LEAD Pakistan launched a research study on Mainstreaming Community Based Climate Change Adaptation in Pakistan. As part of its research series on vulnerability and resilience, which, as the name suggests, comprises prime studies that examine the vulnerability to a host of climate induced hazards; and also suggests measures to build resilience against them. Each individual study, while conducted in the Pakistani context, reviews the ongoing debate around the issue of climate change as well as global best practices. Therefore, in addition from trying to get the best in Pakistani expertise in these areas (though not limiting to Pakistani authors), a panel of international experts for each of the studies has been put together to review the quality of research it presents against sharp analytical touchstones.

Most importantly, the main purpose of the series goes beyond the desired academic rigour and excellence of discourse. These studies abstract from lessons learnt globally and applies them to Pakistan and aim to come up with actionable and meaningful recommendations for the policymakers in the country. As such, the real success of each study would be measured against the level of debate it generates among the policy stakeholders and its ability to have an impact on the relevant policy itself. Each of these publications is only a vehicle for affecting the public policy processes that go into formulating a policy and its implementation. From the inception of the study, the Public Policy Engagement (PPE) Strategy has worked out and each of them would complete the envisioned research-to-policy loop.

First in the series was the Study on Migration and Climate Change, a programme that has already taken off. There has been keen interest with critical feedback by the public, civil society, academicians, local, regional and international organisational representatives. LEAD Pakistan plans to take this forward into pertinent policy recommendations.

Now second in the series is the Study on Mainstreaming Community-Based Climate Change Adaptation in Pakistan, which introduces wide-ranging concepts, used in this discourse – clarifying a host of definitions employed. It also develops a framework for Community Based Adaptation (CBA). Subsequently, it looks at CBA practices in Pakistan, to draw some important lessons and attempts to integrate them with the decision making frameworks coming up with policy recommendations towards a coherent strategy.  To formally launch the study, LEAD Pakistan invited researchers and practitioners in the field of climate change adaptation to a roundtable discussion on May 29, 2014 to determine the best way forward in terms of devising recommendations on CBA for policymakers and parliamentarians. To get a copy of this study and others in this Series email Ms Asifa Bhatti on abhatti@lead.org.pk

LEAD Pakistan is a member organisation of CANSA. Leadership for Environment And Development (LEAD) Pakistan is a non-profit organisation working since 1995 to create and sustain a global network of leaders who are committed to promote change towards the patterns of sustainable development that is economically sound, environmentally responsible and socially equitable in line with Agenda 21. More information can be found on their website on http://www.lead.org.pk/