Adaptation to Climate Change

Programme Summary

Why is the programme needed? Climate change is already under way and its effects are likely to have far-reaching consequences for human and natural systems. Portugal is no exception, and developing and implementing strategies for adapting to the impact of climate change is therefore increasingly important. Adaptation measures are needed to protect people, buildings, infrastructure, businesses and ecosystems. The ability to cope and adapt will vary across populations, economic sectors and regions, but all will be affected. Therefore, timely and adequate adaptation measures are needed, and they will reduce the economic and social cost resulting from a changing climate. What will the programme achieve? The programme will develop and disseminate practical tools to support the adaptation process in Portugal. There is a need for increased awareness and to mobilize actors for action on climate change adaptation, and fill in the information and knowledge gaps in sectors affected by climate change. The programme will address these challenges. How will it be achieved? The programme has four main components, all of which are focused on climate change and adaptation: - Local adaptation strategies and training of municipality officers; - Climate change education; - A website, to prepare and disseminate information on climate trends; - A small grants scheme focused on sectors which are vulnerable to the effect of climate change. How will bilateral relations be strengthened? A Donor Programme Partner, the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Planning (DSB), is involved in the programme. DSB has been actively involved during the programme preparation phase and its involvement will continue during the implementation of the programme. This will further strengthen the co-operation between DSB and the Programme Operator, the Portuguese Environment Agency. What are the partnership opportunities? The Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), as manager of the Portuguese Carbon Fund, manages the programme on behalf of the Portuguese authorities and therefore plays a key role in facilitating networking and cooperation between Portugal and Donor state entities. DSB also plays a key role in facilitating bilateral cooperation, and will be assisting APA on this matter, as well as acting as a contact point for Donor entities, public and private, wishing to operate in Portugal and participate as partners in projects funded through the programme. Who can apply for funding under this programme? Entities registered in Portugal are eligible to apply as project applicants. The main target group includes private and public organisations, municipalities, research institutes, NGOs, and school communities – teachers and students.