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CCA.LAC22.EUROCLIMA LAC.Fostering climate change adaptation in Panama through ecosystem approach for water security at the water basin level – Resilient watersheds

Panama ranks 14th among the countries most exposed to multiple hazards based on land area. The country has 15 % of its total area exposed and 12.5 % of its total population is vulnerable to two or more climate-related hazards. In addition, Panama ranks 35th among the countries with the highest percentage of its total population considered to be at relatively high mortality risk from multiple hazards. Water resources is one of the key affected sectors which in turn affects the agriculture and energy sectors. This makes the water sector a priority for the county’s action to address climate change. While some advances have been made to promote a climate resilient development in the water sector, the adaptation planning process in Panama still faces barriers to effectively address climate change impacts and vulnerabilities and ensure a long-term adaptation pathway in the water sector. Identified barriers include: i) Limited climate data and information to adequately inform adaptation planning at watershed scale; ii) Limited institutional and technical capacity to fully integrate climate data and information in adaptation planning and decision-making processes; iii) Lack of adequate decision-support tools and methods to support long-term adaptation planning in the water sector, and iv) Insufficient knowledge and technical skills for the adoption of cost-effective local adaptation practices such as Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) This project is intended to serve as a catalyst to move the water management towards climate resilient development pathways. The project consists of two interlined components: • Outcome 1. Climate resilient watershed management strategies replicated in at least 3 additional watersheds. • Outcome 2. Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) measures are adopted and enhancing water security in three watersheds The project will proactively gather and incorporate existing knowledge and data about the watersheds, encompassing current and future ecosystem conditions, factors contributing to degradation (including climate data), and the socio-economic and developmental contexts. This knowledge collection and creation process will mainly engage with women, local communities, and indigenous groups, who hold valuable insights into their respective watersheds, including local ecological, economic, and governance conditions. The information gathered will undergo assessment, and any knowledge gaps will be addressed through targeted research. Once a comprehensive understanding of the watershed is established, integrated sustainable watershed management plans will be collaboratively designed with key stakeholders actively engaged within the watershed. This inclusive process will involve gender and diversity considerations and include the participation of local and indigenous communities, the private sector, and local and national government entities. The project promotes the adoption of an Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) approach, recognized for its cost-effectiveness in reducing climate change vulnerability while delivering multiple benefits to communities and ecosystems. EbA focuses on protecting, maintaining, and rehabilitating ecosystems. Importantly, EbA interventions have been shown to yield substantial long-term social, economic, and environmental benefits relative to their relatively modest investments. The project's pilot EbA interventions aim to demonstrate these benefits and generate evidence to inform national adaptation planning. The project will be implemented in Panama in ten (10) watersheds: 1. Chiriqui, 2. Chiriqui Viejo, 3. Santa Maria, 4. Tonosi, 5. La villa, 6. Rio Grande, 7. Tabasará, 8. Parita, 9. Rio Grande, 10. Chucunaque.