society.

3c. Sound climate risks/vulnerability assessments for priority vulnerable sectors are undertaken to support adaptation decision making.

Yes / In progress / No

The Austrian NAS (2017) contains a qualitative vulnerability assessment for nine sectors (i.e. water, tourism, agriculture, forestry, electricity and energy, housing and construction, health, ecosystems and biodiversity and transport/infrastructure). It was carried out by the Environment Agency Austria in cooperation with the Institute of Meteorology of the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences. The vulnerability reports fed into the NAS. Separate studies have not been carried out for the other five sectors (protection from natural hazards, disaster risk management, spatial planning, business/industry/trade, cities). Nevertheless, a descriptive vulnerability assessment has been included in the NAP 2017 for all 14 sectors, although it highlights the differences in the level of knowledge and detail across sectors.

The Austrian Panel on Climate Change (APCC) published a report in September 2014 32 , after the release of the IPCC Working Group III 5th Assessment Report. The APCC report consists of three volumes that present existing knowledge on climate change in Austria, and the needs and possibilities for mitigation and adaptation.

3d. Climate risks/vulnerability assessments take transboundary risks into account, when relevant

Yes / In progress / No

The vulnerability assessments described in relation to Indicator 3c do not take transboundary risks into account. Nevertheless, as noted in relation to Indicator 2b, Austria is involved in a range of transboundary cooperation initiatives some of which address relevant transboundary risks; these primarily focus on the River Danube and the Alpine region.

4    Knowledge gaps

4a. Work is being carried out to identify, prioritise and address the knowledge gaps

Yes / In progress / No

The Austrian Assessment Report 2014 (AAR14) 33 built an active network of Austrian research institutions, individual scientists, policymakers, and other stakeholders to carry work on climate change forward. At the initiative of Austrian universities, the CCCA was formally established in 2011. The objective of the CCCA is to improve the quality and efficiency of Austrian climate research not only through networking and promoting cooperation, but also by enhancing its international visibility 34 .

A workshop with scientists was conducted, within the framework of the participatory process accompanying the development of the NAS 35 , to determine the research needs specifically for implementation of measures in the NAS. The aim was to facilitate a dialogue between scientists/researchers and politicians and other decision-makers. The 2015 progress report 36 on the NAS also indicated research needs. In addition, the CCCA Science Plan 2017 37 showcases the research needs and gaps identified by the Austrian scientific community. The research needs identified are being addressed in research programmes such as the ACRP of the Climate and Energy Fund and the national climate research programme StartClim 38 . The eleventh and most recent (June 2018) guide for calls for proposals of the ACRP 39 focuses especially on four thematic areas where knowledge gaps persist. These are ‘Understanding the climate system and consequences of climate change’, ‘Specific support for Austria’s policymakers’, ‘Systemic transformation – the human dimension’, and ‘Governance and institutions – towards systemic transformation’. Specific topics range from biodiversity and agricultural aspects to social dimensions of climate change. One special report discussing ‘Tourism, large cultural and sports events and climate change’ was funded in the frame of the tenth ACRP call for proposals.

5    Knowledge transfer

5a. Adaptation relevant data and information is available to all stakeholders, including policy makers (e.g. through a dedicated website or other comparable means).

Yes / In progress / No

The website of the BMNT contains information on the NAS, various activities in climate adaptation including, for example, a brochure on good practices for municipalities 40 .

The national platform for climate adaptation 41 contains information on climate research, policies, proposed implementation measures and examples and support for municipalities, the Bundesländer and sectors. The databank is useful for finding relevant resources, e.g. sector-specific research or adaptation practice for a specific region. It is possible to subscribe to a newsletter 42 .

The climate research department of the Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) presents scientific information on climate change 43 .

CCCA’s website provides climate data and information on ongoing research activities 44 .

5b. Capacity building activities take place; education and training materials on climate change adaptation concepts and practices are available and disseminated.

Yes / In progress / No

For raising public awareness on climate impacts and adaptation, the Ministry of Sustainability and Tourism has published a brochure for the general public 45 , “translating” the national adaptation strategy’s content into easily understandable language and providing concrete tips for individuals. This brochure has been sent to all municipalities in Austria and has been further distributed via contacts and networks.

A handbook with methods and tools that help to tackle the challenges of adaptation was published 46 to support politicians and experts in the public administration of provinces and cities, as well as actors in regional management in developing adaptation strategies. It provides guidance for the strategic and proactive examination of climate impacts. A practical guide on local adaptation is available 47 , which provides information on regional climate impacts and specific measures that can be implemented by cities. It also includes tools that can be used in workshops.

The NAS includes recommendations for communication and education of the wider public but does not provide information on the coordination of capacity building. The BMNT, together with the provincial states, have financed various capacity building activities at regional and local levels (e.g. workshops in regions, a brochure with 11 good-practice examples on adaptation from regions across Austria 48 ). Capacity building mostly functions through a cooperation-based network approach to vertical governance with predominantly voluntary instruments. Examples reflecting the nature of this cooperation-based network are dedicated workshops in the Bundesländer, which were financed by the Ministry of Sustainability and Tourism in cooperation with the Climate and Energy Fund. These workshops aimed to support the Bundesländer in building adaptive capacity, discuss means of implementation, and highlight research results relevant to the respective province, as a basis for deciding on concrete adaptation measures.

As mentioned above, a new pilot project to foster adaptation in Austrian regions started in September 2016 49 .

In 2016, a handbook for so-called ‘Multiplicators’ (i.e. Adaptation managers, Energy modelling managers, regional managers) was released to implement adaptation action at regional and municipal level 50 . Further trainings building on this guide and other study materials were provided to ‘Multiplicators’ up to the beginning of 2018 (“learning workshops”). Since April 2018, these Bundesländer-level consultants and advisors support municipalities and regions in the implementation of adaptation activities 51 .

Step C: Identifying adaptation options

6    Adaptation options’ identification

6a. Adaptation options address the sectoral risks identified in 3c, the geographical specificities identified in 3b and follow best practices in similar contexts

Yes / No

The NAS contains a qualitative vulnerability assessment for nine out of the 14 sectors (see Indicator 3c). For the remaining five sectors, the NAP presents a descriptive vulnerability assessment. Adaptation options are based on these assessments (including geographic specificities where relevant), stakeholder consultations and expert judgment. Adaptation measures are described in detail and interlinkages to other areas and links to existing instruments are indicated.

6b. The selection of priority adaptation options is based on robust methods (e.g. multi-criteria analyses, stakeholders' consultation, etc.) and consistent with existing decision-making frameworks

Yes / No

Adaptation options have not been prioritised, but criteria for prioritisation are identified in the NAS. In general, measures that provide benefits independent of climate change (“win-win”) or measures that entail no disadvantages in case the actual climate trends do not correspond to projections (“no-regret”) should be prioritised, as well as flexible measures. Furthermore, prioritisation according to the “Europe 2020 – A strategy for intelligent, sustainable, and inclusive growth” is suggested.

6c. Mechanisms are in place to coordinate disaster risk management and climate change adaptation and to ensure coherence between the two policies

Yes/ In Progress / No

As an alpine country, Austria has been used to adapting and coping with environmental risks for centuries. The Federal Ministry of the Interior is responsible for the coordination of the State Crisis and Disaster Protection Management in Austria, whereas the BMNT is responsible for coordinating the national adaptation policy. One of the NAS actions aims at coordinating disaster protection management and adaptation policies, through a continuous review, modification, and implementation of the SKKM Strategy 2020 (Strategy for National Crisis and Disaster Protection Management) 52 , taking into account the effects of climate change. Regular exchange between the Ministries and working groups on the NAS as well as the progress report ensure bi-lateral coordination. Joint efforts to work on the 2nd National Risk Assessment, as well as on the upcoming national portal for the reduction of disaster risk in Austria 53 , leads to regular exchange and improved coordination.

7    Funding resources identified and allocated

7a. Funding is available to increase climate resilience in vulnerable sectors and for cross-cutting adaptation action

Yes / In Progress / No

The NAS does not include a dedicated budget (no numbers) or an expenditure commitment for adaptation activities to increase climate resilience in vulnerable sectors and for cross-cutting adaptation action. The NAS only states that “the implementation of the recommendations must be achieved within the existing jurisdictions of all governmental authorities (federal, state, local)” and are to be “covered by the resources available in the applicable financial frameworks of the public sector (federal, state, local)”. While it is not possible to conclude directly that a critical mass of actions or consistent funding is in place for vulnerable sectors, the phrasing of the NAS does indicate that sufficient funding should be available for them.

Step D: Implementing adaptation action

8    Mainstreaming adaptation in planning processes

8a. Consideration of climate change adaptation has been included in the national frameworks for environmental impact assessments

Yes / No

Climate adaptation will be addressed by an amendment to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Law in Austria in 2018. The guidance documents for conducting EIA Reports are currently being revised in order to comply with the requirements of the amended EIA Directive. However, neither the change to the Law nor to the guidance documents has been finalised at the time of writing this fiche. Legislation on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in Austria does not, currently, refer to climate adaptation or vulnerability in its list of criteria to assess.

8b. Prevention/preparedness strategies in place under national disaster risk management plans take into account climate change impacts and projections

Yes / No

The proposed measures in the NAP to improve natural disaster preparedness under climate change are based on experiences with natural disaster management in the past and expert judgement. One of the proposed actions in the NAP is developing knowledge of the projected change in natural processes and resulting possibilities for early warning systems. The other adaptation measures are mainly related to the precautionary principle, including through hazard zoning and promoting hazard and risk awareness, self-sufficiency and responsible behaviour.

The National Crisis and Disaster Protection Management Strategy 2020 54  does not include projected climate change effects and does not mention climate change as one of the major challenges for disaster protection management. One of the proposed actions in the NAP is to adapt and implement the SKKM Strategy 2020 in line with expected climate change impacts.

8c. Key land use, spatial planning, urban planning and maritime spatial planning policies take into account the impacts of climate change

Yes / No 

The Bundesländer are responsible for spatial planning legislation. Therefore, the level at which climate impacts are taken into account varies in state-specific legislative documents. The 2015 progress report on the implementation of the NAS/NAP states that some aspects, such as flood risks and natural hazard management, are frequently mentioned in spatial planning legislations but zoning and green infrastructure are not 55 .

The Austrian Conference on Spatial Planning (ÖROK) developed the Austrian Spatial Planning Concept (ÖREK) in 2011 56 . This is a non-binding agreement signed by the national government, the Bundesländer, and the convention of municipalities. Among other things, the concept lays out pathways to integrate adaptation action (e.g. zoning, energy-efficient construction, flood management) into regional legislative documents. However, the 2018 mid-term evaluation of the ÖREK 57 does not report on progress in this endeavor.

The mainstreaming of climate adaptation into urban planning policies is more advanced. The Vienna urban development plan 2025 (STEP 2025) 58 mentions climate adaptation measures as an integral part of planning the management and enhancement of the city. The ‘Grünes Netz Graz’ (Green Grid Graz) 59 developed by the city of Graz is a further example of a municipal strategy paper for urban planning that places ecological and climate-specific measures at its core. Nonetheless, the overall incidence of such climate-focused urban planning policy documents and strategies across Austrian cities is low.

Austria does not have a coastline and, therefore, has no plans for maritime spatial planning.

8d. National policy instruments promote adaptation at sectoral level, in line with national priorities and in areas where adaptation is mainstreamed in EU policies

Yes / In Progress / No

The NAS provides guidance for the development and amendment of national policy instruments at sectoral level to promote adaptation. However, it is recognised in the NAP (and its progress report) that only a few sectoral instruments explicitly address adaptation and other climate-relevant issues.

Institutional barriers and lack of political momentum currently hinder the implementation of cornerstone policies that include adaptation measures at sectoral level (e.g. in health and transport) 60 . Nevertheless, climate adaptation is being integrated into sectoral policies for agriculture (within the National Agricultural Programme, 2015), forestry, energy 61 , and biodiversity 62 . In addition, a 2018 study on the effects of climate change in the water sector 63 is set to inform climate-relevant policy development.

8e. Adaptation is mainstreamed in insurance or alternative policy instruments, where relevant, to provide incentives for investments in risk prevention

Yes / No

Several recommendations proposed under relevant sectors (e.g. agriculture, protection from natural hazards, disaster risk reduction, health, business) in the NAP involve the insurance sector and refer to it as a key actor. Recommendations include the development of new risk assessment methods, development and extension of risk-sharing instruments, and awareness-raising. At present, there is limited information available about the extent to which these actions have been implemented. A standardisation of contributions for insurances against natural hazards in the agricultural sector is underway.

The ‘Österreichische Hagelversicherung’ is the main insurance company for agriculture against natural disasters, including hail, frost, storms, snow load, droughts, floods, and animal pests. Target groups are farmers, gardeners and wineries. ‘Hagelversicherung’ also initiates targeted climate action projects.

The NAP progress report indicates that the insurance of agricultural land has remained constant, no new instruments have been developed to promote further insurance in the sector (only new schemes under the ‘Hagelversicherung’ that focus more on droughts: ‘Dürreindex’). Furthermore, there has not been much progress in the drafting of the natural disaster insurance that was mentioned in the NAP (‘NatKat-Versicherung’). However, first steps towards the creation of a public-private partnership for risk transfers have been made. 64 In general, the progress report concludes that it is not yet clear to what degree climate adaptation is integrated within private risk management.

Thus, although insurance schemes incentivising investments in enhanced resilience and/or risk prevention are not yet in place, there are several ongoing activities and discussions in this field.

9    Implementing adaptation

9a. Adaptation policies and measures are implemented, e.g. as defined in action plans or sectoral policy documents

Yes / In Progress / No

The progress report evaluates the state of implementation of the proposed actions in the NAP. Several proposed measures have been implemented. They include mainstreaming of climate change in sectoral as well as regional policy documents, such as the National Agricultural Programme or, more recently, the Forest Strategy 2020+ (see Indicator 8d for more detail). Furthermore, several Bundesländer have published regional adaption strategies and action plans (see Sections A2 and B2 above).

Nonetheless, climate change and adaptation are not yet considered sufficiently in strategic policy documents throughout Austria. Institutional barriers and lack of political momentum still slow down and hinder the implementation of adaptation measures across sectors and regions 65 .

9b. Cooperation mechanisms in place to foster and support adaptation at relevant scales (e.g. local, subnational)

Yes / No

For vertical coordination throughout the implementation phase, existing committees, such as the National Climate Protection Committee, are important for regular exchange of information, experience, lessons learned and close contact between the Ministry and the provincial states. The Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism, together with all provincial states, established an implementation plan summarising specific adaptation measures to be implemented in close cooperation as a first step.

The Ministry of Sustainability and Tourism supports adaptation activities across regions or municipalities mainly by providing information 66 , via funding specific projects, or by developing tools and guidelines 67 . A number of ACRP-financed projects 68 (e.g. Capital-Adapt, FAMOUS, AdaptBehaviour, CcTalK!, Go-Adapt) are fostering regional cooperation in adaptation.

The measures described in the action plan identify key actors responsible for implementation, but the NAS does not prescribe a clear governance system that ensures necessary coordination for turning recommendations into specific actions. The Ministry of Sustainability and Tourism organised workshops in 2014 in order to increase adaptive capacity in the provinces. Due to their success, a second series of workshops was organised in Autumn 2016, focusing on building the capacity of regional and local stakeholders. In addition, the monitoring and evaluation scheme is designed to enable dialogue between stakeholders, leading to a more efficient distribution of responsibilities for implementation.

In September 2016, a new pilot project to foster adaptation in Austrian regions was initiated. In a first phase, regions apply for support in order to develop adaptation concepts and measures shaped to their special adaptation needs. Successful applications receive funding for an adaptation manager who is responsible for steering the process of implementing adaptation measures for a period of two years 69 .

9c. Procedures or guidelines are available to assess the potential impact of climate change on major projects or programmes, and facilitate the choice of alternative options, e.g. green infrastructure

Yes / No

The Institute for Meteorology published a document entitled ‘Strategic support for integrating climate change into project planning for large projects’ 70 , as part of the research project ENVISAGE-CC, funded by the ACRP. The project was successful in raising awareness of climate impacts with developers of large-scale infrastructure projects that are subject to EIA. A follow-up project named SPECIFIC (SPEcific Climate change ForesIght in projeCt design) 71 has broadened the target audience to environmental authorities and consultants (EIA assessors/ practitioners), and focuses on rail, highway and power grid projects, leading to the EIA climate-fit portal 72 .

A handbook with methods and tools that help to tackle adaptation challenges was published in order to support politicians and experts in the public administration of provinces, regions and cities, as well as actors in regional management, to develop adaptation strategies (see Indicator 5b). The handbook provides guidance for strategic examination of the consequences of climate change in all areas of action covered by the NAS. The handbook is one of the main results of the project FAMOUS (Factory of Adaptation Measures operated ad different Scales) 73 financed by the Climate and Energy Fund.

Another overarching guidance published at the end of 2014 is a communication strategy 74 focusing on practically oriented, target-group specific, and action-motivating recommendations for effectively communicating climate change and adaptation.

Several guidelines have successfully supported implementation of adaptation measures (see also Indicator 5b). An example is the climate change (adaptation) handbook for spatial planning 75 . Its tools have been widely tested and applied throughout the different Austrian alpine regions (as per the updated NAS). External handbooks (e.g. EU-level, transnational, national) and other forms of (national) guidance documents are mentioned by projects and plans and, thus, support the implementation of specific actions included in the NAP.

9d. There are processes for stakeholders' involvement in the implementation of adaptation policies and measures.

Yes / No

Although activities have taken place in the past and there are some activities currently underway and planned, it is unclear to what extent non-public administration stakeholders are being involved in the implementation of adaptation policies and measures. To improve the management of natural disasters, the NAP (via a specific action) mandates inclusion of all relevant civil society actors in the decision-making and execution processes.

The Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism, together with all of the Bundesländer, has established an implementation plan for the NAP. This plan summarises a few specific participatory measures to be undertaken as a next step. For example, a working group on increased private risk precaution in case of extreme weather events was established in Austria. In addition, it was agreed to make stronger joint efforts to support adaptation at regional level (e.g. through regional workshops, and a brochure with good-practice examples).

