Strengthening Capacity in Climate Change Adaptation connecting science and practice

Worldwide, climate change adaptation (CCA) is part of a complex setting that also needs to take sustainable development (SD) and disaster risk reduction (DRR) into account (IPCC, 2012). The uncertainties associated with managing climate change are high. Developing the capacity to reduce the risk associated with disasters (e.g. floods and droughts) is a central theme in water management. Scientific insights, data and practical experience in the form of integrated knowledge when made available to practitioners at the appropriate level, and using the appropriate language and format can contribute to better solutions for DRR and CCA. To this end, the CATALYST project (www.catalyst-project.eu), uses innovative approaches including a virtual platform together with face-to-face workshops as part of a think tank process to create exchange among scientists and practitioners, and identify potential means of communicating new scientific insights in and approaches to DRR/CCA. Participants in this think tank process have used these fora to discuss the state-of-the-art in hazard management, and identify transformative best practices that enhance capacity in DRR/CCA. This paper describes the approach, its initial results in Europe and Asia and how this contributes to capacity development in the DRR/CCA arena, particularly in the realm of water management.