ELLA Policy Brief: City-level Climate Change Adaptation Strategies: The Case of Quito, Ecuador
ELLA is the Evidence and Lessons from Latin America programme
Abstract
Climate change adaptation strategies at city-level are increasingly important for identifying and implementing adequate responses to climatic threats. Quito’s Climate Change Strategy (QCCS) includes a range of innovative programmes that combine risk reduction with institutional capacity building and enhanced citizen participation. This case study presents the story of how such an innovative policy package came to be implemented, including the contextual and enabling factors that made it possible. It concludes by presenting the current status of the QCCS’ implementation, remaining challenges for the future, and lessons learned that may be useful for other cities.
Key Lessons:
Aligning adaptation with existing sustainability and environmental concerns reduces cities’ vulnerability to climate change in an integrated way.
Adaptation planning may be less successful where necessary administrative reforms, including participatory management, are not addressed.
Gradual implementation of climate change adaptation actions can allow for crucial learning and capacity building before comprehensive strategic adaptation plans are carried out.
Citation
Obermaier, M. ELLA Policy Brief: City-level Climate Change Adaptation Strategies: The Case of Quito, Ecuador. ELLA, Practical Action Consulting, Lima, Peru (2013) 6 pp.