Step E: Monitoring and evaluation of adaptation activities

10    Monitoring and reporting

10a. NAS/NAP implementation is monitored and the results of the monitoring are disseminated

Yes / No

A progress report was published by the BMNT in 2015 76 on the state of implementation of the measures described in the NAP. Monitoring and evaluation of the NAS/NAP is pragmatic and comprises two modules: 1) a self-assessment approach using a stakeholder survey based on the NAP and sent to the key actors mentioned therein; 2) an indicator-based approach with qualitative and quantitative data collections  77 . No information is available on allocated budgets, but the cost of inaction was calculated by the ACRP project COIN in 2015 78 . The costs of public adaptation was calculated in the project PACINAS. 79 Furthermore, the role of private actors in adaptation was analysed by the project PATCH:ES 80 . All studies were reflected in the NAS and NAP 2017. The progress report is to be drafted and published at 5-year intervals. The next version is, therefore, due in 2020 81 .

10b. The integration of climate change adaptation in sectoral policies is monitored and the results of the monitoring are disseminated

Yes / No

The central progress report (see Indicator 10a) assesses the implementation of adaptation measures for 14 different sectors. Mainstreaming of climate adaptation into sector policies is one of the evaluation criteria of these sectoral assessments.

10c. Regional-, subnational or local action is monitored and the results of the monitoring are disseminated

Yes / No

As mentioned in relation to Indicator 10a, the progress report is based on heavy input from regional (Bundesländer) and local stakeholders (self-assessment approach). This feedback mechanism allows for significant vertical flow of information, qualifying the central progress report as a proper monitoring tool for regional, sub-national, and local adaptation action.

11    Evaluation

11a. A periodic review of the national adaptation strategy and action plans is planned

Yes / No

The concept note for the ‘presentation of progress’ (Konzept für die Fortschritts-Darstellung) 82 that lies at the heart of the central progress report (see Indicator 10a) provides an evaluation framework for both the NAS and the NAP. The evaluation takes place within a five-year cycle 83 .

There is no formal revision framework that dictates a specific process for amending the NAS or NAP periodically. However, the release of the 2015 progress report and other political developments at the time triggered a first revision and update of the NAS and NAP documents in 2017. Therefore, the review timeline is characterised by an ad-hoc revision based on the findings of the five-year recurring evaluation/progress report of the NAS and NAP.

11b. Stakeholders are involved in the assessment, evaluation and review of national adaptation policy

Yes / No

Stakeholder involvement and engagement (cross-ministerial and regional) in the development of the central progress report qualifies as active participation in the monitoring and reviewing process. In both the self-assessment approach and the indicator-based approach, stakeholders provided information and were consulted. Additional workshops took place to jointly work on the interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data for the progress report and to find consensus in the findings. The 2015 progress report was adopted by the Council of Ministers and all Provincial Governors.

SUMMARY TABLE

Adaptation preparedness scoreboard country fiche for

Belgium

Table of contents

List of abbreviations    

POLICY FRAMEWORK    

Adaptation strategies    

A1. National adaptation strategy    

A2. Adaptation strategies adopted at subnational levels    

Adaptation action plans    

B1. National adaptation action plan    

B2. Adaptation plans adopted at sub-national level    

B3. Sectoral adaptation plans    

SCOREBOARD    

Step A: Preparing the ground for adaptation    

1. Coordination structure    

2. Stakeholders’ involvement in policy development    

Step B: Assessing risks and vulnerabilities to climate change    

3. Current and projected climate change    

4. Knowledge gaps    

5. Knowledge transfer    

Step C: Identifying adaptation options    

6. Adaptation options’ identification    

7. Funding resources identified and allocated    

Step D: Implementing adaptation action    

8. Mainstreaming adaptation in planning processes    

9. Implementing adaptation    

Step E: Monitoring and evaluation of adaptation activities    

10. Monitoring, reporting and evaluation.    

11. Evaluation    

SUMMARY TABLE    

List of abbreviations

AMICE     Adaptation of the Meuse to the Impacts of Climate Evolution

BELSPO     Belgian Federal Science Policy Office

CCIEP         Coordination Committee for International Environmental Policy

EIA         Environmental Impact Assessment

NAP         National Adaptation Plan

NAS         National Adaptation Strategy

NCC         National Climate Commission

RMI         Royal Meteorological Institute

SSD         Science for a Sustainable Development programme

SEA         Strategic Environmental Assessment

TIDE         Tidal River Development

VAP         Flemish Adaptation Plan

VMM         Flanders Environment Agency

WGA         Working Group on Adaptation

POLICY FRAMEWORK

Belgium is a federal state, composed of three regions and three language-based communities, each with its own executive and legislative bodies. These bodies intervene on an equal footing but in different areas of competence 84 . The federal state level is in charge of competences like foreign affairs, national defence and parts of national health 85 . This division of power means that what is considered as Belgium’s national climate adaptation policy is in fact the combination of the federal and three regional climate adaptation policies, which are those of the Walloon, the Flemish and the Brussels Capital region.

At the national level, the National Climate Commission (NCC) plays the main role in internal coordination of climate policy. The Coordination Committee for International Environmental Policy (CCIEP) deals with international environmental affairs. The NCC, and more specifically its Working Group on Adaptation (WGA), is responsible for the development, adoption and implementation of the National Adaptation Strategy (NAS) and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 86 . The WGA is composed of representatives from the Federal Government and the three different regions, as mentioned above 87 , 88 :

·The Federal Government: Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment (DG Environment) and Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation (DG Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid)

·Flemish region: Department of Environment and Spatial Development

·Walloon region: Agence wallonne de l’air & du climat

·Brussels region: Environment Brussels.

When describing the national climate adaptation policy in the analysis presented in this document, all relevant activities in each of the four governments are included. Intergovernmental mechanisms refer to collaborations between the Federal, Flemish, Walloon and Brussels Capital regions. Vertical mechanisms are mechanisms between these regions and the provincial and local level.

Adaptation strategies    

A1. National adaptation strategy

Belgium has a National Adaptation Strategy (NAS), which was approved in 2010. The NAS describes the main climate impacts, the existing adaptation responses, a roadmap to the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and some policy guidelines for a climate proof future. The priority sectors are health, tourism, agriculture, forestry, biodiversity, ecosystems and water, coastal, marine and tidal areas, and production systems and physical infrastructure. The NAS pursues the improvement of the communication of and coherence between the adaptation activities among the different governments.

A2. Adaptation strategies adopted at subnational levels

The Federal Government and each of the three regional governments – the Walloon region, the Flemish Region and the Brussels Capital region – together contribute to the national adaptation policy. They do not have separate adaptation strategies, but are each responsible for part of the NAS relevant to their competences.

Adaptation action plans

B1. National adaptation action plan

The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) was approved in April 2017. Priority sectors addressed in the NAP are agriculture, coastal areas, fishery, spatial planning and infrastructure, forests, biodiversity, energy, health, water management, tourism, industry and services, research and international cooperation 89 . The NAP complements the existing Flemish, Brussels Capital, Walloon and Federal adaptation plans. It includes some additional adaptation measures to improve the coordination and information exchange between the different governments, for example developing high-resolution climate scenarios and a roadmap for a Belgian Centre of Excellence on adaptation.

B2. Adaptation plans adopted at sub-national level

On 2 May 2013, the Brussels Capital Region adopted its Air-Climate-Energy Code (known as COBRACE 90 ). It serves as a legal basis for its Integrated Air-Climate-Energy Plan, which was adopted on 2 June 2016 and which includes a section on adaptation 91 . Priority sectors are water management, infrastructure and built areas, energy, green areas and, forests. Other thematic plans that include adaptation measures are the 2012 Regional Water Management Plan 92 , including a flood prevention plan created in 2003. A second regional water management plan has been adopted for the period 2016-2020 and integrates consideration of floods and flood risks 93 . Furthermore, the region adopted the "Forêt de Soignes" management plan (2003) 94 and its Nature Plan (2016), which both include adaptation measures.

In January 2014, the Walloon government adopted its ‘Climate Decree’ 95 giving a legal framework for climate policy in Wallonia. The main implementation instrument is the ‘Air-Climate-Energy Plan 2016 – 2022’ 96 which contains a section on adaptation and was adopted on 21 April 2016 97 . This adaptation section summarises the impacts and vulnerability assessments, as well as detailed adaptation actions to deal with these impacts and vulnerabilities in the following sectors: agriculture, forestry, biodiversity, water, health and tourism.

On 28 October 2016, the Federal Government adopted the Federal Contribution to the National Adaptation Plan 98 , which identifies federal adaptation actions in sectors like crisis management and transport.

In addition, some provincial and local governments have signed the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy and have developed adaptation plans, amongst others the Province of Antwerp, 99 the Province of Limburg 100 , and the City of Gent 101  

B3. Sectoral adaptation plans

No sectoral adaptation plans have been identified. Sectoral adaptation measures from the different policy departments are, however, integrated in the national, federal and regional adaptation plans.

SCOREBOARD

Step A: Preparing the ground for adaptation

1. Coordination structure

1a. A central administration body officially in charge of adaptation policy making

Yes/ No

In Belgium, the central administration body in charge of Belgian adaptation policy is the WGA 102 , which is part of the NCC. It is the responsibility of the WGA to develop the NAS and the NAP. Representatives of the four levels of the Government, i.e. the Federal Government and the three regional governments, form the WGA. All of these four governments are equal and there is no hierarchical relationship between the regions and the federal authority.

1b. Horizontal (i.e. sectoral) coordination mechanisms exist within the governance system, with division of responsibilities

Yes/ In progress/ No

Horizontal coordination among sectors is organised by each of the federal and regional governments via meetings in committees and contact groups. These groups bring together representatives of various sectoral policy departments that are likely to be affected by climate change, such as water, agriculture, nature and forests, agriculture, health, spatial planning, disaster risk management, etc. Horizontal coordination mainly includes identification and follow-up of priority goals and adaptation actions. Furthermore, it addresses information and data exchange and pursues communication and synergy between the different sectors. The WGA, mandated by the NCC, was the central actor for the drafting of the NAS and the NAP. The WGA is in charge of the consultation with and coordination of the different regional/federal sectors for the elaboration, implementation and monitoring of the NAP.

1c. Vertical (i.e. across levels of administration) coordination mechanisms exist within the governance system, enabling lower levels of administration to influence policy making

Yes/ In progress/ No

To develop the NAS, representatives of the different governments of the WGA met regularly and continue to do so in order to discuss progress of the NAS and the implementation of adaptation plans.

Vertical coordination in Belgium refers to coordination between the four governments, the ten provinces and the 589 local authorities. Vertical coordination is in place at some levels but not in a systematic manner. At the regional level, the departments involved in adaptation are in touch with provinces and local authorities, although not always through formal working groups or coordination mechanisms between the regional level and the provincial or the local authorities, but rather through cooperation mechanisms.

The federal level has no competence with regard to provinces and local authorities.

In Flanders, there is no formal coordination mechanism that vertically coordinates the provincial and local authorities, nevertheless coordination exists ad hoc and related to specific initiatives, such as the development of an adaptation portal. Furthermore, there was a pilot group with representatives of some local authorities and provinces that aimed to co-develop adaptation support tools, including a tool to explore adaptation measures 103 , good adaptation practices, and a climate portal (under development) that collects all data on climate impacts at a municipal level in Flanders 104 .

In contrast to Flanders, vertical coordination in Wallonia is formal. In July 2017, the Government signed a commitment to be a territorial coordinator of the Covenant of Mayors. In addition, the Walloon region has elaborated comparable adaptation support tools for local authorities 105 .

Vertical coordination is also planned to take place via the official territorial coordinators of the Covenant of Mayors. Eight out of ten Belgian provinces, and about 12 associations of municipalities (‘intercommunales’) have signed up as territorial coordinators. The main focus of this coordination so far is on mitigation, but it is expected that these administrations will also play a role in adaptation 106 .

There is no specific vertical coordination between Brussels Capital government and the local authorities.

2. Stakeholders’ involvement in policy development

2a. A dedicated process is in place to facilitate stakeholders' involvement in the preparation of adaptation policies

Yes / No

Stakeholders are involved in the preparation and implementation of adaptation policies in various ways.

In all four governments, focus groups that included representatives of the different policy departments were established to identify objectives and priority measures. In addition, other stakeholders have been consulted as well during the process. More specifically:

·At the level of the Federal Government, there was a public consultation on the federal plan ‘adaptation to climate change’ (later renamed ‘federal contribution to the NAP’) between 17 February and 18 April 2014. Stakeholders involved included citizens, NGOs and sectoral organisations. The plan was also submitted to the Federal Council for Sustainable Development that includes representatives of society, including environmental organisations, organisation for development cooperation, users’, employees’ and employers’ bodies, youth organisations and scientists.

·In Flanders, stakeholder consultation during the development of the adaptation plan was carried out twice via ‘roundtables’. The first roundtable presented preliminary ideas about the adaptation plan, while the second roundtable focused on the draft version of the plan to offer a platform for stakeholders to discuss it. Stakeholders included industry representatives, environmental organisations, farmer organisations and youth associations. Furthermore, the ‘MINAraad’ was consulted on the draft Flemish Climate Plan.

·In the Walloon region, there was a public consultation on the adaptation plan in the summer of 2014. Citizens, companies and local authorities took part in the consultation 107 .

·The Brussels adaptation plan went to public consultation in 2015.

The national adaptation plan was submitted for consultation to the federal and regional advice councils, which include stakeholders from all societal sectors, such as environment, industry, employee, and science.

2b. Transboundary cooperation is planned to address common challenges with relevant countries

Yes/ No

Transboundary cooperation is a priority in the NAP 108 . Action 10 of the NAP (“Promote transnational cooperation on adaptation”) aims to facilitate transnational cooperation on adaptation, covering both international cooperation between (neighbouring) countries and cross-border cooperation among countries with shared cross-border resources (e.g. water, protected areas) or other shared interests. The main foci for transboundary cooperation are disaster management, nature and water management. Cooperation mechanisms in these sectors already existed, nevertheless, it was recognised that further cooperation was needed. For instance, Belgium takes part in transboundary water management commissions of the Meuse and Scheldt. Belgium participated in Interreg projects, such as TIDE (Tidal River Development), AMICE, and Future Cities. Furthermore, the Flemish government coordinates the Interreg 2 Seas project PROWATER (protecting and restoring raw water sources through actions at the landscape scale), which is expected to start in September 2018.

So far, transboundary co-operation on adaptation in the BENELUX countries has been ad hoc. For instance, in 2016 the BENELUX secretariat organised workshops on adaptation concerning the following sectors: transport, energy, health and crisis management 109 . The expectation is that more formal transboundary cooperation will be established in the coming years 110 .

Step B: Assessing risks and vulnerabilities to climate change

3. Current and projected climate change

3a. Observation systems are in place to monitor climate change, extreme climate events and their impacts

Yes / In progress/ No

Belgium has observation systems that allow for long-term monitoring of temperature, precipitation and sea level. This monitoring work is carried out by the Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) 111 and the Permanent Service for Mean Sea Level.

Climate impacts are monitored by the different organisations:

·Different climate impact studies have been performed for Belgium in the framework of CORDEX.be project on: extreme precipitation; maximum snow height; urban parameters for Brussels (including outdoor labour productivity, excess energy consumption and heat stress due to heat waves); agricultural crop performance and yield as well as biogenic emissions.

·Impacts on forests and nature: by Brussels Environment 112 , Walloon Observatory of Forest Health 113 and the Research Institute for Nature and Forest in Flanders. 114

·Impacts on the oceans: the Flemish Hydrography and Royal Institute of Natural Sciences.

·Impact on water: flood, water quality and drought – Flanders Hydraulics Research, the Flemish water managers 115 , the Walloon Waterways 116 , the Walloon Flood Portal 117 , Brussels Environment, Royal Institute of Natural Sciences. Impact on extreme precipitation, heat waves, and droughts is collected by the RMI. In 2015, the RMI published “Vigilance climatique”. In 2015 the Flanders Environment Agency (VMM) published the ‘MIRA Climate Report 2015: About observed and future climate changes in Flanders and Belgium’. The indicators from the report are regularly updated on their website. Due to the dry conditions in Flanders, the VMM published a report on drought 118 based on hydrological and meteorological indicators in June 2017.

Since 1992 the EM-DAT database has recorded the number of victims (deaths and affected persons) of natural disasters in Belgium. Indicators are developed by the Federal Planning Bureau. 119 To conclude, observation systems for many climate impacts are in place, however, they sometimes are fragmentary and not always available for the whole of Belgium.

3b. Scenarios and projections are used to assess the economic, social and environmental impacts of climate change, taking into account geographical specificities and best available science (e.g. in response to revised IPCC assessments)

Yes/ In progress/ No

While Belgium does not formally have a national climate centre, the CORDEX.be project 120 (Combining regional downscaling expertise in Belgium: CORDEX and Beyond 2015-2017) provided a platform for data exchange and communication among the Belgian climate modelling groups. CORDEX.be makes use of the most recent IPCC scenarios (2014). All impact assessments rely on these models. In the context of the CORDEX.be project, a wide range of climate model simulations have been performed that are collected on the CORDEX.be data hub at the RMI and will serve as the basis of future impact studies. The model simulations are thoroughly validated by comparison with past observations and GNSS-derived products.

3c. Sound climate risks/vulnerability assessments for priority vulnerable sectors are undertaken to support adaptation decision making

Yes/ In progress/ No

The NAP provides sound climate risk and vulnerability assessments for 11 key sectors: agriculture, coastal areas, fishery, spatial planning and infrastructure, forests, biodiversity, energy, health, water management, tourism, industry and services. The assessments indicate the types and intensity of climate impacts on these sectors by a colour gradation from green to red (opportunity to threat). The assessment is carried out in a qualitative way and provides climate impact information for the periods 2030, 2050 and 2085 within wet, mean and dry scenarios. The assessment is the combination of the results of the different climate impact assessments carried out by the regional governments and impact studies at federal level. In addition, the Flemish Environment Agency has published a climate assessment report in 2015 121 and the research report on indicators for urban heat island effect in Flanders 122 .

3d. Climate risks/vulnerability assessments take transboundary risks into account, when relevant

Yes/ In Progress/ No

Taking into account transboundary risks is not yet common practice in climate risk and vulnerability assessments in Belgium. It is mainly in the field of flood risk management where progress has been made, primarily as a result of joint projects. One of the examples is the Interreg AMICE project for which scientists from France, Belgium and the Netherlands have built a transnational scenario to evaluate climate impacts with regards to flood risks in the Meuse river basin. Another example is the ENDURE Interreg project, which aims to improve the adaptive capacity by focusing on the protection of sand dunes in the 2 Seas area. Furthermore, the Flemish drought and water scarcity indicator also considers risks of upstream parts of the international basins 123 .

