<aside> <img src="/icons/arrow-right_gray.svg" alt="/icons/arrow-right_gray.svg" width="40px" /> This section will help you to get a better understanding on A&R environment

A&R are often used interchangeably in policy and academic discourse, and while they are complementary concepts, there are important differences in these terms

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Adaptation

“Adaptation refers to adjustments in ecological, social or economic systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli and their effects. It refers to changes in processes, practices and structures to moderate potential damages or to benefit from opportunities associated with climate change” United Nations Climate Change

Adaptation is characterised by a set of actions and processes that help societies to adjust to the impacts of adverse changes to the climate. It can be :

• Short- or long-term
• Incremental or transformative
• A single action or a holistic programme
• Reactive and backward-looking or proactive and forward-looking

Adaptation actions can take on many forms : no “one-size-fits-all-solution”

• Blooding flood defences
• Early warnings systems for cyclones
• Drought-resistant crops
• …

Successful adaptation not only depends on governments but also on the active and sustained engagement of stakeholders, including local communities, national, regional, multilateral and international organizations, public and private sectors, civil society and other relevant actors, as well as an effective management of knowledge.