As the process of updating Türkiye's Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan with UNDP support is nearing its conclusion, sector representatives discussed how to work together in cross-cutting issues in climate change adaptation

As part of the efforts supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to update Türkiye’s National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan, several cross-cutting themes related to climate change adaptation for various sectors were addressed at meetings held in Ankara on 7-9 and 13-15 December 2022. 383 representatives from the public and private sectors, academia and civil society discussed issues that cut across different sectors and are critical for ensuring the effectiveness of climate change adaptation efforts.

Considering strategic targets for adaptation essential for the success of the action plan, participants emphasized that the plan's targets should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound, sectoral, and should be informed by an understanding of the local climate and environmental conditions, as well as the vulnerabilities and needs of the communities or systems.

At the same time, the focus was on how to effectively address the common action areas identified in the plan. By focusing on overlapping action areas, different sectors can work together to address the challenges of climate change more effectively and efficiently. Similarly, effective institutional structuring and cooperation can be critical for the success of cross-sectoral adaptation efforts. This can involve establishing clear roles and responsibilities, promoting coordination and cooperation, and developing mechanisms for collaboration for all stakeholders.

Also, it was stressed that the use of evidence-based decision-making tools, data, and information is critical for informing and guiding climate change adaptation efforts. These tools and resources can help to identify the most pressing adaptation needs, assess the potential impacts and effectiveness of different adaptation measures, and monitor and evaluate the progress of efforts.

In addition, the participants discussed how the cross-sectoral function can help to identify and secure financing for adaptation efforts, including through the development of funding proposals and the identification of potential funding sources. Also, they highlighted the importance of communication, education and training. The cross-sectoral function can play a key role in these areas too, by advocating for the importance of climate change adaptation and providing policy support to ensure that adaptation measures are integrated into broader education planning and decision-making processes.

Discussing cross-cutting issues on adaptation was the third step in the update process following the completion of the vulnerability and risk analyses for the sectors included in the action plan, and discussing the prioritization and financing of the actions.

Türkiye’s National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan covering the years 2012-2023 will be replaced by the new updated plan with the support of UNDP. While 5 priority sectors were included in the previous plan, UNDP creates a comprehensive action plan by increasing the number of sectors included to 11, namely ecosystem and biodiversity, agriculture livestock and fisheries, water resources management, disaster risk management, public health, industry, tourism, social development, urban, transportation and energy. The resilience of the sectors will be increased by creating adaptation actions for them with the studies and analyses carried out. The final steps will be completed and Türkiye’s updated National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan will be shared in 2023.