4. Knowledge gaps

4a. Work is being carried out to identify, prioritise and address the knowledge gaps

Yes/ In progress/ No

Research for better understanding is part of the Belgian adaptation policy. Knowledge gaps are addressed by:

1)Conventional research funding organisations. Knowledge gaps are mentioned in a general way but researchers have some freedom to determine the focus of their research. The Belgian Federal Science Policy Office (BELSPO) financed several projects on climate impacts and adaptation through the former ‘Science for a Sustainable Development’ (SSD) programme 124 . Topics and sector-specific domains of interest addressed include transport, hydrological events, surface water, coastal management, fisheries and health. Several research projects have been launched to increase knowledge of climate impacts and adaptation through the BRAIN-be program me 125 . In 2014, the call for project proposals by BELSPO included climate adaptation as one of its four priority themes. Special attention was directed to two research activities: understanding sectoral climate impacts, and developing policy decision-support tools that aim at evaluating the effects of climate change. The BRAIN-BE call in 2016 included a call for proposals for developing scientific support for the development of climate services. Unfortunately, no projects were selected for funding.

In total five projects are funded in the framework of the ERA4CS Joint Call on Researching and Advancing Climate Services Development by (A) Advanced co-development with users (B) Institutional integration, linked to the JPI Climate (two cash-funded via BELSPO and three funded in kind via RMI).

2)Research and studies funded by the policy departments themselves. These studies are upon request and knowledge gaps are identified and specified. Examples of these studies are the study on climate proof spatial planning, or on the needs assessment for local authorities on climate adaptation planning.

3)A think tank consisting of academics and other experts on climate adaptation (Flanders only), which was subsidised by the Flemish government from 2015 – 2017 to develop and spread knowledge on adaptation across disciplines. Knowledge gaps were identified and addressed during meetings 126 , 127 .

5. Knowledge transfer

5a. Adaptation relevant data and information is available to all stakeholders, including policy makers (e.g. through a dedicated website or other comparable means).

Yes/ In progress/ No

Information that is useful for adaptation is available online and can be used by different types of stakeholders.

In Flanders, there are portals with abundant adaptation-relevant information, including:

·An overview of Flemish adaptation policy 128  

·Climate change information 129  

·Support for local authorities 130 .

A climate portal will also soon be launched that includes geographical climate impact information at a detailed level for all Flemish municipalities 131 . The main policy department in climate adaptation has initiated this data provision.

In Wallonia, it is the Walloon Agency for Air & Climate (AWAC) that provides the online information to support adaptation. This information mainly aims at different sectors and at local authorities 132  

The Brussels Capital region offers information on its website mainly limited to the policy plan 133 .

At the federal level, the website 134 provides information on climate change and climate adaptation policy at all levels as well as climate observations and impacts.

A dedicated national online platform 135 is planned (with a committed budget) at the national level, as mentioned in the NAP.

5b. Capacity building activities take place; education and training materials on climate change adaptation concepts and practices are available and disseminated

Yes/In progress/ No

A limited number of specific education and training materials could be identified in the available sources of information. 136  

Some more generic materials, considering impacts and adaptation exist, such as the “KLIMOS” environmental sustainability toolkit for development cooperation, and educational files on climate change targeted to young students.

There has also been some capacity building of local authorities, particularly on how to develop adaptation plans. Several workshops were organised for the Walloon municipalities to disseminate these tools, within two frameworks: the Floods Directive and the elaboration of flood risk management plans; and the Walloon POLLEC Programme, which provides regional support to the cities in relation to the Covenant of Mayors objectives.

It is expected that the capacity building for public officers to develop adaptation plans will be developed in the near future in Flanders 137 as well. The Flemish Region and some Flemish provinces have organised a number of annual conferences, aiming at climate practitioners to share their experiences on mitigation and adaptation 138 .

In addition, national conferences and roundtables are organised in a coordinated way by regional and federal governments to implement the NAP (Measure 4 ‘Strengthening sectoral coordination at national level’). The 1st Conference ‘Adaptation to Climate Change: What is the Situation in Belgium’ was organised in November 2017 139 and was attended by around one hundred people.

Step C: Identifying adaptation options

6. Adaptation options’ identification

6a. Adaptation options address the sectoral risks identified in 3c, the geographical specificities identified in 3b and follow best practices in similar contexts

Yes / No

Relevant adaptation options for each sector in the national, the federal and regional adaptation plans were selected on the basis of sound sectoral risk and vulnerability assessments 140 . The options were identified by expert judgement of the relevant policy departments. Besides sectoral adaptation options, the regional, federal and national adaptation plans also mentioned ‘horizontal’ adaptation options like research, international collaboration and transversal affairs. These adaptation options result from ambitions to better coordinate adaptation actions and are related to identified adaptation needs 141 .

6b. The selection of priority adaptation options is based on robust methods (e.g. multi-criteria analyses, stakeholders' consultation, etc.) and consistent with existing decision-making frameworks

Yes / No

The selection of priority adaptation options for the NAP is the result of an extensive process. It was based on an analysis of the measures contained in the adaptation plans (three regions and the Federal Government) with the aim to identify the gaps and/or the opportunities for synergies. It was also based on the EU adaptation framework (particularly the EU Adaptation Strategy and its accompanying documents), and a study exploring potential national adaptation actions to be implemented jointly by the federal and regional authorities. The WGA of the NCC identified a set of measures based on this analysis. The relevance and feasibility of the measures were analysed in consultation with the relevant sectoral experts, according to criteria, such as the opportunity for implementation (focusing on the integration of adaptation into planned sectoral projects/process), the national added-value (i.e. the extent of benefits for all four entities) and the urgency of action.

6c. Mechanisms are in place to coordinate disaster risk management and climate change adaptation and to ensure coherence between the two policies

Yes/ In progress / No

There is some evidence available on coordination mechanisms between the authorities dealing with disaster risk management and adaptation policies. There has been increased coordination in the context of the Federal contribution to the NAP, as the Federal Government is in charge of crisis and emergency management.

Belgium fostered better coordination between disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation by gathering the regional and federal crisis centre, adaptation experts, and climate services scientists in September 2017. Future coordination will build on the work realized in the framework of the cordex.be project and will look further into how to mainstream climate change in disaster risk prevention and management. This would be in line with implementation of Measure 11 of the NAP and Measure 5 of the Federal contribution to the NAP.

A national platform for disaster risk reduction (Sendaï platform) was established in 2016 (coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

7. Funding resources identified and allocated

7a. Funding is available to increase climate resilience in vulnerable sectors and for cross-cutting adaptation action

Yes / In Progress / No

A dedicated budget is not attached to the NAS. Funding for climate adaptation is available at all levels within existing governmental budgets.

For 2017 and 2018, the NCC foresaw a dedicated budget for the implementation of the NAP. 142 The NAP actions are generally horizontal and, therefore, the budget is not dedicated to one specific sector but every sector can benefit from these measures (e.g. the budget to develop a web platform on adaptation where every sector will be integrated). The sectoral adaptation actions have to be financed by each of the relevant policy departments and need to be included in the annual department budget. Although there is no evidence of multi-annual funding for climate adaptation, the different governments allocate a part of their budget to implementing adaptation measures. For instance, in 2017, Flanders 143 and Wallonia 144 funded impact assessments and the development of adaptation support tools to help local authorities. Flanders funded the development of climate scenarios and assess climate impacts 145 . In addition, there was a think tank 146 in Flanders on adaptation, financed by the Department of Environment and Spatial Development to bring together expertise. The Federal Government has funded an impact assessment study as well as research projects (via BELSPO). There appears to be no climate adaptation funding in the Brussels Capital region.

Step D: Implementing adaptation action

8. Mainstreaming adaptation in planning processes

8a. Consideration of climate change adaptation has been included in the national frameworks for environmental impact assessments 

Yes / No

At the federal level, the need for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) was established in law on 13 February 2006 147 . The Federal Government has provided guidance on SEA via its website, since October 2017 148 , in order to ensure that assessments address climate adaptation.

At the Flemish level, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive 2014/52/EU was transposed into law via the Decree of 3 February 2017 149 . Consequently, climate adaptation is considered in EIA 150 .

In the Walloon region and Brussels-Capital region, the former EU directive 2011/92/UE is still used to guide EIA, so climate change is not yet always considered in practice 151 .

8b. Prevention/preparedness strategies in place under national disaster risk management plans take into account climate change impacts and projections

Yes/ No

Disaster risk management is a shared responsibility between the local, provincial and federal levels. Disaster risk management plans do not include direct reference to climate change. The NAP 152 includes a measure for the 2018 risk analysis to include consideration of climate impacts in order to revise the disaster risk management plans 153 . Specific plans for the protection of critical infrastructure, as well as specific emergency management plans for floods 154 , heat waves 155 and forest fires, do consider climate change to a certain extent.

8c. Key land use, spatial planning, urban planning and maritime spatial planning policies take into account the impacts of climate change

Yes/ No

Climate change is not yet completely integrated in land use, spatial planning, urban planning and maritime planning. However, there are a few policy instruments implemented in spatial planning in Flanders that aim to avoid new developments in flood risk areas (e.g. the ‘watertoets’ and the ‘Signaalgebieden’ in Flanders 156 ). However, these policy instruments are based on current flood risk information rather than flood risks arising from climate change. Climate change is mentioned in maritime spatial planning. It is being taken into account throughout the planning process and has led to specific spatial decisions directly or indirectly related to climate change, e.g. the designation of a zone for a test island for coastal protection and the designation of additional zones for offshore renewable energy. In addition, climate change is included in EIA.

Regional forestry policy instruments (e.g. the Walloon forest code, the Flanders forestry policy and the Brussels forest plans) aim to enhance the climate resilience of forests. Some major water and flood management initiatives with land-use implications consider climate change (e.g. the Walloon Plan PLUIES 157 and the Flemish SIGMA plan 158 ). However, no guidance related to climate proofing of buildings has been found 159 .

8d. National policy instruments promote adaptation at sectoral level, in line with national priorities and in areas where adaptation is mainstreamed in EU policies

Yes/ In progress/ No

The NAS, the federal contribution to the NAP and the regional adaptation plans promote the mainstreaming of climate change in different policy sectors. Evidence of mainstreaming in sectors is reported in the 7th National Communication report 160 across many sectors, including water management, coastal areas, biodiversity, agriculture, forests, fishing, infrastructure and urban environment, transport, tourism, health, industry and services, energy, and disaster risk management. The policy instruments are diverse, ranging from an information campaign to encourage water savings to integrating climate change in the coastal safety master plan to encouraging farmer actions via climatic agri-environmental measures. The NAS (2010) has been the sole driver of mainstreaming climate adaptation in these sectors.

8e. Adaptation is mainstreamed in insurance or alternative policy instruments, where relevant, to provide incentives for investments in risk prevention

Yes/ No

The draft federal contribution to the NAP 161 contains provisions to foster the consideration of climate risks in insurance and guarantee schemes, and to support the productive sectors in considering and addressing climate impacts and adaptation. However, this measure was not retained in the final version (‘Federal Contribution to the NAP’) adopted by the Federal Council of Ministers. Incorporating climate change in the insurance sector is also an ambition of the Flemish Adaptation Plan. However, the progress report 162 , 163 indicated that the insurance sector is not yet willing to include climate change in their products due to lack of a legal framework. No evidence was found of other incentives for investments in risk prevention.

9. Implementing adaptation

9a. Adaptation policies and measures are implemented, e.g. as defined in action plans or sectoral policy documents

Yes /In progress/ No

The NAS as well as the federal contribution to the NAP and the regional adaptation plans, have listed adaptation measures and actions. These actions are mainly defined by sectors and are implemented by the respective policy departments. There are also some overarching horizontal adaptation actions listed like carrying out research 164 , and establishing transnational cooperation 165 .

Many of the adaptation actions are being implemented 166 sectorally, i.e. in relation to water management, coastal areas, biodiversity, agriculture, forests, fishing, infrastructure and urban environment, transport, tourism, health, industry & services, energy and disaster risk management. Examples of adaptation actions include: awareness raising on the importance of healthy soils; connecting nature areas; setting up a centre of excellence on adaptation; considering climate change when restoring.

At the federal level, the adaptation actions have been implemented since 2016, so are in progress, as was planned.

At the Flemish level, implementation of adaptation actions started in 2013 and most actions are in progress, as was planned.

At the Walloon level, implementation of adaptation actions started in 2016 and most actions are in progress, as was planned.

In the Brussels Capital region, implementation of adaptation actions started in 2016.

At the national level, implementation started in 2017.

There are some adaptation actions that emerged autonomously and were implemented even before the adaptation plans were developed, like the SIGMA plan in Flanders in 2005 or Plan PlUIES in Wallonia in 2003.

In addition to the adaptation measures in the NAP, there are also some provinces and cities that have listed adaptation measures that will soon be implemented 167 .

9b. Cooperation mechanisms in place to foster and support adaptation at relevant scales (e.g. local, subnational)

Yes/ No

Cooperation mechanisms at provincial and local levels are under development in Flanders and Wallonia. These are the regions that could benefit most from these cooperation mechanisms. The cooperation is being formalised in the Walloon.

In Flanders, the cooperation mechanism is provided by an adaptation support tool that was developed by the Flemish government with a pilot group of local authorities in order to support local authorities in the development of their adaptation plans. This support tool includes:

·A climate atlas that reveals the most vulnerable areas in Flanders

·A tool to explore adaptation measures 168 ; and

·Good practices about climate adaptation.

In the Walloon region, a comparable adaptation support tool for local authorities is available. 169

The Walloon region has recently signed a commitment to be a territorial coordinator of the Covenant of Mayors. Cooperation is, therefore, emphasized in a more formal way. Several workshops have been organized to present the tools available for the cities in the framework of the POLLEC Programme. This programme supports cities to develop action plans for the Covenant of Mayors. Wallonia also has more ad hoc cooperation, like the workshops organised in the framework of the Flood Directive and the elaboration of the flood risk management plans. These workshops were organised to disseminate information to cities, provinces and other actors in charge of the flood risk management the Walloon region. The adaptation tool for cities has been presented during these workshops.

Some provinces are planning to coordinate adaptation with the local authorities. However, as yet, no formalized coordination group has been established.

9c. Procedures or guidelines are available to assess the potential impact of climate change on major projects or programmes, and facilitate the choice of alternative options, e.g. green infrastructure

Yes/ No

Measure 9 of the Federal contribution to the NAP is a cross-sectoral measure that foresaw mainstreaming of climate adaptation in the development of federal policies. This measure has been implemented through:

·Integration of adaptation in the analysis procedure for regulation (the so-called AIR – ‘analyse d’impact de legislation’) as well as in the manual for impact analysis for regulation.

·Development of guidelines to promote better integration of climate mitigation and adaptation (and biodiversity) in SEA and EIA in the North Sea. The guidelines were published in October 2017 170 . A (general) reference to the guidelines has been made in the Belgian EIA regulation for activities in the North Sea (Royal Decree of 9 September 2003). The existing guidelines 171 for SEA will be updated according to the guidance.

Flanders has already developed guidelines to consider climate in EIA.

9d. There are processes for stakeholders' involvement in the implementation of adaptation policies and measures.

Yes / No

Many of the adaptation plans are government-driven. Stakeholders have a limited role in the implementation of adaptation measures and are involved on an ad hoc basis, depending on the adaptation measure considered. Although it is proposed that measures to address climate impacts should be taken up by the private sector, there does not seem to be any public-private cooperation.

Step E: Monitoring and evaluation of adaptation activities

10. Monitoring, reporting and evaluation.

10a. NAS/NAP implementation is monitored and the results of the monitoring are disseminated

Yes/ No

Monitoring implementation of adaptation policy takes place every two to four years at the national level 172 . The WGA monitors the progress of implementation in a qualitative way by listing actions that are carried out by the different policy departments 173 . The monitoring indicators that are described in the different adaptation plans are used as guidance. Allocated budgets and other financial information are not monitored. The National Climate Commission integrates monitoring results into the National Communication report 174 .

Monitoring has been taking place since 2015, as part of the National Communication report. Results were disseminated in the 6th National Communication (2015-2016) 175 and in the 7th National Communication (2017-2018) 176 , and are accessible amongst others via the national website 177 and the federal website 178 .

A workshop for French-speaking technical staff working on climate adaptation in Africa was co-organised by Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, France, FAO and UNDP (Cluster Francophone) in May 2018 in Couala (Cameroun). The focus was on monitoring and evaluation of adaptation measures.

10b. The integration of climate change adaptation in sectoral policies is monitored and the results of the monitoring are disseminated

Yes / No

The monitoring results in National Communications are organised according to sectoral policies. However, the monitoring of the NAP is not specified per sector.

Nevertheless, at the Flemish level, the different policy sectors report on a bi-annual basis on the progress of their adaptation actions 179 . The first progress report was published for the period 2013-2015. The second report for the period 2015-2017 was approved in March 2018.

At the federal level, in the framework of the federal law on monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV), sectoral departments of the federal authority have to report on the implementation of their respective adaptation measures (taken or planned), particularly the actions provided for in the federal contribution to the NAP. Monitoring addresses the main objectives, the climate impact category targeted, the planned and allocated budgets, the degree of implementation and, to the extent possible, indicators (the Royal Decree implementing the Law is not published yet).

At the level of the Walloon and the Brussels Capital region, no evidence was found of how climate adaptation is monitored in sectoral policies.

10c. Regional-, sub-national or local action is monitored and the results of the monitoring are disseminated

Yes/No

There is no systematic monitoring mechanism to collect and disseminate information on progress with the implementation of adaptation actions at the provincial or local levels.

11. Evaluation

11a. A periodic review of the national adaptation strategy and action plans is planned

Yes/No

A mid-term evaluation of the NAP will take place in 2018 and a final evaluation in 2020. This timing is aligned with the periodic National Communication and the development of the next NAP. Indicators identified in the NAP will be used in the evaluations. The mid-term evaluation will assess the progress of implementation and evaluate strengths and weaknesses. The final evaluation will mainly focus on identifying remaining gaps with regard to adaptation actions. 180 , 181

The regional level will contribute to the evaluation. The federal level has specified in the Federal Contribution to the NAP that an evaluation will take place to assess coherence between actions in the NAP and actions taken at the federal level.

