Co-Adapt
Co-Adapt: Climate adaptation through co-creation
Priority Axis
Adaptation to Climate ChangeSpecific objective
Adaptation to Climate Change
Lead partner
Somerset County CouncilContact
Start Date
01/02/2019End Date
30/09/2022Project budget
7 347 117 €ERDF amount
4 408 270 €ERDF rate
60%About
Common challenge
- we need to move beyond existing actors and empower stakeholders to take practical action through a more open policy process;
- unsustainable development & land management practices have degraded ecosystems and the natural water management processes, increasing flooding and exacerbating the effects of drought;
- the effects of climate change are very uncertain, yet we need to make adaptation decisions now and need to find flexible, adaptive strategies that do not create high future costs.
New solutions need to be developed and applied to improve resilience. In a context of reduced public financing, better, more robust and cost-effective measures are needed. In response, Co-Adapt’s unique contribution is a strong focus on co-creation of nature based and natural process solutions, in the framework of adaptation pathways – three pillars supporting each other to deliver highly durable results.
Overall objective
Main outputs
Cross border approach
Main Achievements
The adoption of co-creation tools and approaches, including Stakeholder Engagement Plans, has been informed by cross-border learning with project partners, led by the Open University. Partners have worked together to discuss shared audiences, approach to engagement and co-creation, and opportunities to learn from each other’s projects and teams.
On the Somerset Levels, SCC, FWAG SW and SWT worked together to create a selection of communications materials, and build a good reputation by introducing the project to key players such as MPs and councillors, flood management authorities, flood action community groups and local experts. It has begun creating Moorland Association(s), designed to be self-sustaining groups of key landowners. These are grouped together based on topographical and hydrological boundaries.
The National Trust has developed a coherent strategy based around working with natural processes to develop resilience, increase ecosystem function and adaptation to the impacts of climate change. They have worked with key project partners, regional and national stakeholders and the local community to develop a suite of approaches to implement ground breaking projects. There has been excellent media coverage of the beaver release and the First Stage 0 stream restoration project. Site monitoring has also been installed.
Technical work on the Culm Catchment project has progressed significantly, to develop and improve scientific understanding of the catchment, current pressures, and impacts of water-related effects of climate change. This has been in the form of data collection, catchment modelling, surveys and training.
The Province of Antwerp has initiated a steering group for the coordination of the investment at the Laak river, begun the co-creation process, and installed 2 water level measuring systems.
Work in the West Brabant pilot area has started with the joint development of a cooperation plan for all relevant parties in the area (village councils, waterboard, municipality and province).
CPIE / SYMSAGEB have selected their pilot site on the Boulonnais. The first meeting with the citizens was organized the 17th December.
Vlissingen have started co-creation meetings with target groups.
VLM worked together with local bodies (local communities, waterboards, farmers, nature organisations( in 4 regions to develop test or sites. They set up local coalitions which have developed a plan of action and stakeholder engagement plans.