Abstract

This report provides new insights into adaptation monitoring, reporting and evaluation systems at the national level in Europe and constitutes the first attempt to consolidate emerging information across European countries. It aims to offer reliable and targeted information to support the effective and efficient implementation of climate adaptation policies and actions at the national level in Europe.

The objective of this report is to provide new insights into adaptation monitoring, reporting and evaluation (MRE) systems at national level in Europe, and it is the first attempt to consolidate emerging information across European countries. It aims to offer reliable and targeted information to support the effective and efficient implementation of climate adaptation policies and actions at national level in Europe. This report provides readers with:

• A grounding in the latest literature on MRE of adaptation at national and other relevant levels
• Insights into key aspects of MRE of adaptation, drawn from experiences in European countries that have established, or begun to develop, MRE systems at national level
• Reflections on MRE of adaptation in practice, including national-level case studies
• Thoughts and ideas on some of the future issues for those working on MRE of adaptation at national level, based on the experiences of experts

Deciding what a MRE system for adaptation aims to accomplish has an impact on the way this can be achieved, the actors who are involved in the process, and the extent to which the results of monitoring and evaluation activities are used in policymaking. Therefore, this report addresses the following thematic topics in developing or implementing MRE systems:

• Drivers and purposes: what motivates action on MRE of adaptation and what do countries hope to achieve?
• Governance and participation: how is MRE of adaptation organised and coordinated?
• Methodological approaches: what methods are being used?
• Informing adaptation policy and practice: how are the results being applied and communicated?

This report will primarily inform and support the work of policymakers, experts and practitioners who are coordinating, developing, implementing, monitoring or evaluating adaptation policies across or within particular sectors. It is particularly relevant to national, regional and local authorities, and can also be of interest to businesses involved in monitoring, reporting and evaluating adaptation actions, including utility providers for various sectors such as water, energy and transport. The findings from this report will also contribute to the growing body of knowledge on MRE of adaptation and may be of interest to those working on climate adaptation and policy evaluation both within and outside Europe.