11b. Stakeholders are involved in the assessment, evaluation and review of national adaptation policy

Yes/No

No specific information on external stakeholder involvement in the monitoring, evaluation or review of the adaptation strategies or plans was found. It is expected that assessment, evaluation and review will be undertaken by the actors involved in the WGA and respective regional platforms.

SUMMARY TABLE

Adaptation preparedness scoreboard country fiche for

Bulgaria

Table of contents

List of abbreviations    

POLICY FRAMEWORK    

Adaptation strategies    

A1. National adaptation strategy    

A2. Adaptation strategies adopted at subnational levels    

Adaptation action plans    

B1. National adaptation plan    

B2. Adaptation plans adopted at sub-national level    

B3. Sectoral adaptation plans    

SCOREBOARD    

Step A: Preparing the ground for adaptation    

1    Coordination structure    

2    Stakeholders’ involvement in policy development    

Step B: Assessing risks and vulnerabilities to climate change    

3    Current and projected climate change    

4    Knowledge gaps    

5    Knowledge transfer    

Step C: Identifying adaptation options    

6    Adaptation options’ identification    

7    Funding resources identified and allocated    

Step D: Implementing adaptation action    

8    Mainstreaming adaptation in planning processes    

9    Implementing adaptation    

Step E: Monitoring and evaluation of adaptation activities    

10    Monitoring and reporting    

11    Evaluation    

SUMMARY TABLE    

List of abbreviations

EIA    Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

IBRD    International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

IPCC    Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

NAS    National adaptation strategy

NAP    National adaptation plan

NAMRB    National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria

MoEW    Ministry of Environment and Water

SEA    Strategic Environmental Assessment

POLICY FRAMEWORK

Adaptation strategies

A1. National adaptation strategy

On May 4th, 2018, Bulgaria published a draft national adaptation strategy (NAS) 182 that covers the period until 2030. Using resources from the EU structural funds operational programme on Good Governance, the Government of Bulgaria commissioned the World Bank to provide advisory services on: “Strengthening strategic planning on climate adaptation, including providing inputs for the preparation of a National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, together with an Action Plan – for the Ministry of Environment and Water”  183 . The objectives of this project were to:

·Assess options to address climate risks across the economy

·Formulate the NAS and national adaptation plan (NAP) for the period to 2030

·Strengthen capacity for implementation and cross-sector coordination on climate adaptation.

The draft NAS is intended to serve as a reference document, setting a framework for climate adaptation action and priority directions up to 2030, and identifying and confirming the need for climate adaptation action both at economy-wide and sectoral levels, while highlighting the consequences of no action.

A2. Adaptation strategies adopted at subnational levels

The draft NAS has adopted a sectoral rather than a regional approach to climate adaptation. Nevertheless, regional development plans 184 developed under the EU Cohesion Policy 185  each include a separate chapter on climate change related (mainly adaptation) measures relevant at the local level (see B2).

Additionally, a Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change for Sofia Municipality has been developed under the EU-funded project “Transitioning towards Urban Resilience and Sustainability (TURAS)” 186 . The Strategy has the following objectives: 1. To develop horizontal policies and strategic planning; 2. To increase institutional capacity and improve co-operation between institutions; 3. To support targeted research and monitoring to fill the knowledge gaps regarding anticipated climate impacts; 4. To improve citizens’ awareness through climate change information campaigns; 5. To identify additional benefits of risk prevention and adaptation.

Adaptation action plans

B1. National adaptation plan

A draft NAP was published as a chapter 187 within the draft NAS. The development of the draft NAP followed an iterative process to identify and select sectoral operational objectives and specify the underlying actions. This was based on a process of developing sector assessment reports for the nine key sectors and has been informed by the disaster risk management and macro-economic analysis reports. The process involved a series of stakeholder consultations that also included relevant government agencies. The stakeholder groups were organised using a multi-criteria analysis approach, following Climate-Adapt guidance 188 . In the selection of draft operational objectives and priority activities for these objectives, with associated implementation details, a consultation between the NAS and NAP writers and sectoral experts was carried out. The NAP, thus, includes operational objectives and priority options, an explanation of proposed activities, expected results and performance indicators.

B2. Adaptation plans adopted at sub-national level

In 2013, the Council of Ministers adopted the 2014-2020 Regional Development Plans of Level 2 regions under the EU Cohesion Policy 189 . The plans outline the development of the Northeast, Northwest, Southwest, Southeast, North Central and South-Central Regions, featuring a section about the region's climate vulnerability. The sections include suggested adaptation measures at regional level. The sectors most vulnerable to climate change in the different regions include agriculture, biodiversity, tourism, water resources management, power generation, fisheries, and forestry.

Local authorities (municipalities) have an important role to play, particularly regarding the implementation of adaptation actions, which is reflected in the operational programmes 190 for the new programming period.

B3. Sectoral adaptation plans

The draft NAS provides a list of strategic objectives for nine economic sectors, including agriculture, biodiversity and ecosystem services, energy, forestry, human health, tourism, transport, the urban environment (including infrastructure and construction) and water. The overarching objectives relate to mainstreaming adaptation in the policies and strategies within each sector, as well as to building capacity, raising awareness and increasing climate resilience. The process of integrating these objectives has not yet begun, as the NAS is not yet approved.

Outside the policy options planned as a part of the response to the EU Adaptation Strategy, the most recent river basin management plans in 2016 191 provide for the development of environmental protection and water management adaptation measures. These plans focus on the elaboration and implementation of drought management plans. This entails, inter alia, options for the construction of facilities to capture and use biogas in waste water treatment plants, water savings and efficiency, reduction of erosion in water catchment areas. In addition, it includes resilience selection criteria for project funding that are based on an assessment of climate impacts on water resources and water use.

Flood risk management plans 192  for all four river basins in the country were implemented on 29th December 2016 under the Floods Directive 193 . The plans were developed on the basis of preliminary flood risk assessments completed in 2011. The Ministry of Environment and Water has developed hazard and flood risk maps and methodologies for preliminary assessment of flood risks. The areas at significant flood risk were identified in 2013 in relation to disaster management.

In 2011, the “Programme of measures to adapt forests in the Republic of Bulgaria and mitigate the negative impact of climate change on them” 194 was adopted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. Forestry is also covered by the draft NAS. To avoid overlap between policies, coordination between the 2011 forestry adaptation programme and the NAS is planned in the draft NAS. Finally, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forest has adopted the National Forest Strategy 2013 – 2020 195 , 196 , which also includes measures to strengthen the climate resilience of forest ecosystems.

SCOREBOARD

Step A: Preparing the ground for adaptation

1    Coordination structure

1a. A central administration body officially in charge of adaptation policy making

Yes / No

In Bulgaria, a Climate Change Policy Directorate was established within the Ministry of Environment and Water (MOEW). The body is responsible for the transposition of all EU laws and policies relating to climate change into national law. It is also responsible for the coordination of the policy-making processes relating to the NAS. 197

1b. Horizontal (i.e. sectoral) coordination mechanisms exist within the governance system, with division of responsibilities

Yes / In progress / No

Horizontal coordination mechanisms exist within the governance system, with division of responsibilities in relation to climate adaptation measures. Article 3, paragraph 4 of the Climate Change Mitigation Act governs the establishment of the National Expert Council on Climate Change, as an advisory body to assist the MoEW in the implementation of state policy on climate mitigation and adaptation. The Council consists of representatives of the different governmental ministries, National Association of Municipalities in Republic of Bulgaria, Regional governmental authorities, the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, environmental NGOs and businesses. In this sense, the body provides both horizontal and vertical coordination.

Furthermore, a National Coordination Council on Climate Change was created to support the coordination of the operational process relating to the implementation of climate mitigation and adaptation policies. It is led by the MoEW and involves representatives of all relevant ministries, at deputy minister level, and some agencies fostering the development of the NAS. The MoEW is also assisted by the National Expert Council on Climate Change referred to above.

Both bodies take part in the reviews of all reports prepared as a part of the NAS development, and are currently reviewing the draft NAS and NAP. 198 Within the Government, institutions with responsibilities for integration of climate change (both mitigation and adaptation) include: the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry; the Ministry of Transport, IT and Communications; the Ministry of Finance; the Ministry of Interior; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Ministry of Health; the Ministry of Education and Science; the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy; and the Environment Executive Agency. Moreover, some adaptation measures have been taken up at the national level by the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Energy, and the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works. The draft NAS makes it clear that each individual Ministry would be responsible for implementing and mainstreaming the measures outlined in the NAS in their respective sector.

Further horizontal coordination is planned in the draft NAS to support capacity building activities, although it is not clear whether this would be done by the National Expert Council on Climate Change and National Coordination Council on Climate Change.

1c. Vertical (i.e. across levels of administration) coordination mechanisms exist within the governance system, enabling lower levels of administration to influence policy making.

Yes / In progress / No

At national level, the coordination of municipalities on different issues is carried out through a National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB). All municipalities are members of NAMRB (a total of 265). NAMRB’s activity is focused on three main areas:

·Representation of municipalities interests in central governmental affairs: research, analysis, evaluation and development of proposals for change and improvement of policy on local government; and lobbying

·Support to municipalities in executing their powers: studying of municipal opinions and developing consensus positions and strategies; providing a wide range of consulting services and training programs; issuing thematic and advisory guides; and providing its own training centre for municipalities

·Participation in Bulgarian and international forums; and organisational strengthening of NAMRB.

The NAMRB enables municipalities to influence the policy making process in climate adaptation policy through representatives in the National Expert Council on Climate Change (see Indicator 1b).

To ensure efficiency and coordination between competent institutions, the MOEW established a National Coordination Council on Climate Change. All relevant documents regarding the development of the NAS were presented to the Council and its representatives had the opportunity to review the documents and to give their opinions and remarks, which are reflected in the documents.

2    Stakeholders’ involvement in policy development

2a. A dedicated process is in place to facilitate stakeholders' involvement in the preparation of adaptation policies

Yes / No

The NAS and NAP are being developed with wide public participation through ongoing public consultation and consideration of all key milestones in the development of the NAS at the National Expert Council on Climate Change. For this purpose, an operational body - the National Coordination Council on Climate Change (consisting of deputy ministers and experts from the competent departments) has been established to review, evaluate and deliver opinions and proposals on individual documents before submitting them for discussion to the National Expert Council on Climate Change. This is to provide support at all levels and in all sectors while developing the NAS and for the measures, which will be included in the NAP.

2b. Transboundary cooperation is planned to address common challenges with relevant countries

Yes / No

The draft NAS does not include any explicit transboundary cooperation measures. Nevertheless, in the initial development of the draft NAS, a framework document was developed to underpin the preparation of the NAS: “National climate change risk and vulnerability assessment for the sectors of the Bulgarian economy". This document assesses the risk of climate change related natural disasters in Bulgaria based on various climate models and scenarios. The economic sectors included are agriculture, water, urban environment (including urban infrastructure and construction), energy, transport, construction and infrastructure, ecosystems and biodiversity, human health and tourism. The framework document also includes a separate chapter on cross-border cooperation on issues related to climate impacts 199 .

In addition, Bulgaria is a member of various transboundary initiatives:

·Bulgaria is a member of The EU Strategy for the Danube Region which has facilitated transboundary cooperation between Bulgaria and Romania on issues relevant to climate adaptation. The actions include joint planning and capacity building and best practice sharing.

·Bulgaria also participates in the IPA Cross-border Cooperation Programmes: Bulgaria – Serbia 200  , Bulgaria-Turkey 201 and Bulgaria-Macedonia 202 . These programmes include a priority axis towards protecting the environment and promoting climate adaptation and mitigation, risk prevention and management.

·In 2013, under the IPA Bulgaria – Serbia programme, a project called "Click"-Climate change - Kick-off" was developed, which aims to raise public awareness of the climate impacts. It assessed how to adapt to climate change by developing the capacity of NGOs to participate actively in the preparation and implementation of measures and policies for adaptation.

·In relation to the preparation of Bulgaria’s regional river basins management plans for 2016-2021, Bulgaria has signed declarations on transboundary river cooperation with Greece and Turkey. These declarations have facilitated various meetings and exchange of information for the preparation of the regional river basins management plans (in Bulgaria). 203

·In addition, the Bulgaria-Romania Cross-border Cooperation Programme 2014-2020 204 supports joint action on tackling flood risks, desertification and heatwaves. This programme includes measures for promoting climate adaptation, risk prevention and management. The same type of programme is also running between Bulgaria and Greece 205 , and aims at maintaining a sustainable and climate adaptable cross-border area.

Step B: Assessing risks and vulnerabilities to climate change

3    Current and projected climate change

3a. Observation systems are in place to monitor climate change, extreme climate events and their impacts

Yes / In progress / No

Climate change is monitored by the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology at Bulgarian Academy of Science (NIMH-BAS). 206  There is only one Global Atmosphere Watch station in the country (Rojen). Hydrological information is presented on a separate website 207 . The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology has overall responsibility for research and operational activities in meteorology, agrometeorology and hydrology in Bulgaria.

A programme of the Ministry of Agriculture for adaptation of forests to climate change, established in 2011, includes systems for monitoring the following: (i) early detection and warning about forest fires, (ii) forest diseases, and (iii) grass coverage in high altitude mountains. The programme also outlines measures relating to improving forest health and resilience, and ensuring the availability of technology for land and air patrolling and fire control. 208

The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology at the Bulgarian Academy of Science publishes a monthly hydro-meteorological bulletin 209 . It provides a national overview of the main processes and phenomena of the meteorology, agrometeorology, hydrology and ecology. Operational information gathered from NIMH's national network enables a rapid and overall assessment of the impact of these phenomena and processes on different spheres of the economy and public life.

In addition, a National Report on the State of the Environment in Bulgaria is developed every year by experts of the of the Executive Environmental Agency, the MOEW and other institutions. The Report includes a chapter on climate change where current information can be found relating to rainfall, temperature and snow characteristics, assessment of indicators, climate phenomena and climate scenarios for Bulgaria. 210

No specific observation system is currently in place to monitor extreme weather events and their impacts.

3b. Scenarios and projections are used to assess the economic, social and environmental impacts of climate change, taking into account geographical specificities and best available science (e.g. in response to revised IPCC assessments)

Yes / In progress / No

Much of the current knowledge regarding the observation of extreme climate events and their impacts derives from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group II Fifth Assessment Report (IPCC 2014) or from EU-funded projects (e.g. CLAVIER (Climate Change and Variability: Impact on Central and Eastern Europe) project 211  funded by FP6).

The CLAVIER project supports research on linkages between climate change and its impact on weather patterns, air pollution, extreme events, and water resources. An evaluation of the economic impact on agriculture, tourism, energy supply and the public sector is conducted in this project as well.

The CECILIA (Central and Eastern Europe Climate Change Impact and Vulnerability Assessment) project 212 provides high resolution simulations covering the region. It captures complex topographical and land-use features related to climate impacts on large urban and industrial areas, including hydrology, water quality, and water management (focusing on medium-sized river catchments and the Black Sea coast).

Scenarios and projections for the coming decades derive from the CLAVIER and CECILIA projects mentioned above or from the HadCM3 model.

The preparation of the “Assessment of the Vulnerability of the Sectors of the Bulgarian Economy to Climate Change” 213 included relevant research from the EU-funded PESETA and PESETA II projects implemented by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC).

The “National climate change risk and vulnerability assessment for the sectors of the Bulgarian economy” (2014) was developed by using different scenarios and climate models. The assessments of expected changes in temperature and rainfall were based on IPCC SRES-scenarios using global (HadCM2, HadCM3 and ECHAM4, LMDZ v4, etc.) and regional (HIRHAM, REMO5.7, REMO5. 0, LMDZ-regional, etc.) climate models. The global models used were low resolution; a significantly higher resolution was achieved with the help of regional models. The surveys affecting Bulgaria are generally realized in international projects, which is why much of their results relate not only to Bulgaria but also to larger territories (mainly Central and South-Eastern Europe).

The draft NAS states that the IPCC SRES-scenarios in projections about air temperature and precipitation have been replaced by the IPCC Working Group II Fifth Assessment Report (IPCC 2014). For the purpose of this analysis, computer simulations of the expected changes in temperatures and rainfall in the four RCP- scenarios (RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5, RCP 6 and RCP 8.5) of the IPCC AR5 (2013/2014) were performed. The results obtained were generated using the analytical tools of the Web-Based Research Platform Climate Explorer of the Royal Netherlands Meteorology Institute (KNMI). The data sets used were GCM: CMIP5 (full set) and GCM: CMIP5 extremes (full set) respectively for the annual and seasonal values ​​and for the extreme values. CMIP5 (full set) was created during the Fifth Phase of the Climate Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) and assembled 42 global models used in the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report. Climate projections across the four climate variables scenarios cover three 20-year periods (2016-2035, 2046-2065 and 2081-2100), which is consistent with the approach adopted in the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report.

3c. Sound climate risks/vulnerability assessments for priority vulnerable sectors are undertaken to support adaptation decision making.

Yes / In progress / No

In early June 2014, a framework document “National climate change risk and vulnerability assessment for the sectors of the Bulgarian economy” 214 was finalised. It addressed: agriculture, forestry, water, urban environment (including urban infrastructure and construction), energy, transport, construction and infrastructure, ecosystems and biodiversity, human health and tourism. A separate chapter on cross-border cooperation on issues related to climate impacts is included in the document.

The framework document on risk and vulnerability assessment should serve as a basis for the further development of the NAS. The competent authorities will be involved in the development of measures for each sector, as well as NGOs and the scientific community.

Another very important issue to be integrated in the NAS is insurance. The MOEW has already developed an analytical document "Financial disaster risk management and insurance options for climate adaptation in Bulgaria". The document was prepared with the financial and technical support of the World Bank. The document’s purpose is to analyse the role and importance of the insurance business for the prevention of risks that occur as a result of climate change and for the development of adaptation measures.

In accordance with the reimbursable advisory services agreement signed between the MOEW and the IBRD in July 2017, the Bank presented an interim report to the Ministry with the main findings from the draft sector assessments of the following sectors: agriculture, biodiversity and ecosystems, energy, forestry, human health, tourism, transport, urban environment (including urban infrastructure and construction), and water. In addition, a draft of NAS and NAP was presented in May 2018.

