Abstract

The need for monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems that can help countries understand how to best adapt to climate change has become increasingly important as the effects of climate change increase and climate shocks intensify. Understanding if climate change adaptation (from here on “adaptation”) actions are reducing vulnerability, increasing resilience, and enhancing adaptative capacities is crucial for planning and decision making, along with understanding how—and for whom—actions are working or not.

Countries started to set up MEL systems for adaptation over a decade ago, with efforts to track, assess, and report on adaptation toward learning and improving adaptation actions. Today, more countries have integrated MEL systems as part of their national adaptation plans (NAPs), processes, and actions. The uptake has been slow, but significant progress has been observed since 2014. MEL systems are needed across scales, especially at the national level, to understand the impacts and effectiveness of adaptation actions.

This report explores how nine countries are advancing climate adaptation through innovative monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems, comparing the unique approaches of Canada, France, Kenya, Namibia, Peru, Somalia, Tonga, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam, and shedding light on their progress, challenges, and the integration of gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) considerations. 

The report provides valuable insights and recommendations for policy-makers, adaptation practitioners, and MEL specialists, highlighting the importance of continuous learning from MEL systems in supporting climate resilience. Additionally, it explores the critical links between national MEL systems and global United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change processes, including the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience.

By exploring diverse national experiences, the study can inform governments working to strengthen their national MEL systems and contribute critical data to global reporting and assessment processes.