Global indicators are needed and the experts convened by UNFCCC need to know what is the output of their work. Last year’s COP decision on the Global Goal on Adaptation was a vital milestone after eight years of hampered progress. The UAE-Belém work programme must conclude with global level indicators to respond to the urgency and ensure impactful adaptation measures across the GGA framework’s targets. The expert groups must be given clear guidance on the expected output they should produce to guarantee the indicators are purposeful, efficient and implementable.
An indicator framework is needed that is suitable for national and global monitoring of progress towards GGA targets, including:
- Intended purpose of indicators
- Expected sources of data
- Expected frequency of collection
- Expected levels of aggregation/disaggregation
- Expected mechanisms for developing data standards
- Expected mechanisms for building capacity for monitoring
- Expected mechanisms, roles and responsibilities for compiling data for the purpose of global analysis and reporting.
Existing water reporting mechanisms can lessen adaptation reporting burden by building on sector reporting and existing SDG and other frameworks reporting . By developing the GGA indicators from existing global sustainability frameworks much of the monitoring and reporting countries are already doing can be adapted to also include follow-up on the GGA framework. In this way, existing structures within the wider UN system can be utilized, minimizing the need for costly and time-consuming new establishments. Combining the GGA with the wider sustainable development approach would also facilitate more successful implementation.
Use water metrics to evaluate resilience in all targets of the GGA: water is at the heart of climate adaptation and is relevant to all targets of the GGA, including resilient food systems, health services, human settlements, nature-based solutions, ecosystems… Mainstreaming water metrics to monitor other GGA targets is recognizing the instrumental role of water in achieving all adaptation targets, in line with SDGs and dedicated targets, while promoting resilience of freshwater ecosystems.
Enhance investments in strengthening the data ecosystem to inform resilience building in the water sector, through a better understanding of observed losses and projected risks.
Set a Sub-Goal for Adaptation within the New Collective Quantified Global Goal on Financing:
Achieving the water, sanitation and ecosystems targets of the UAE Framework requires increasing investment in climate adaptation and building capacities of adaptation project holders to access climate funds. A dedicated sub-goal for adaptation within the New Collective Quantified Goal on Financing is essential to ensure that sufficient resources are allocated to the thematic targets of the UAE Framework, particularly those related to water, freshwater ecosystems and sanitation.
Strengthen Financing for Transboundary Water Management and Cooperation:
The UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience emphasizes the importance of transboundary cooperation in achieving global adaptation goals. While not limited to water, transboundary water management and cooperation present a tangible area where financing can directly support resilience-building. International finance must facilitate collaboration between countries to improve the management of water scarcity and water-related hazards, as well as to increase investments in freshwater ecosystem protection and restoration, by implementing Integrated Water Resources Management in transboundary basins and aquifers.
Empower Local and Vulnerable Communities Through Financial Support:
Financing must be accessible to the most vulnerable communities, especially those facing water scarcity and poor water supply and sanitation services due to climate impacts. The New Collective Quantified Global Goal on Financing should target local-level adaptation efforts that strengthen community-based water and sanitation systems and build the resilience of freshwater ecosystems. By focusing on climate justice, financing and implementation support can ensure that marginalized populations have equitable access to safe and climate-resilient water supply and sanitation services, and to water-related ecosystem functions.
Strengthen the policy basis for coherent implementation and financing: Promote and pursue a comprehensive risk management approach to ensure integrated planning of climate action (mainly NAPs), biodiversity (NBSAPs) and disaster risk reduction to enhance water sector resilience and national and local levels.