3d. Climate risks/vulnerability assessments take transboundary risks into account, when relevant

Yes / In progress / No

In the publication "National climate change risk and vulnerability assessment for the sectors of the Bulgarian economy", a separate chapter on cross-border cooperation on issues related to climate impacts is included.

The main objective of this report is to assess the risk of natural disasters typical of the Bulgarian geographical area on the basis of climate models and scenarios for the country nevertheless consideration is given to climate impacts that will have significant cross-border effect to the management of cross-border river basins. In this respect, due to the peculiarities of local geography, Bulgaria is less dependent on the distribution of water resources than neighbouring countries. However, in view of the expected climate change, it is projected that the cross-border river basins will face major challenges such as: deficiency of water resources and drought, flood risk management and expected pressure on water consumption.

Furthermore, the lead policy document on disaster risk management, the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy 2014–2020 215 , supports the identification and prioritization of areas for trans-boundary and trans-regional cooperation, as well as long-term coordination of disaster risk reduction.

Finally, the draft NAS recognises that the development of transboundary adaptation measures would be required in the area of forestry.

4    Knowledge gaps

4a. Work is being carried out to identify, prioritise and address the knowledge gaps

Yes / In progress / No

The draft NAS contains a chapter 216 on the knowledge gaps in relation to climate impacts and adaptation options for each of the nine sectors of interest (see Section B2 above). The sectoral measures in the NAP are prioritised according to the identified knowledge gaps and the aim is to address them.

One of the main knowledge gaps outlined by the NAS is the limited academic capacity in the field of climate change. The climate impacts in most sectors are under-researched. There are data gaps in climate and biodiversity models, which mean that the national projections are not detailed enough to support the implementation of adequate adaptation measures.

5    Knowledge transfer

5a. Adaptation relevant data and information is available to all stakeholders, including policy makers (e.g. through a dedicated website or other comparable means).

Yes / In progress / No

All policy information and vulnerability assessments are published on the MoEW website, section Climate, subsection International Negotiations and Adaptation/Adaptation 217 .

The National Expert Council on Climate Change 218 serves as a science-policy interface, as it includes stakeholders, such as ministries, agencies, municipalities, NGOs and the scientific community (e.g. representatives of the Bulgarian Academy of Science).

The National Coordination Council on Climate Change comprises representatives of relevant ministries, at Deputy-Minister level, and some agencies. The Council supports the MoEW in the development of the NAS as well as in enhancing capacity to integrate adaptation considerations in policies, programmes and investments.

5b. Capacity building activities take place; education and training materials on climate change adaptation concepts and practices are available and disseminated

Yes / In progress / No

The draft NAS contains planned measures for capacity building and improving awareness on climate impacts and adaptation across the nine sectors of interest. The activities related to these measures have not yet begun, as the NAS has not been formally approved.

The World Bank is providing ongoing ‘advisory services’ to the Government, supporting capacity building and training in the delivery of the NAS. The Government is represented by the MoEW as an institutional coordinator of the preparation process 219 .

Since 2014, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" 220 started a Master’s programme "Climate Change and Water Management". The programme is focused on the preparation of specialists for analysis and assessment of climate change and integrated water resources management.

Step C: Identifying adaptation options

6    Adaptation options’ identification

6a. Adaptation options address the sectoral risks identified in 3c, the geographical specificities identified in 3b and follow best practices in similar contexts

Yes / No

The draft NAS proposes sectoral measures based on the sectoral vulnerability assessments contained in the framework document “National climate change risk and vulnerability assessment for the sectors of the Bulgarian economy” and the Draft Sector Assessments prepared by the World Bank, as a part of the reimbursable advisory services agreement signed between the MOEW and the IBRD (see Indicator 3c). The framework document covers the following sectors: agriculture, forestry, water, urban environment (including urban infrastructure and construction), energy, transport, construction and infrastructure, ecosystems and biodiversity, human health and tourism. Each sector is assessed by a system of indicators regarding vulnerability to future climate change in the period 2016-2035. The draft sector assessments propose a range of priority adaptation actions, arranged according to the following categories: information and knowledge, institutional capacity building, policy reform, and investments. For each of these measures, the section also includes cost-benefit analysis information and provides inputs on monitoring and evaluation (e.g. oversight, implementation, and reporting responsibility, indicator and target). Adaptation options will be prioritised whereas cross-cutting issues, trade-offs and synergies will be discussed.

No explicit reference is made to geographical specifies in the draft NAS or the vulnerability assessments.

6b. The selection of priority adaptation options is based on robust methods (e.g. multi-criteria analyses, stakeholders' consultation, etc.) and consistent with existing decision-making frameworks

Yes / No

In the preparation of the draft NAS and in support of priority setting for the identified adaptation options, each sector undertook a prioritisation exercise. This included organising stakeholder meetings following a multi-criteria analysis approach. In addition, the information given in the sector assessment reports was used. The approach produced a tentative short list of priority actions for each sector. Additional assessment/ranking of priority options is provided for some sectors (including, biodiversity and ecosystems services, tourism, and water) based on expert judgment and/or additional feedback from stakeholders. 221  

6c. Mechanisms are in place to coordinate disaster risk management and climate change adaptation and to ensure coherence between the two policies

Yes/ In Progress / No

The draft NAS builds on vulnerability assessments as well as the Disaster Risk Management Assessment report. In addition, disaster risk management is listed as an overarching cross-sectoral adaptation measure that should be taken into consideration in the development of all adaptation policies and measures 222 .

A Disaster Risk Reduction Council 223 was created as a permanent body to the Council of Ministers to ensure coordination and cooperation in the implementation of state policy in the field of disaster protection. The Council performs the functions of a national disaster risk reduction platform in implementation of the National Strategy for Disaster Risk Management, the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005–2015, and Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030.

The leading national document on disaster risk reduction, the National Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction 224 envisages to enhance coordination between stakeholders (e.g. the disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation community) by:

·The expansion of the scope of activities of the Consultative Council, which supports the work of the Council of Ministers, and transforming the former into an Active National Platform for reducing risks from disasters

·The establishment of an efficient mechanism for coordination and efficient flow of information among all stakeholders; and

·Development of systems for monitoring, forecasting and early warning in relation to disasters.

Finally, the National Coordination Council on Climate Change includes representatives from the Chief Directorate Fire Safety and Civil Protection (CD FSCP) at the Ministry of Interior.

7    Funding resources identified and allocated

7a. Funding is available to increase climate resilience in vulnerable sectors and for cross-cutting adaptation action

Yes / In Progress / No

Regarding cross-cutting adaptation action, the World Bank is providing ongoing ‘advisory services’ to the Government; supporting capacity building and training in the delivery of the NAS. The draft NAS states that the implementation of adaptation measures would be supported by EU funding, state funding and, potentially, private funding from energy companies. Nevertheless, one of the key barriers to climate adaptation pointed out in the draft NAS is the lack of financial resources and over-dependence on the EU 225 . Each suggested measure in the draft NAS includes indicative investment cost estimates to support the funding allocation.

Step D: Implementing adaptation action

8    Mainstreaming adaptation in planning processes

8a. Consideration of climate change adaptation has been included in the national frameworks for environmental impact assessments

Yes / No

National frameworks for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) 226 and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) 227 have been implemented because of Directives 2011/92/EU and 2001/42/EC. The definition of “environmental impact” adopted in both documents stipulates that any impacts on the environment should be considered, including human health, flora and fauna, biodiversity, soil, climate, air, water, land, natural landmarks and cultural heritage, and the interactions between them. However, no further reference to climate adaptation is made in the documents. Despite that fact, the draft NAS recognises that there is increased consideration of climate adaptation in EIA and SEA projects.

8b. Prevention/preparedness strategies in place under national disaster risk management plans take into account climate change impacts and projections

Yes / No

The National Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction 228 was adopted in 2014. It recognises the impact of climate extremes related to increased occurrence of storms, floods, extended periods of drought, and devastating forest fires. However, there is no evidence of how future climate projections are considered in disaster risk management plans and associated risk analysis. The Ministry of Regional Development has issued an order 229 on the development of a thorough analysis and mapping of disaster risk that would also include climate impacts. Preparation of this analysis has already started and is being overseen by the Bulgarian Association of Science 230 .

8c. Key land use, spatial planning, urban planning and maritime spatial planning policies take into account the impacts of climate change

Yes / No

Climate adaptation is considered in land-use and urban planning policies at national and regional levels. The National Concept for Spatial Development for the period 2013-2025 (NCSD) 231  is a mid-term strategic document, which outlines directions for land-use planning, governance and protection of national territory and waters. One of the key objectives of the NCSD is to align spatial planning of cities and regions with the threats and challenges of climate change, in addition to globalization, demographic changes, and energy dependence. The development plan for Northern Central Bulgaria is an example of how climate adaptation is being taken into account, including in relation to the enhancement of environmental protection. The TURAS project for the capital city of Sofia is an example of how spatial urban planning policies are seeking to enhance the sustainability of urban areas by promoting climate resilience. Plans for further mainstreaming of climate adaptation in urban and spatial planning is planned in the draft NAS. However, climate impacts have not yet been addressed in maritime spatial planning policies, and are not mentioned in the draft NAS.

8d. National policy instruments promote adaptation at sectoral level, in line with national priorities and in areas where adaptation is mainstreamed in EU policies

Yes / In Progress / No

Coordinated actions to mainstream adaptation into national policies and policy instruments have not yet started. The Climate Change Act asks sectoral ministries to mainstream climate adaptation in their respective policies. Implementing this requirement in practice will require streamlining processes and much better interaction between the MoEW and the sectoral ministries, as well as between the sectoral ministries and the scientific community. In addition, the draft NAS includes planned measures to mainstream climate adaptation in policies related to the nine key sectors considered in the document. Each respective Ministry will be in charge of implementing adaptation policies and mainstreaming adaptation in other policies within their sector of expertise.

Despite mainstreaming of adaptation not being currently coordinated across sectors, the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works has included adaptation measures in the country’s six regional development plans, as described in relation to Indicator 8c. In addition, the National Forest Strategy 2013 – 2020 232 , adopted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forest, includes measures to strengthen the climate resilience of forest ecosystems 233 .

8e. Adaptation is mainstreamed in insurance or alternative policy instruments, where relevant, to provide incentives for investments in risk prevention

Yes / No    

The MoEW developed an analytical document entitled “Financial disaster risk management and insurance options for climate adaptation in Bulgaria”. The document was prepared with the financial and technical support of the World Bank and its purpose is to analyse the role and importance of the insurance business for the prevention of risks that result from climate change and for the development of adaptation measures. This document provides an entry point for enhancing further inclusion of insurance policies into the NAS. In addition, insurance mainstreaming within sectoral adaptation measures is planned in the draft NAS.

9    Implementing adaptation

9a. Adaptation policies and measures are implemented, e.g. as defined in action plans or sectoral policy documents

Yes / In Progress / No

Some autonomous adaptation actions are being carried out, for instance, by some cities or at sectoral level for agriculture, forestry, water management, and flood risk management. Examples of such regional actions have been provided earlier in the text, in relation to Indicator 8c and in Section A2.

At the same time, as the draft NAS was only published on 4th May 2018, implementation of policies and measures will not begin until the NAS is reviewed and officially approved.

9b. Cooperation mechanisms in place to foster and support adaptation at relevant scales (e.g. local, subnational)

Yes / No

No clear mechanism has been set out in the draft NAS at this stage. Nevertheless, the National Expert Council on Climate Change includes regional representatives of the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB).

9c. Procedures or guidelines are available to assess the potential impact of climate change on major projects or programmes, and facilitate the choice of alternative options, e.g. green infrastructure

Yes / No

Apart from various guidelines issued by the European Commission, no specific procedures or guidelines have been issued or used by the Bulgarian authorities for assessing climate impacts on major projects or programmes and for facilitating their adaptation. However, the development of sectoral climate adaptation guidelines is planned in the draft NAS.

9d. There are processes for stakeholders' involvement in the implementation of adaptation policies and measures.

Yes / No

Stakeholders were involved in the development of the draft NAS using a multi-criteria analysis (see Section B1). In addition, the draft NAS outlines key stakeholders for each sector of interest and states that stakeholders should be included in the process of developing measures. However, the mechanism for stakeholder involvement is not defined.

Step E: Monitoring and evaluation of adaptation activities

10    Monitoring and reporting

10a. NAS/NAP implementation is monitored and the results of the monitoring are disseminated

Yes / No

For the time being no system is in place for reporting on the implementation of the NAS and NAP pending their adoption.

Provisions for monitoring and evaluation are included in the draft NAS. Moreover, the NAP summarises the adaptation measures for all sectors identified in the NAS. The focus is on implementation of priority adaptation measures, including consideration of responsible institutions, resources, timeline, targets, and monitoring indicators. A full list of the monitoring indicators is contained in Annex 3 of the draft NAS 234 .

10b. The integration of climate change adaptation in sectoral policies is monitored and the results of the monitoring are disseminated

Yes / No

The draft NAS does not explicitly make clear how sectoral policy implementation will be monitored. The ministries are responsible for mainstreaming climate policies in their respective sectors and for developing and implementing adaptation measures for climate change, in coordination with the MoEW and in consultation with National Expert Council. Responsible ministries and governmental agencies include the Ministry of Agriculture and Food (MAFF); the Ministry of Economy (MEc); the Ministry of Transport, Information Technology, and Communications (MTITC); the Ministry of Finance (MF); the Ministry of Interior (MI); the Ministry of Exterior (MEx); the Ministry of Health (MH); the Ministry of Education and Science; the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy; and the Executive Environment Agency (ExEA).

10c. Regional-, sub-national or local action is monitored and the results of the monitoring are disseminated

Yes / No

The draft NAS does not make clear how regional, sub-national or local action will be monitored.

11    Evaluation

11a. A periodic review of the national adaptation strategy and action plans is planned

Yes / No

The draft NAS states that regular, five-yearly, updates of the NAS are planned, as a check on the direction that has been taken, together with a review of the actions that are being implemented and a revision of the NAP, as appropriate.

11b. Stakeholders are involved in the assessment, evaluation and review of national adaptation policy

Yes / No

No evidence seems to be available on what mechanism (if any) is going to be used for involving stakeholders in future evaluations of adaptation policy.

SUMMARY TABLE

Adaptation preparedness scoreboard for

Croatia

Table of contents

List of abbreviations    

POLICY FRAMEWORK    

Adaptation strategies    

A1. National adaptation strategy    

A2. Adaptation strategies adopted at subnational levels    

Adaptation action plans    

B1. National adaptation plan    

B2. Adaptation plans adopted at sub-national level    

B3. Sectoral adaptation plans    

SCOREBOARD    

Step A: Preparing the ground for adaptation    

1. Coordination structure    

2. Stakeholders' involvement in policy development    

Step B: Assessing risks and vulnerabilities to climate change    

3. Current and projected climate change    

4. Knowledge gaps    

5. Knowledge transfer    

Step C: Identifying adaptation options    

6. Adaptation options' identification    

7. Funding resources identified and allocated    

Step D: Implementing adaptation action    

8. Mainstreaming adaptation in planning processes    

9. Implementing adaptation    

Step E: Monitoring and evaluation of adaptation activities    

10. Monitoring and reporting    

11. Evaluation    

SUMMARY TABLE    

List of abbreviations

CCCCMA        Coordination Commission for Policy and Measures for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

CDRRP    Croatian Disaster Risk Reduction Platform

DHMZ    Meteorological and Hydrological Service

draft NAS        Draft Climate Change Adaptation Strategy in the Republic of Croatia for the period to 2040 with outlook to 2070

draft NAP        Draft Action Plan for implementing the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy in the Republic of Croatia for the period from 2019 to 2023

DUZS    State Directorate for Protection and Rescue

EMFF    European Maritime and Fisheries Fund

EIA    Environmental impact assessment

EAFRD    European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development

ERDF    European Regional Development Fund

ESF    European Social Fund

ESIF    European Structural and Investment Funds

EU    European Union

EUSAIR    EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region

EUSDR    EDU Strategy for the Danube Region

FZOEU    Fund for Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency

HAOP    Croatian Environment and Nature Agency

HZJZ    Croatian Public Health Institute

ICZM    Integrated Coastal Zone Management

IPCC    Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

MFOP    Maritime and Fisheries Operational Programme 2014-2020

MMR Regulation    REGULATION (EU) No 525/2013 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 21 May 2013 on a mechanism for monitoring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions and for reporting other information at national and Union level relevant to climate change and repealing Decision No 280/2004/EC

MZOE    Ministry of Environment and Energy of the Republic of Croatia

NAS    National Adaptation Strategy

NAP    National Adaptation Plan

NDRA    National Disaster Risk Assessment

OPCC    Operational Program Competitiveness and Cohesion 2014-2020

RCP    Representative Climate Pathways

RDP    Rural Development Program 2014-2020

RBMP    River Basin Management Plan

SEA    Strategic environmental assessment

UNEP/MAP    United Nations Environment Programme / Mediterranean Action Plan

UNFCCC    United National Framework Convention on Climate Change

ZZJZ    Public Health Institute dr. Andrija Štampar

POLICY FRAMEWORK

Adaptation strategies

A1. National adaptation strategy

The draft National Adaptation Strategy 235 (NAS) and the draft National Action Plan (NAP) 236 have been developed within a project funded through the EU Transition facility 237 . The project lasted from May 2016 to November 2017, and the official drafts of both documents were finalised and presented to the public in November 2017. The draft documents will first undergo a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) procedure in 2018, including a public hearing and public consultation, collection and addressing of comments. Finalisation of the draft NAS and NAP for submission to the governmental and the parliamentary adoption procedure is expected by end of 2018, and the documents are expected to come into effect in 2019 238 . The draft NAS is based on the Air Protection Act 239 , and covers the period until 2040 with a view to 2070, and is based on the results of climate modelling carried out for these two time-periods. Following consultations with key stakeholders in July 2017, the draft NAS document was finalised (White Paper) to include conclusions from e-consultations held in October 2017. The draft NAP has also been prepared for the first five years (2019-2023). The draft NAP and draft NAS focus on 10 sectors identified as most vulnerable to climate impacts: hydrology, water and marine resources, agriculture, forestry, biodiversity, physical planning and coastal zone management, tourism, energy, fisheries, risk management and health. In addition, they include two supra-sectoral measures: strengthening capacities for applied research in the area of climate modelling, analysis, and interpretation, and development of impact indicators for vulnerable sectors.

