Measures of adaptation at multiple scales: Evidence to understand progress under the Global Goal on Adaptation and the Global Biodiversity Framework
Measures of adaptation at multiple scales: Evidence to understand progress under the Global Goal on Adaptation and the Global Biodiversity Framework
How can we measure adaptation progress in ways that matter to people and nature?
This report, by Mairi Dupar, was developed for climate negotiators and technical experts working on monitoring, evaluation, learning (MEL) and reporting systems under the Global Goal on Adaptation. It explores how adaptation progress and ecosystem restoration outcomes are being measured across a wide range of ecological, social and governance settings in the Global South.
Drawing on eight case studies from Africa, Asia, the Pacific and Latin America, the report explores how ambitious targets can be set and progress tracked for both people and nature, while generating evidence that supports decision-making at local, national and global levels. The report highlights the role of local communities and Indigenous Peoples in ecosystem stewardship, contributing to discussions on human rights, social inclusion and locally informed approaches to adaptation and biodiversity action.
Case studies and contributing authors
- Solomon Islands: Bateteba Aselu, Chloe Malvasio, Gerald Hivu
- Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay: Natalie Dudinsky, Javiera Perez Ribalta
- Zimbabwe: Togarasei Fayarai, Shylock Muyengwa, Julia Pierini, Fadzai Matsvimbo, Samuel Chimbarara, Proud Mazambara, Abel Mugwati, Javiera Perez Ribalta
- Nepal: Ishana Thapa, Javiera Perez Ribalta
- Papua New Guinea: Lauren Hodgson, Annelise McDougall
- Tuvalu and Kiribati: Yan Lai
- Burkina Faso: Adama Nana, Adrian Atieno, Javiera Perez Ribalta
- Singapore: Lim Chung Fee, Stephanie Ng, Cheong Kok Hwee, Mayura Patil, Naufal Khan, Tamara Claire Fernandez, Low Ching Kai, Damien Qiu
The report asks:
-
How can climate resilience tracking become more useful for the people it is intended to serve?
-
How can local adaptation experiences inform national and global climate action?
Key messages include:
-
Existing local and project MEL systems already generate substantial evidence on adaptation outcomes and resilience, but countries need resources to pull together fragmented data in a coherent and sustained way at national level.
-
Measuring adaptation requires more than biophysical indicators. Rights, equity, agency and other social outcomes are central dimensions of adaptation success.
-
Effective adaptation measurement must be grounded in locally relevant indicators and evidence, while also supporting national and global reporting needs.
Webinar launch
Join CDKN for a discussion on how adaptation progress can be measured in ways that reflect local realities while informing national and global frameworks. Drawing on this report and insights from a forthcoming report on the transformative potential of Ecosystem-based Adaptation, the webinar will explore adaptation metrics, local learning and resilience across scales.
Date: 3 November 2026 | 14:00-15:00 SAST
Register: Here
