Outlook on Climate Change Adaptation in the Western Balkan Mountains

Information, data and institutional gaps

A comprehensive review of the available literature was complemented by the systematic involvement of governmental experts. Through their direct participation and continuous feedback, including via questionnaires and review mechanisms, data and information was collected on sectoral and adaptation policies in the Western Balkans. Information, data and institutional gaps preventing a proper policy assessment have been identified, including: • Lack of (accessible) data and information on actual implementation, outcomes and bottlenecks of existing policies • Limited institutional capacities to provide specific data and information at the national or subnational level • Poor monitoring and evaluation of existing policies. In fact, information on policies is sparse. Even when it is available, adaptation considerations are often still inexistent or very basic. With respect to integrating adaptation into policies, there is a need to improve policy performance evaluation, and to agree on expected outcomes from policy focus areas by defining quantitative indicators to monitor progress against the objectives. In only a very few cases were assessments of national performances available, such as the National Capacity Self-Assessment for Global Environment Management – providing an overview of challenges and opportunities in relation to the three Rio conventions – which was developed by all Western Balkan countries except Kosovo. 1

Mountain village in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Improving the quality of information on adaptation and access to information remains essential. As a first step, Western Balkan countries should start sharing their progress in terms of adaptation on the EuropeanClimate

AdaptationPlatform, Climate-ADAPT, andmake full use of the resources available online, including an Adaptation Support Tool and Case Study Search tool designed to improve the knowledge base of policymakers.

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