Until the NAS and NAP are adopted, the 6th and 7th National Communications to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 240 (submitted in 2014 and in May 2018 respectively) formally set the overarching framework and preconditions for activities aiming at adaptation to climate change effects. These are primarily related to the upgrading and completion of a climate change monitoring and forecasting system, strengthening of applied research for adaptation measures, and building awareness and capacities.

Adaptation to climate change features as one of the general objectives in the country's 10-year Sustainable Development Strategy 241 , which was adopted in 2009.

A2. Adaptation strategies adopted at subnational levels

For the time being, there are no adaptation strategies being developed at subnational level.

Adaptation action plans

B1. National adaptation plan

The NAP covering a five-year period was drafted in November 2017, in parallel with the draft NAS. The national legal framework (Air Protection Act 242 ) foresees the adoption of a NAP by the Croatian Government.

B2. Adaptation plans adopted at sub-national level

The national legal framework (Air Protection Act) requires that counties and towns adopt a programme for air and ozone layer protection and climate mitigation and adaptation. In addition, the Environmental Protection Act 243 requires that counties and towns adopt an environmental protection programme to implement the relevant measures from the national environmental protection plan. The majority of towns have fulfilled these obligations; regional and local government units (counties and towns) are also carrying out a number of activities that are relevant to climate adaptation: settlements and housing, municipal affairs, spatial and urban planning, protection and improvement of the natural environment, fire and civil protection. In addition, a number of adaptation projects have been carried out at local and regional level, in particular in the area of data gathering and awareness-raising of local and regional stakeholders on adaptation, and pilot vulnerability assessments for a coastal area.

Examples of adaptation planning activities at the local and regional level include:

·Within the European Commission’s project "Adaptation strategies for European cities" 244 the town of Zadar in 2013 developed their local Vision document on adaptation and an Action plan 245 . The focus is so far mainly on the energy sector, i.e. promoting sustainable energy practices among citizens.

·The  City of Zagreb carried out in 2013 an analysis of anticipated climate change effects. A set of 47 measures was defined with the goal of improving Zagreb's climate resilience. They include measures for protection against heat waves (buildings and green infrastructure), water management, adaptation of transport infrastructure, improvement of energy infrastructure and landslides.

·The UNEP/MAP’s project “Integrating impacts of climate variability and change into integrated coastal zone management (ICZM)” prepared for Šibenik-Knin County an ICZM Plan 246 as a tool to address climate variability and change impacts by adaptation measures.

B3. Sectoral adaptation plans

The national legal framework requires that adaptation measures are implemented in the following vulnerable sectors: water resources, agriculture, land and marine biodiversity and ecosystems, coastal management, tourism and public health. However, there are very limited adaptation actions embedded in sectoral strategies and action plans (some actions are embedded in the energy and water sectors).

Climate impacts on the water regime were considered qualitatively during the preparation of the 2016-2021 River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) 247 . However, the methodology for assessing the climate impacts on water regime changes has not yet been adopted. The RBMP specifies that all planning documents in the water sector shall be aligned with the NAS.

The Flood Risk Management Plan for the 2016-2021 planning period (part of the RBMP) contains a measure of the analysis of the climate impact on the concepts of protection from adverse effects of water and flood risk management, and a revision of the programme of measures is intended to include measures for climate adaptation.

SCOREBOARD

Step A: Preparing the ground for adaptation

1. Coordination structure

1a. A central administration body officially in charge of adaptation policy making

Yes / No

The responsibility for climate change policy in Croatia falls within the competence of the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MZOE), Directorate for climate activities, sustainable development and protection of air, soil and of light pollution. This includes development of strategic and planning documents and carrying out the work of a national contact authority for reporting to EU bodies and other international bodies on climate adaptation policy. MZOE is responsible for the development and implementation of the NAS and NAP, supported by the two organisational units under the responsibility of MZOE (Croatian Environment and Nature Agency – HAOP 248 , and Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund - FZOEU), as well as the Meteorological and Hydrological Service 249 (DHMZ).

1b. Horizontal (i.e. sectoral) coordination mechanisms exist within the governance system, with division of responsibilities

Yes / In progress / No

The Government of Croatia established the Inter-Sectoral Coordination Commission for Policy and Measures for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation (CCCCMA) for the first time in Autumn 2014 250 . The new Decision on establishment of the CCCCMA came into force in January 2018 251 , that no longer includes names of technical working group members but leaves its set up at the discretion of the minister for environment, as the CCCCMA chairman. The purpose of the CCCCMA, which is administratively supported by MZOE, is to give recommendations to the Government, monitor and evaluate the implementation and planning of mitigation and adaptation policy and measures in Croatia, in line with the Air Protection Act and to improve the horizontal coordination in climate change policy making among the state sectoral actors. The CCCCMA is organised at two levels:

·The Coordination Group, nominated from the lines of public officials (assistant ministers) from the following sectoral ministries: environment (including energy and nature protection), labour, foreign affairs, science and education, economy and entrepreneurship, regional development and EU funds, finance, sea, transport and infrastructure, agriculture, construction and physical planning tourism, health, and demography

·Two technical groups: one for climate adaptation, and another for low carbon development, set up from the lines of practitioners in sectoral ministries, expert institutions, economic actors and NGOs working on climate-relevant issues – the new technical groups are still to be nominated by the Minister for Environment.

Based on the opinions and proposals of technical working groups, the Coordination Group makes recommendations on the overall policy and measures for mitigation and adaptation to climate change to the Croatian government, providing support in the implementation of policies and measures and promoting synergies and mainstreaming climate change into other public policies.

The CCCCMA was instrumental in deciding on strategic goals, policies, measures and methodologies for dealing with adaptation, which started the process of development of an adaptation strategy and action plan. The draft NAS proposes that the existing CCCCMA takes the leading role in coordinating the NAS and NAP implementation and monitoring, as well as coordinating a more active involvement of sectoral/resource ministries in the implementation of NAS.

1c. Vertical (i.e. across levels of administration) coordination mechanisms exist within the governance system, enabling lower levels of administration to influence policy making

Yes / In progress / No

Regional and local planning for adaptation is carried out by the respective regional and local administrations. As the adaptation policy process is in formulation, a temporary coordination mechanism has been set up between national, regional and local stakeholders in the form of participation of regional and local governments in public consultation during the process of drafting the NAS and NAP.

Although not specifically for adaptation, there are mechanisms in place that provide vertical coordination between local, regional and national level in development, spatial planning and SEA procedures, as well as in standard legislation and policy making structures. For the efficient operation of local and regional government units in climate adaptation, the draft NAS acknowledges the necessity to significantly strengthen their capacities, both strategically (through developing regional development plans and spatial plans that will include consideration of climate adaptation), as well as technical training by experts in specific areas of climate adaptation.

2. Stakeholders' involvement in policy development

2a. A dedicated process is in place to facilitate stakeholders' involvement in the preparation of adaptation policies

Yes / No

Based on the initial inter-sectoral consultation that was carried out through the CCCCMA 252 , which brings together national authorities, academia, business, industry and non-governmental organisations, a public consultation process was implemented. The public consultation is required by the national legal framework (Air Protection Act 253 ) for the drafts of strategies and plans, and so it was planned and carried out in the frame of the technical assistance project “Strengthening the capacity of the Ministry of Environment and Energy for adaptation to climate change and preparation of the Draft Climate Change Adaptation Strategy”.

Within the process of drafting the NAS, a series of 10 workshops for experts in the sectors covered under the NAS (see Section A1) were carried out regarding climate modelling, applying the results of modelling and scenarios for impact and vulnerability assessment, assessing measures, etc. Another series of 10 workshops was aimed at civil servants at national, regional and local level and the public concerned (Gospić 254 , Osijek, Rijeka 255 , Zadar 256 , Varaždin 257 , Dubrovnik 258 , four events in Zagreb) 259 . The aim was to discuss and raise awareness of climate impacts, inform on the process of development of the NAS and engage stakeholders. The key topics included information on expected climate change, impacts, vulnerability and possible climate adaptation in key sectors for the geographical area of the workshops.

The working version of the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (Green Paper) was prepared and published on the project website in July 2017 260 , with a call to stakeholders and interested public to give their opinion, suggestions and comments to improve and harmonise the document. In addition, meetings were organised with ministries and agencies from sectors covered by the NAS to present and discuss the Green Paper. Comments were considered during preparation of the final draft of NAS (White Paper 261 ).

The White Paper was also published on the project page and passed an internet consultation with the interested public.

Finally, the public will also have an opportunity for participation through public hearing and e-consultation during the strategic environmental assessment procedure that will be carried out for the NAS, planned during 2018.

2b. Transboundary cooperation is planned to address common challenges with relevant countries

Yes / No

Transboundary cooperation in terms of climate adaptation is present but limited to river basin management issues, in the context of international river commissions for Sava and Danube Rivers, especially on floods.

Croatia also takes part in the implementation of the two macro-regional strategies (EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region, EUSAIR; and EU Strategy for the Danube Region, EUSDR) by participating in regional cooperation projects to address various climate-related challenges shared in the region, through research, knowledge transfer, capacity building and awareness activities, such as DriDanube – Drought Risk in the Danube Region 262  project.

The Water and Climate Adaptation Plan for the Sava River Basin 263 (covering five countries including Croatia) was developed by the International Sava River Basin Commission (ISRBC) in 2015, as a guidance document for adaptation measures in navigation, hydropower, agriculture, flood protection, economic evaluation of climate impacts. It suggests a methodology to examine effects of (only) climate change on those sectors, although the integrated effects have not been considered due to lack of data. A joint operational flood forecasting and early warning system for the riparian countries in the Sava River Basin 264 was launched in June 2016 265 and should be finalised by September 2018. In addition, a Joint Flood Risk Management Plan for the Sava River Basin is in preparation, scheduled for finalisation by July 2018. An Outline of the Climate Adaptation Strategy and basin-wide priority measures for the Sava River Basin  266 was prepared in January 2018 for ISRBC, for consultation purposes.

Transboundary cooperation has been addressed in the draft NAP through one measure for the water sector: “Development of international cooperation in the implementation of monitoring of the state of the inter-state watercourses and the Adriatic Sea with the aim of sustainable management and protection” in terms of project cooperation and knowledge exchange within existing international processes/commissions and bilateral cooperation with neighbouring countries.

Step B: Assessing risks and vulnerabilities to climate change

3. Current and projected climate change

3a. Observation systems are in place to monitor climate change, extreme climate events and their impacts

Yes / In progress / No

The Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service conducts meteorological observations to monitor the impacts of climate change for general climate indicators. There is still work needed to expand the set of climate change indicators (e.g. to coastal, marine, biodiversity etc.). There is a need to modernise the existing climate observation and prediction system, namely improving the quality and availability of meteorological data (including climatological and hydrological data) and infrastructure that will allow a better understanding of climate change and as a result enable adequate adaptation policy measures. Modernisation of the meteorological network – METMONIC 267 started in 2015 and is planned to go on until 2022. Contributions to this project are made by DHMZ, HAOP, the Croatian Waters and other research and monitoring institutions through EU-funded and bilateral donor projects.

Meteorological data are available on extreme weather events of climate change relevance, such as heatwaves, floods, strong winds and thunderstorms causing forest fires, and snow and ice. Furthermore, there are data on related health impacts and infrastructural damage costs, all with varying degrees of detail. Data on heatwaves and their impacts have been systematically monitored since 1983 by the Public Health Institute dr. Andrija Štampar” (ZZJZ) but only for the Zagreb City area. Data on floods are available from the early 20th century onwards for the entire country’s territory by Croatian Waters, and data on forest fires is available from 1981 (State Directorate for Protection and Rescue - DUZS). DHMZ provides climate monitoring data on extreme weather events (systematically covering period from 1961 onwards) and cooperates with DUZS and other sectoral institutions to provide warnings for citizens and set up precautionary, protection and rescue measures, including transboundary actions and data exchange for cases of floods and fires 268 .

The Ministry of Finance records damage due to natural disasters, in cooperation with the State Commission for the Assessment of Natural Disasters 269 . The statistical data on extreme weather events, coupled with climate scenarios, provide for more precise projections and can result in stronger prevention and response measures, which will be further elaborated in the future strategy for disaster risk reduction. Improvement of data integration, inventorying and monitoring of climate-related environmental indicators has, therefore, been included among the priority measures in the draft NAS.

3b. Scenarios and projections are used to assess the economic, social and environmental impacts of climate change, taking into account geographical specificities and best available science (e.g. in response to revised IPCC assessments)

Yes / In progress / No

Within the project of the draft NAS and draft NAP development, in addition to the historical climate simulation for the period 1971-2000, scenarios and projections have been produced for Croatia. In these scenarios, the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service took geographical specificities into account using the regional climate model RegCM on the basis of the calculated change (forecasts) for the future climate in two periods: 2011-2040 and 2041-2070, using the IPCC AR5 scenarios RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. The spatial integration domain covered the wider Europe area (Euro-CORDEX) combined with marginal conditions from four global climate models (GCM, Cm5, EC-Earth, MPI-ESM, HadGEM2). Climate simulations until the end of the century were done with a 50 km horizontal resolution 270 . For climatological parameters with higher spatial variability (precipitation, snow cover, wind, etc.) or depending on the different characteristics of small spatial scales (orography, land-sea contrast), a finer horizontal resolution of 12.5 km was planned. However, due to the complex orography, particularly in the coastal belt of Croatia, this demanding numerical modelling extends beyond the NAS drafting process, and is expected to be finalised by the end of 2018.

A comprehensive assessment of climate impacts and vulnerabilities was carried out as part of the NAS development process in May 2017, using the climate projections until 2040 and 2070. The measures of the Croatian draft NAS were determined according to the moderate RCP4.5 scenario, as the most common scenario used in drafting adaptation strategies.

3c. Sound climate risks/vulnerability assessments for priority vulnerable sectors are undertaken to support adaptation decision making

Yes / In progress / No

A vulnerability assessment was developed in May 2017 271 in the framework of the NAS development covering the eight most vulnerable sectors and two cross-sectoral thematic areas, including economic, social and environmental impacts.

The Air Protection Act 272 recognises sectors exposed to climate impacts and prescribes the obligation of undertaking adaptation measures in those sectors (hydrology and water resources, agriculture, forestry, biological diversity and natural inland ecosystems, biological diversity and marine ecosystems, coast and coastal area, tourism, and human health). Vulnerable sectors are also defined in the 6th National Communication to the UNFCCC (2014) 273 and in the 7th National Communication to the UNFCCC (2018) 274

Eight key sectors and two cross-sectoral thematic areas have been selected for vulnerability analysis 275 for which the climate impacts were described in the framework of the NAS drafting process: hydrology; water and marine resources; agriculture; forestry; fisheries; biodiversity; energy; tourism; health; spatial planning and coastal areas management; and disaster risk management. Vulnerability assessment was based on modelling results and scenarios based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Representative Concentration Pathway RCP4.5 medium scenario and regional climate model RegCM, as well as previous research on climate impacts and adaptation in Croatia per sector (including sectoral environmental, social and economic impacts, impacts on infrastructure – buildings, transport, energy – and transboundary climate change risks assessment). Projections and assessment results provided the insights on climate impacts per sector, as well as impact interactions between different sectors, and listed the possible responses to the challenges identified. The Risk Assessment for the Republic of Croatia was adopted in November 2015 276 . Its revision is planned by Autumn 2018, together with the assessment of risk management capacities for eight major risks, followed by a Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction, which is planned for drafting in the last quarter of 2018 and adoption in 2019. Three questions were addressed within the risk assessment: 1) How does climate change affect risks? 2) What is the expected timeframe for the effects? 3) What are the reference documents that the analysis is based on? Eleven risks have been processed (earthquake, flood, plant diseases, animal diseases, soil salinisation, drought, industrial accidents, open space fires, extreme temperatures, snow and ice, and epidemics and pandemics), nine of which are related to climate change. Climate change is treated as a driver for events (such as drought, extreme temperatures, extreme precipitations, soil salinisation and floods) and is, therefore, an important factor in the risk analysis, as it affects either the intensity or frequency of the event. In addition to an analysis of threats, calculation includes analysis of vulnerability of society to disasters.

A risk and vulnerability assessment was also conducted for the human health sector on heatwaves. Every year, the protocol on procedure and recommendations for protection from heat is adopted (last in July 2017 277 ), with the goal to reduce risk to individuals and institutions during heat waves by implementing necessary preparedness and response procedures at the national and local level. A heatwave alert system is established for the entire territory of the Republic of Croatia and is active in the period from May to October. During that period, DHMZ constantly monitors the temperature and, in the case of 70% chance that the temperature will exceed the threshold (about 35°C, depending on region), informs the Ministry of Health and the Croatian Institute for Public Health (HZJZ) on the occurrence of a heatwave, which then forwards the alert.

3d. Climate risks/vulnerability assessments take transboundary risks into account, when relevant

Yes / In progress / No

Some information on transboundary risks is given for relevant sectors in the May 2017 vulnerability assessment, including hydrology and water resources, forestry (forest fires), biodiversity and energy. The draft NAP addresses transboundary risks through one single measure in the water sector: “Development of international cooperation in the implementation of monitoring of the state of the inter-state watercourses and the Adriatic Sea with the aim of sustainable management and protection”, in terms of project cooperation and knowledge exchange within existing international processes/commissions and bilateral cooperation with neighbouring countries

Furthermore, transboundary risks are also considered in some of the transboundary cooperation initiatives mentioned in Indicator 2b.

4. Knowledge gaps

4a. Work is being carried out to identify, prioritise and address the knowledge gaps

Yes / In progress / No

As part of the draft NAS development, analysis of research activities was carried out and presented in the document “Overview of research on impacts of climate change and adaptation” 278 . This information was used to identify gaps in knowledge and information, and for identifying the topics for future research. Based on approximately 200 references from research projects, reports, studies, articles and databases analysed (collectively referred to as “research”), the research for individual sectors was found to be fragmentary, lacking a comprehensive analysis of an entire sector or of an entire climate impact phenomenon. In all vulnerable sectors there are ample data; however, research is focused on, for example, individual species or crops, individual activity types, narrow geographic areas, specific health impacts etc. In consultation with key sectoral experts and institutions, extensive recommendations were collected for future research needed in each sector to fill the current knowledge gaps. Examples include: to focus research on larger populations (health), to complete the inventory of species (biodiversity, forestry), and to improve data integration in cross-cutting areas, such as disaster risk management. The assessment showed a big gap in the research on economic impacts of climate change and cost-effectiveness of various adaptation measures.

