AG8 Policy Recommendations: Enhancing Vertical Governance of Climate Change Adaptation
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In light of the still fragmented vertical governance, lack of political continuity, and weak integration of adaptation criteria into regulatory frameworks to effectively address the pressing and increasingly severe impacts of climate change, we call on policymakers at all levels (particularly EU and regional ones) to enhance integration between the different levels of vertical governance in the field of climate change adaptation.
Regional authorities are best placed to implement tailored adaptation measures in line with EU and national criteria, so we urge policymakers to make climate change adaptation procedures mandatory in regional development strategies and sectoral plans.
This should be supported by multi-level governance, with dedicated coordinated bodies, and resources for adaptation. This could also be achieved by implementing additional climate change adaptation criteria in regional funding programmes applicable at EU, national and regional levels.
The following Policy Recommendations have been elaborated by the members of the Actions Groups of EUSALP, reflect the expertise of the AGs members and are meant for voluntary implementation by the decision makers when it comes to the Alpine Region.