The recently finalised project: "Capacity Building of the Ministry of Environment and Energy for climate adaptation and preparation of the Draft Strategy for adaptation to climate change" 279 aimed at strengthening technical knowledge on individual aspects of adaptation.

5. Knowledge transfer

5a. Adaptation relevant data and information is available to all stakeholders, including policy makers (e.g. through a dedicated website or other comparable means)

Yes / In progress / No

Two specific webpages/portals provide resources and information on climate adaptation issues:

·Draft NAS development – Project webpage 280

·MZOE – Adaptation to Climate Change 281

The draft NAS development website contains resources prepared as a part of drafting the NAS, such as the report on climate modelling, impact and vulnerability assessment reports, analysis of available research on climate change and adaptation, a capacity building needs assessment, a brochure for the general public, an overview of the NAS and NAP drafting process and the final drafts of NAS and NAP. General information on adaptation policy issues, adaptation activities in Croatia and internationally is provided on the MZOE’s page on Adaptation to Climate Change. Climate data (historical data, climate projections, publications etc.) are available through the Meteorological and Hydrological Service 282 .

5b. Capacity building activities take place; education and training materials on climate change adaptation concepts and practices are available and disseminated

Yes / In progress / No

There are ongoing actions on capacity building, mainly related to one-off projects for participation, but so far not in a coordinated manner in the absence of a NAS having been adopted. Preparation of education and training materials on climate adaptation concepts and practices as well as further trainings are envisaged by several draft NAS measures in all 10 vulnerable sectors.

·MZOE plans to implement climate-change resilience and climate adaptation schemes at national and local level to create the preconditions for implementing the NAS and NAP, funded through EU funds. 283 The recently finalised project: "Capacity Building of the Ministry of Environment and Energy for climate change adaptation and preparation of the Draft Strategy for adaptation to climate change" 284 produced an assessment of capacity building needs for addressing climate adaptation at all governance levels and among key public and private stakeholders across 10 vulnerable sectors. The draft NAS defines the following major areas for capacity building: Increasing human (professional), material and financial resources for the implementation of planned adaptation measures, especially through available programs for which EU funds are already secured.

·Further education of public and private sector experts on climate change and sector-specific adaptation needs.

·Targeted training of civil society experts for further education of the public.

Step C: Identifying adaptation options

6. Adaptation options' identification

6a. Adaptation options address the sectoral risks identified in 3c, the geographical specificities identified in 3b and follow best practices in similar contexts

Yes / No

The official final draft of the NAS (White Paper) published in November 2017 proposes a set of 80 adaptation measures and activities for eight vulnerable sectors and two cross-sectoral thematic areas, as well as two measures that can be considered as multi-sectoral (climate modelling, and development of the implementation impact indicators for the NAS), in response to sectoral risks and geographical specificities identified.

The largest number of proposed measures falls within the so-called “non-structural” measures (administrative, political, legislative, technical and planning measures, measures to raise awareness of the need for climate adaptation, data gathering, monitoring and scientific-research work). A relatively small number of so-called “structural” measures includes certain technical interventions such as construction of protective dams and walls, construction of hydro-technical facilities, as well as afforestation, building of green infrastructure, strengthening the absorption capacity of land for the absorption of excess water, etc.

6b. The selection of priority adaptation options is based on robust methods (e.g. multi-criteria analyses, stakeholders' consultation, etc.) and consistent with existing decision-making frameworks

Yes / No

Options for vulnerable sectors were identified taking into account climate modelling and the impact and vulnerability assessment. Possible measures were discussed in workshops with over 130 stakeholders: sectoral experts, as well as local and regional authorities and interested general public, together with the criteria for selection of priority measures. The resulting 80 so-called ‘sectoral’ measures were divided into five groups based on the national priorities of the NAS, which were identified by stakeholders during the process of harmonising the concept of climate adaptation in the Republic of Croatia and prioritised as very high, high, or medium priority for implementation, using multi-criteria analysis 285 .

Five national priorities have been identified, within which climate adaptation measures are to be implemented:

1.Ensuring sustainable regional and urban development

2.Ensuring preconditions for the economic development of rural areas, coastal areas and islands

3.Ensuring sustainable energy development

4.Strengthening of the management capacities through a networked monitoring and early warning system

5.Ensuring continuity of research activities that were assessed with very high priority.

Most measures ranked as “very high importance” in the draft NAS were at the same time identified under the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) programming priorities for the period 2014-2020, for which funding is available under Operational Program Competitiveness and Cohesion (OPCC) 2014-2020, the Rural Development Program (RDP) 2014-2020 and the Maritime and Fisheries Operational Programme (MFOP) 2014-2020. The revision of programming documents for the use of ESIF for the period 2014-2020 is envisaged in 2018. As such, some financial resources may be provided for priority measures in the “very high importance” category, which would have been contracted in the period up to 2020. This primarily relates to the use of funds from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), where financing of climate adaptation measures is defined in Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, but also includes European Social Fund (ESF).

The selection of measures in the draft NAP 2019-2023 has covered 42 (out of 82) sectoral measures that satisfy the ‘very high importance’ criterion from the draft NAS, and at the same time fall under the funding priorities of the three national operational programmes (OPCC, RDP and OMFP) for 2014-2020 funded through ESIF (ERDF, EAFRD and EMFF). As such, implementation of most measures could start relatively soon upon adoption of the draft NAS.

6c. Mechanisms are in place to coordinate disaster risk management and climate change adaptation and to ensure coherence between the two policies

Yes / In progress /No

The Croatian Disaster Risk Reduction Platform (CDRRP) is a country-level coordination mechanism led by DUZS, organised in working groups according to 11 major risk groups identified in the National Disaster Risk Assessment (NDRA). Each working group is led by one or more relevant sectoral institutions. MZOE is a permanent member in the CDRRP Committee 286 and an active member in the Risk Assessment Working Group. At the national level, the impact of climate change on disaster risk has been addressed in developing the NDRA, which serves as a good practice example of a process where all stakeholders were actively involved and tasked to undertake risk reduction under their competence. The Platform serves as an active body for developing a disaster risk reduction strategy, which will include adaptation of risk assessment and intervention plans to account for current and projected climate extremes.

Disaster risk reduction has been addressed through six measures in the draft NAS, out of which the following three have been included in the draft NAP for the period 2019-2023:

·Mapping of water sources outside the public water supply system

·Multi-sectoral risk assessment for various threat/risk scenarios associated with climate change

·Expansion of NDRRP to include climate change-related indicators for the development of an early warning system.

Measures for strengthening capacities for disaster and accident assessment and recovery, and developing models for coverage of risks and damages related to climate change will be addressed in later stages.

7. Funding resources identified and allocated

7a. Funding is available to increase climate resilience in vulnerable sectors and for cross-cutting adaptation action

Yes / In progress /No

Activities to promote climate adaptation are defined within the framework of the OPCC 287 2014 – 2020 (thematic objective ‘Promoting climate adaptation, risk prevention and management’). Until adoption of the draft NAS, the framework for climate adaptation activities is determined in accordance with the 6th and 7th National Communication to the UNFCCC. OPCC interventions are focused on improvement of the system for monitoring and evaluation of climate change, improvement of the disaster management system and addressing flood management risks. In addition, the RDP includes climate adaptation measures in the agriculture sector.

Croatia uses financial resources from the sale of emission allowances through the FZOEU to co-finance national component priorities, for the period until 2020, relating to air quality, biodiversity and climate, including cross-cutting adaptation measures and various applied research activities in the field of climate adaptation.

The draft NAS envisages total implementation costs of EUR 3 680 000 000 (EUR 780 000 000 for the first five-year NAP), out of which State Budget resources would account for 0.23%, and the remainder would be financed from the ESIF and private sector (including public-private partnership). More than half of the estimated amount refers to implementation of "structural" measures, particularly in the sectors of agriculture and forestry ("no regret measures"), and to a lesser extent in energy and tourism. The average annual cost of implementing the draft NAS is estimated at EUR 70 million. Compared to average annual damage costs in the period from 1980 to 2015 resulting from extreme weather events (around EUR 80 million per year), benefits of implementing the draft NAS will be significant despite the high costs.

Step D: Implementing adaptation action

8. Mainstreaming adaptation in planning processes

8a. Consideration of climate change adaptation has been included in the national frameworks for environmental impact assessments

Yes / No

Amendments to the Regulation on Environmental Impact Assessment 288 (EIA) were adopted to transpose the EIA Directive in January 2017. Developers are expected to assess climate change impacts and vulnerabilities of each project, and EIA reports are also assessed against potential climate-driven disaster risks. Similarly, the national SEA regulation 289 also requires consideration of aspects related to climate adaptation.

8b. Prevention/preparedness strategies in place under national disaster risk management plans take into account climate change impacts and projections

Yes / No

Croatia has started to adapt risk assessment and intervention plans to account for current and projected climate extremes. At the national government level, the impact of climate change to disaster risk has been addressed in developing the NDRA. Intense periods of rainfall and severe droughts have been taken into account 290 , as the most frequent climate extremes in Croatia. The NDRA will be used to inform development of the national disaster risk reduction strategy. Drafting of the strategy is planned for last quarter of 2018, with adoption expected in 2019. Early warning systems are in place for all major hazards, with outreach to communities.

8c. Key land use, spatial planning, urban planning and maritime spatial planning policies take into account the impacts of climate change

Yes / No

The July 2017 amendments to spatial planning legislation 291 include provisions related to spatial plans covering marine areas where due attention must be paid to long-term changes caused by climate change and to increasing climate resilience. The National Spatial Development Plan 292 stipulates that the spatial planning policy should include consideration of climate impacts and disaster risk reduction needs, however, this policy is not yet followed in practice. Other land use, spatial and urban planning policies do not yet specifically address climate impacts.

8d. National policy instruments promote adaptation at sectoral level, in line with national priorities and in areas where adaptation is mainstreamed in EU policies

Yes / In progress / No

The Air Protection Act 293 recognises vulnerable sectors exposed to climate impacts and obliges integration of integrating adaptation measures in those sectors. However, adaptation considerations are only included currently in the water management sector (the RBMP and Flood Risk Management Plan for the 2016-2021 planning period) and, since 2017, in spatial planning through updates to sectoral legislation 294 , although there is not yet concrete evidence of adaptation considerations being included in planning documents. Integration of adaptation in these sectors was driven by EU legislation, combined with policy recommendations arising from the work of international river commissions in which Croatian authorities actively participate.

8e. Adaptation is mainstreamed in insurance or alternative policy instruments, where relevant, to provide incentives for investments in risk prevention

Yes / No

No evidence could be found that adaptation is mainstreamed in insurance or alternative policy instruments to provide incentives for investments in risk prevention. Such a measure is planned in the frame of the draft NAS, but not for the first five-year implementation period.

9. Implementing adaptation

9a. Adaptation policies and measures are implemented, e.g. as defined in action plans or sectoral policy documents

Yes / In progress / No

In the absence of a NAS or a NAP, it can be concluded that coordinated implementation of the adaptation measures, as defined in action plans, has not yet started.

Adaptation considerations have only recently been included in two sectors: physical planning legislation and water management sectoral plans. Implementation in both sectors is at the moment only planned.

9b. Cooperation mechanisms in place to foster and support adaptation at relevant scales (e.g. local, subnational)

Yes / No

Pending the adoption of the draft NAS and draft NAP, systematic cooperation mechanisms for fostering adaptation at local or regional level do not seem to be yet in place. Adaptation is limited to one-off participation in European projects and initiatives, such as the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, in which 13 Croatian towns and municipalities are signatories with adaptation commitments 295 . A regional ORIENTGATE project 296 (2012-2015) created a partnership in 13 countries to network and exchange data on the impacts of climate variability and climate change on water regimes, forests and agro-ecosystems, which includes 2 Croatian partner institutions.

In the frame of international river commissions, data and experience exchange is enabled at sub-regional level among the countries with regard to development of joint operational flood forecasting, and early warning system and a Joint Flood Risk Management Plan for the Sava River Basin.

9c. Procedures or guidelines are available to assess the potential impact of climate change on major projects or programmes, and facilitate the choice of alternative options, e.g. green infrastructure

Yes / No

The EU “Guidance on integrating climate change and biodiversity into EIA 297 and SEA” 298 , is translated into Croatian, as well as the EU “Guidance for project managers: How to increase resilience of vulnerable investments to climate change” 299 , are available on the MZOE website and actively recommended to developers and EIA/SEA experts. The purpose of the “Guidance for project managers” is to help manage additional climate change risks and to complete the EIA reports. It is designed as a tool that can help reduce climate-induced losses in different kinds of investments, thus, increasing the resilience of investment projects and economies. Authorised professionals use the guidance when drafting EIA and SEA reports.

9d. There are processes for stakeholders' involvement in the implementation of adaptation policies and measures

Yes /No

As the process of formulating national adaptation policy is in its early phases, there do not seem to be many opportunities for stakeholders’ involvement in the implementation of adaptation policies and measures. However, processes for stakeholder involvement in policymaking are laid down in general laws regulating public policy development, and are systematically implemented at all governance levels; no specific additional measures are envisaged for adaptation.

The draft NAS generally acknowledges importance of stakeholder awareness raising and participation. In this respect, strengthening of local and regional government capacities is planned, both strategically (development of regional development plans and spatial plans that will include the component of climate adaptation), as well as through technical training in specific areas of climate adaptation.

Step E: Monitoring and evaluation of adaptation activities

10. Monitoring and reporting

10a. NAS/NAP implementation is monitored and the results of the monitoring are disseminated

Yes / No

No reports on adaptation at the central level have been published, as the NAS and NAP are yet to be adopted.

According to Air Protection Act with its 2014 amendments 300 , reports on implementation of adaptation measures are to be submitted to the European Commission in line with Article 15 of the EU Regulation No. 525/2013 301 . Upon adoption of the NAS and NAP, reporting on the implementation of the NAS will follow formats and deadlines for reporting under EU legislation. Wherever possible, reporting procedures will rely on existing systems, with the necessary further development of the MZOE and HAOP capacities for monitoring and reporting. Currently, most of HAOP's activities in the field of climate change are related to greenhouse gas data collection and monitoring of climate impacts on species and habitats. These activities will need to expand and a database will need to be created based on the indicators proposed for monitoring the individual measures and activities listed in the draft NAS and draft NAP.

Eighty-one indicators have been proposed for monitoring adaptation measures in the priority sectors. There are an additional 15 climate indicators, most of which are already included in the National List of Indicators prepared by HAOP. The legal basis of the list is defined by the Environmental Protection Act 302 and the Regulation on the Environmental Information System 303 .

The draft NAS and draft NAP propose that CCCCMA will monitor the implementation of the NAP at its sessions, review reports and propose measures to remove obstacles and improve implementation.

10b. The integration of climate change adaptation in sectoral policies is monitored and the results of the monitoring are disseminated

Yes / No

No reports on adaptation in vulnerable sectors have been published, as the NAS and NAP are yet to be adopted. Nevertheless, according to Article 118a of the Air Protection Act, central state administration bodies and other public authorities that are competent in relation to a range of activities (meteorology, environmental protection, agriculture, fishery, forestry, water management, energy, physical planning, nature protection, sea, tourism and protection of human health) have an obligation to submit periodical five-year reports to the ministry responsible for environmental protection on their activities related to climate adaptation. These reports feed into periodical reporting to the European Commission on implementation of adaptation measures. The first reporting was conducted at the beginning of 2015.

Integration of climate adaptation into sectoral strategies and planning documents has been generally planned in the draft NAS, and the draft NAP specifically lists measures to integrate adaptation into several vulnerable sectors (tourism, spatial planning system, biodiversity, forestry). The adaptation measures will be coordinated between the MZOE and respective sectoral ministries. Upon adoption of the draft NAS and draft NAP the relevant national authorities will be required to integrate them in their policies and secure sufficient funding for implementation.

From the draft NAP or draft NAS, it is unclear how the dissemination of monitoring results will be organised.

10c. Regional-, sub-national or local action is monitored and the results of the monitoring are disseminated

Yes / No

The national legal framework requires reporting between different levels of government (national, counties and cities) on issues such as legislation and development planning.

Specifically, for climate adaptation, a five-year reporting obligation (see Indicator 10b) includes regional and local-level authorities in the listed sectors. First reporting was conducted in early 2015 and included a review of the implementation of measures and actions, their impacts, and identification of obstacles. The resultant report served as a basis for creating new action plans.

From the draft NAP or draft NAS, it is unclear how the dissemination of monitoring results of sub-national actions will be organised.

11. Evaluation

11a. A periodic review of the national adaptation strategy and action plans is planned

Yes / No

The first interval for evaluation will be after the first NAP 2019-2023 has expired. Any subsequent revisions of the NAS will depend on the information that will be generated by the implementation monitoring system, as well as the general climate change monitoring system.

Nevertheless, given the unusually long lifespan of the draft NAS, until 2070, a periodic review of all adaptation actions has not been clearly defined.

11b. Stakeholders are involved in the assessment, evaluation and review of national adaptation policy

Yes / No

No evidence of stakeholder engagement in monitoring, evaluation or review is available, as implementation of the NAS and NAP has not yet started. In the draft NAS and draft NAP, stakeholder involvement is not specifically planned. Nevertheless, as indicated above, reporting is planned on implementation by sectoral ministries, and local and regional governments coordinated by the CCCCMA.

SUMMARY TABLE

Adaptation preparedness scoreboard for

Cyprus

Table of contents

List of abbreviations    

POLICY FRAMEWORK    

Adaptation strategies    

A1. National adaptation strategy    

A2. Adaptation strategies adopted at sub-national levels    

Adaptation action plans    

B1. National adaptation plan    

B2. Adaptation plans adopted at sub-national level    

B3. Sectoral adaptation plans    

SCOREBOARD    

Step A: Preparing the ground for adaptation    

1.    Coordination structure    

2    Stakeholders’ involvement in policy development    

Step B: Assessing risks and vulnerabilities to climate change    

3    Current and projected climate change    

4    Knowledge gaps    

5    Knowledge transfer    

Step C: Identifying adaptation options    

6    Adaptation options’ identification    

7    Funding resources identified and allocated    

Step D: Implementing adaptation action    

8    Mainstreaming adaptation in planning processes    

9    Implementing adaptation    

Step E: Monitoring and evaluation of adaptation activities    

10    Monitoring and reporting    

11    Evaluation    

SUMMARY TABLE    

List of abbreviations

ARI        Agricultural Research Institute

CCRA        Climate Change Risk Assessment

CYCOFOS    Cyprus Coastal Ocean Forecasting and Observing System

DFMR        Department of Fisheries and Marine Research

DRR        Disaster Risk Reduction

ESIF        European Structural and Investment Funds

MCA        Multi-Criteria Analysis

MS        Member States

NAP        National adaptation plan

NAS        National adaptation strategy

NOA        Greek National Observatory of Athens

NTUA    National Technical University of Athens

MARDE    Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment

PA        Partnership Agreement

SGL        State General Laboratory

POLICY FRAMEWORK

Adaptation strategies

A1. National adaptation strategy

Cyprus prepared a combined national adaptation strategy (NAS) and national adaptation plan (NAP) in 2014 304 . An updated NAS has been developed recently and formally adopted by the Cypriot Government in 2017 305 , which includes an evaluation of the effects of climate change on 11 vulnerable policy areas (sectors) in Cyprus. Moreover, the updated NAS identifies adaptation measures and actions for each vulnerable sector and states clearly the need for revision and evaluation of the NAS at regular intervals.

The adaptation policy process has been aided by the CYPADAPT 306 project, which was co-financed by the EU through the LIFE+ instrument. This project started in September 2011 and was completed in March 2014. The beneficiary was the Department of Environment of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment (MARDE), the authority responsible for climate change in Cyprus.

A2. Adaptation strategies adopted at sub-national levels

For the time being there is no centralised information or evidence about adaptation strategies being developed at regional, sub-regional or local levels 307 . However, local actions are taking place. MARDE is in contact with the Union of Municipalities and the Union of Communities to collect this information and organise training days to inform the local authorities on the adaptation actions relevant to their regions.

Adaptation action plans

B1. National adaptation plan

An updated NAP was adopted in 2017 308 . The combined NAS/NAP mentioned the adaptation measures for each vulnerable policy area (sector) in Cyprus, as they were identified using the CYPADAPT software tool. The updated NAP follows the same methodology as the combined NAS/NAP but is a more detailed document that lists potential climate impacts along with their potential risk/hazard, the competent authority and the timeline for the completion of each measure.

B2. Adaptation plans adopted at sub-national level

No sub-national adaptation plans have been adopted. Some activities related to climate adaptation have taken place at the local level but not as part of a programmed/planned process under the framework of the NAP.

B3. Sectoral adaptation plans

Sectoral adaptation plans have been included in the NAP for each of the 11 policy areas mentioned above, including a set of adaptation measures that have been prioritised.

SCOREBOARD

Step A: Preparing the ground for adaptation

1.    Coordination structure

1a. A central administration body officially in charge of adaptation policy making

Yes / No

In Cyprus, MARDE is the central body coordinating the adaptation policy-making process and has led the preparation and adoption of the NAS. The adaptation policy process has been aided by the CYPADAPT project, (2011-2014), which was co-financed by the EU through the LIFE+ instrument and was coordinated by the Department of Environment of MARDE. The Ministry was also responsible for preparing a combined NAS/NAP in 2014, which was updated and formally adopted in May 2017.

1b. Horizontal (i.e. sectoral) coordination mechanisms exist within the governance system, with division of responsibilities

Yes / In progress / No

As indicated above, the responsible authority for the development and implementation of the NAS and NAP is the Department of Environment of MARDE.

During the development of the NAS, an ad-hoc consultation process was in place with the relevant authorities, academic research institutions and the private sector.

The responsibility for the implementation of specific sectoral actions lies within the responsible authorities for each specific action (e.g. the Department of Agriculture for agricultural issues). In November 2017, meetings with all relevant stakeholders took place to assess the status of implementation of the activities included in the NAP 309 . Previously, a CYPADAPT Adaptation Steering Committee (established in November 2011) facilitated and monitored the progress of NAS. The Committee was further divided into thematic sub-committees. The Environment Department was the coordinator, bringing together government departments, local authorities, universities, research institutions, consultants, NGOs and consumer organisations.

1c. Vertical (i.e. across levels of administration) coordination mechanisms exist within the governance system, enabling lower levels of administration to influence policy making

Yes / In progress / No

Vertical coordination mechanisms are not currently operational beyond the national level coordination of cities and communities. It is anticipated that further vertical coordination will be applied by the responsible organisation for each thematic topic to support the implementation phase.

2    Stakeholders’ involvement in policy development

2a. A dedicated process is in place to facilitate stakeholders' involvement in the preparation of adaptation policies

Yes / No

The active engagement of stakeholders and experts (relevant ministerial departments, associations, non‐governmental organizations, universities, research institutes, etc.) was recognised from the beginning of the NAS development as a key element for the assessment of vulnerability, the identification and evaluation of adaptation measures and most importantly, for the development of the NAS. Stakeholders were involved in several phases of the CYPADAPT project, particularly during: Phases 2 and 3 (respectively, assessment of current and future impact; adaptation and vulnerability assessment); Phases 4 and 5 (identification and assessment of the adaptation measures); and Phase 6 (development of the NAS).

The 6th National Communication to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 310 indicates that the outcome of the evaluation of proposed adaptation measures would, after public consultation, be finalised and used for the elaboration of the NAS. The draft NAS went through two different consultation phases before it was published. The 1st phase presented the draft NAS to the sectoral Steering Committees of the LIFE project for comments. The 2nd phase consisted of a public consultation for a period of 2 months, which sought feedback on the evaluation criteria, the scoring system and the adaptation measures as well as input to the Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) tool database.

2b. Transboundary cooperation is planned to address common challenges with relevant countries

Yes / No

Transboundary cooperation to address common challenges with relevant neighbouring countries (cooperation between Mediterranean countries) is currently under development. The NAS states that Cyprus will pursue cooperation with neighbouring countries with the aim to prevent and tackle sea pollution. However, no specific planned actions are described. Nevertheless, a proposal to support adaptation actions between EU and non-EU neighbouring countries has been recently submitted for EU funding under the LIFE Integrated Projects programme. Moreover, the cooperation agreements between Cyprus-Greece-Israel and Cyprus-Greece-Egypt consider climate adaptation. 311 However, the limited scope of plans for transboundary cooperation do not qualify for a positive score.

Step B: Assessing risks and vulnerabilities to climate change

3    Current and projected climate change

3a. Observation systems are in place to monitor climate change, extreme climate events and their impacts

Yes / In progress / No

The Meteorological Service of Cyprus has a well-established database on observed key climate variables (temperature, rainfall, sunshine) that provides valuable information for climate impact studies.

The Cyprus Oceanographic Centre carries out ocean research and studies, forecasts and monitors the deep-sea water characteristics. It operates the Cyprus Coastal Ocean Forecasting and Observing System (CYCOFOS) and the online marine database Cyprus Oceanographic Online Database (BYTHOS), providing scientific data on Eastern Mediterranean.

The Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR) carries out research and monitors marine ecology and biodiversity, the coastal/marine water quality and the marine aquaculture.

The Agricultural Research Institute (ARI) conducts research in agriculture, plant and livestock science, proposes and evaluates new scientific and technological methods and suggests new procedures for the sustainable utilisation of natural resources and the improvement of animal and plant production.

The State General Laboratory (SGL) carries out research to support the development and application of policies and to provide solutions to existing or emerging problems mainly in the areas of food safety, environment and public health. Detailed analysis of observed and potential climate impacts has been included in the CYPADAPT project. 

3b. Scenarios and projections are used to assess the economic, social and environmental impacts of climate change, taking into account geographical specificities and best available science (e.g. in response to revised IPCC assessments)

Yes / In progress / No

The Meteorological Service has acquired the PRECIS model from the UK for running climatic forecasts. Future climate has been projected by using PRECIS16 as the main Regional Climate Model and the A1B emissions scenario 312 . The climate projections were examined in two future periods: the near future period 2021-2050 and the distant future period 2071-2100. The derived values of various climatic parameters in Cyprus for both future stages were compared to the reference values for the control period 1960-1990. The climate projections for the 2021- 2050 period were made by using six additional simulation models of the ENSEMBLES prediction system beside PRECIS16, whereas for the 2071-2100 period the A2 and B2 emissions scenarios were used in addition to A1B. For scenarios and projections, the draft NAS considers the future period 2021-2050. This has been chosen specifically in order to assist stakeholders and policymakers to consider impacts, assess vulnerabilities and plan adaptation measures.

Geographical specificities have been taken into account on a country-wide basis in some sectors, such as water resources. Geographical issues within Cyprus have also been considered for some sectors, particularly in relation to biodiversity and forestry.

3c. Sound climate risks/vulnerability assessments for priority vulnerable sectors are undertaken to support adaptation decision making

Yes / In progress / No

A first vulnerability assessment on the most important economic sectors was made within the CYPADAPT project. Key climate change risks and priority policy areas were identified. Past research had already indicated that the sectors that would require priority attention on the design and application of adaptation actions for Cyprus would be water resources, coasts, biodiversity and tourism.

Cyprus’s first detailed Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) was published in 2016 313 . It provides an overview of potential risks and opportunities of climate change for Cyprus until 2100 and its findings will inform the development of adaptation plans by the Government and the competent authorities. The vulnerability assessment 314 has focused on 11 priority sectors. These include water resources, land use, seaside areas, biodiversity, forestry, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, energy, infrastructure and public health.

The selection of the policy areas was based on the categorization of policy areas for integrating adaptation, as these were identified in the European Commission’s White Paper entitled “Adapting to climate change: Towards a European framework for action”. The general concept of the methodology followed was adopted by the “Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability” Assessment Reports of the IPCC (2001) while the assessment was further elaborated by the CYPADAPT project team. The main sources of information used at international and European levels were technical reports of the IPCC, the European Commission, the European Environment Agency and the Joint Research Centre. In addition, an extensive literature review was undertaken, several academic/research institutions and private companies in Cyprus were consulted, and communication with numerous national authorities and organizations in Cyprus was established. Finally, various departments contributed, such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance of Cyprus.

3d. Climate risks/vulnerability assessments take transboundary risks into account, when relevant

Yes / In progress / No

While there are transboundary cooperation mechanisms in place (see Indicator 2b) no specific assessments have yet been completed 315 . Transboundary cooperation is mentioned in the NAS with regard to tackling marine pollution, but without specific mechanisms being planned.

4    Knowledge gaps

4a. Work is being carried out to identify, prioritise and address the knowledge gaps

Yes / In progress / No

Some knowledge gaps were identified during the development of the NAS, and during the meetings with all stakeholders that took place after the adoption of the NAS. The combined NAS/NAP document states that: “An interdisciplinary team will conduct periodic reviews of the literature review on the climate change effects and the adaptation measures on the health sector” (p236) 316 .

The work carried out in the preparation of the Cyprus NAS under the CYPADAPT project had two research institutions as key partners, the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), and the Greek National Observatory of Athens (NOA), working together with MARDE. The vulnerability assessment carried out to inform the NAS (see Indicator 3c) identifies many research needs to properly inform the country's adaptation policy.

Some research into the assessment of existing and future impacts on vulnerable economic sectors is being financed and carried out through one-off projects. It has been decided to assess all knowledge gaps related to climate impacts and adaptation and identify possible sources of funding for their research.

5    Knowledge transfer

5a. Adaptation relevant data and information is available to all stakeholders, including policy makers (e.g. through a dedicated website or other comparable means)

Yes / In progress / No

During the development of its NAS, Cyprus developed a CYPADAPT portal 317 to support the dissemination of information on climate adaptation. The platform was designed to be a knowledge base and communication platform for adaptation, linked to Climate-ADAPT and other platforms. The potential users identified were the government, local authorities, universities, research institutions, NGO’s and other stakeholders and citizens. The platform was expected to provide access and share information and views on many different issues concerning adaptation options, climate impacts, vulnerability, case studies, research activities, legislation, financing opportunities, tools for adaptation planning and useful links. However, the platform has not been updated since 2014.

MARDE’s Department of Environment launched an online blog in Greek (ClimateCY 318 ), where news, information and positions relating to adaptation were uploaded. However, the latest news update was in 2012.

As part of the CYPADAPT project, in preparing development of the NAS, there has been wide interaction between academia and policymakers, including through steering committees and working groups. However, it is unclear how the NAS or NAP will facilitate further dialogue and exchange between academia, policy and decision-makers.

5b. Capacity building activities take place; education and training materials on climate change adaptation concepts and practices are available and disseminated

Yes / In progress / No

The NAP mentions certain actions that support capacity building. More specifically, the NAP includes provisions for a campaign to raise awareness among farmers on the importance of preserving water and the opportunities from using recycled water, as well as appropriate plant and animal species for different climate conditions. However, education materials or specific training activities to build adaptation capacity or to help stakeholders to adapt to climate change are not yet available. The NAP also includes an action to use the media to raise awareness among the general public on how to protect against heatwaves and a campaign on the effects of climate change on human health.

Step C: Identifying adaptation options

6    Adaptation options’ identification

6a. Adaptation options address the sectoral risks identified in 3c, the geographical specificities identified in 3b and follow best practices in similar contexts

Yes / No

Overall, over 200 measures for enabling adaptation to the impacts of climate change across 11 policy sectors are included in the NAS, which take account of the geographical specificities of Cyprus. The various measures identified in the NAS aim to address all of the identified policy sectors and risks identified in the 2016 CCRA. These measures range in character from policy plans, strategies, legislative actions, guidelines, economic incentives to new infrastructure, knowledge dissemination activities or research.

6b. The selection of priority adaptation options is based on robust methods (e.g. multi-criteria analyses, stakeholders' consultation, etc.) and consistent with existing decision-making frameworks

Yes / No

In order to prioritise the options and facilitate the choices per sector, an MCA tool was developed. The NAS development also involved opinion surveys for the qualitative prioritisation of adaptation options in all of the 11 selected sectors. The MCA tool covered all of the identified adaptation measures. The criteria selected for the evaluation of the adaptation measures were:

·Efficiency of the measure

·Environmental concerns

·Supporting the prevention of climate impacts

·Urgency for implementing the measure

·Usefulness of implementation irrespective of climate change

·Technical viability

·Economic viability

·Public acceptance

The MCA tool processes stakeholders’ evaluations on the proposed adaptation measures and produces alternative adaptation scenarios, based on: the degree of climate vulnerability, the weights assigned to the evaluation criteria, and the weights assigned to the different stakeholder groups (competent national authorities, relevant national authorities, research institutes, NGOs, sectoral unions and associations and civil society organisations). The adaptation measures with the highest performance against the evaluation criteria are identified and integrated into the NAP.

In the NAS, a "Sustainable Adaptation Scenario" is presented, which assigns equal weight to the technical, environmental and social criteria. As the economic evaluation of measures is a more complicated process, economic criteria have not been taken into account during this phase. A separate cost‐benefit analysis for the selected adaptation measures will be conducted.

6c. Mechanisms are in place to coordinate disaster risk management and climate change adaptation and to ensure coherence between the two policies

Yes/ In Progress / No

Disaster risk reduction practitioners are involved in adaption planning. The disaster risk reduction planning has started at a strategic level and is part of the responsibilities of the Department of Defence 319 .

7    Funding resources identified and allocated

7a. Funding is available to increase climate resilience in vulnerable sectors and for cross-cutting adaptation action

Yes / In Progress / No

The NAS mentions budgetary allocations to climate adaptation actions, such as the development of a detailed risk assessment (see Indicator 3c) or the development of a national adaptation platform (see Indicator 5a). Other elements such as coordination, governance, capacity building, indicators and projections do not yet seem to have specific resources allocated in the NAS, as yet.

Costs of climate impacts and costs/benefits of adaptation, in general, have yet to be identified. The Cyprus Audit Office stressed that the CYPADAPT proposed measures should be prioritized according to a cost-benefit analysis, and those with the lower cost and the highest contribution to adaptation should be implemented first. According to the After-LIFE Communication Plan 320 , which complemented the NAS, the adaptation measures identified have been included under the funding priorities foreseen in the Partnership Agreement (PA) 2014-2020 of the Republic of Cyprus, a comprehensive strategic document for the utilisation of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF).

Step D: Implementing adaptation action 

8    Mainstreaming adaptation in planning processes

8a. Consideration of climate change adaptation has been included in the national frameworks for environmental impact assessments

Yes / No

As the revised Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive 321 is now in place, the Cypriot authorities have started to harmonise national legislation and mainstream adaptation. The deadline for transposition was May 2017. A national law, reflecting the revised EIA Directive, is drafted and is now undergoing a third reading in the House of Representatives 322 . Climate adaptation will be included in the next revision of the national law on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA).

8b. Prevention/preparedness strategies in place under national disaster risk management plans take into account climate change impacts and projections

Yes / No

Plans for disaster risk reduction do not factor in projected climate extremes that may occur in the future. In addition, the NAS does not mention specific disaster preparedness plans or how these account for climate adaptation. The NAP does, however, mention that emergency preparedness plans, in general, should account for managing injuries and diseases that may occur as a result of climate change.

8c. Key land use, spatial planning, urban planning and maritime spatial planning policies take into account the impacts of climate change

Yes / No 

A description of land use, spatial or urban planning policies where adaptation is mainstreamed is lacking. There is reportedly a coastal area management programme (CAMP-Cyprus) within the framework of implementing Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Europe. However, there is no evidence of the programme mainstreaming consideration of climate impacts and vulnerability.

8d. National policy instruments promote adaptation at sectoral level, in line with national priorities and in areas where adaptation is mainstreamed in EU policies

Yes / In Progress / No

Specific measures have been included in the NAP, so that future updates to water policy (such as the Cyprus River Basin Management Plan 323 ), spatial planning and infrastructure will take adaptation into account.

There is some initial progress in the forestry sector, as the Ministry's Department of Forests has been developing a 10-year action plan regarding the adaptation of Cyprus forests to climate change. In addition, the Cyprus Institute presented a Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Pedieos River Basin to the Environment Committee of the Cyprus Parliament in February 2017.

8e. Adaptation is mainstreamed in insurance or alternative policy instruments, where relevant, to provide incentives for investments in risk prevention

Yes / No

No evidence could be found that adaptation is mainstreamed in insurance policies or alternative policy instruments to provide incentives for investments in risk prevention.

9    Implementing adaptation

9a. Adaptation policies and measures are implemented, e.g. as defined in action plans or sectoral policy documents

Yes / In Progress / No