International Network of Boundary Organizations on Adaptation

Rationale

Even if the pledges to reduce carbon emissions by 2050 are met, the climate is changing and will continue to change. Adaptation is necessary.

While there has been some progress, efforts in adaptation to climate change remain fragmented, incremental, sector-specific and uneven across regions. There are also persistent gaps between those with scientific and technical expertise in climate change and those making decisions on adaptation plans, policies and programs.  

The network’s member organizations focus on bridging these gaps: they mediate between the science of climate change impacts, vulnerabilities and adaptation options and the development of adaptation policies and practices. By providing tailored information and tools for decision-makers, these organizations contribute to long-term change in the decision-making ecosystems in which they work. The network uses the term boundary organization to describe this mediating role. 

To date, networking among these organizations has been limited. Since they generally produce fewer publications than academic research institutions, there has been less sharing of lessons and experiences. This can lead to duplicate efforts and missed opportunities to apply successful approaches more widely.

By linking organizations in adaptation, the network acts as an accelerator for their individual development and joint impact — ultimately increasing adaptation globally. This approach complements existing investments in research for impact and in knowledge brokering. 

 

What does the network aim to do?
Our vision

In countries around the world, adaptation to climate change is accelerated by increased knowledge and capacity, generated by long-standing ties between scientists and decision-makers, and by greater collaboration between organizations that foster these links.

Goal

Create a new dynamic space for mutual learning among adaptation-focused boundary organizations to enhance their impact, help them grow, and increase their collective contribution to global adaptation.

Strategies

To progress towards this goal, the network uses three related strategies:

  1. Knowledge sharing: Through network-hosted conferences and workshops, members have opportunities to share knowledge, methods, technologies and approaches that help address adaptation and support collaboration amongst a variety of stakeholders.   

  2. Advocacy: Through conferences, joint working papers and opinion pieces, network members advocate collectively to raise awareness on issues of shared concern, such as the urgency of adaptation and evidence-based decision-making.

  3. Capacity building: The network enables mentoring opportunities, staff exchanges and training workshops that help participants build the capacity to link climate change science and adaptation decision-making.

Expected outcomes

  1. Increased awareness of the value added by boundary organizations for adaptation 

  2. Increased capacity of members to use a range of technologies and approaches to support adaptation decision-making 

  3. Increased institutional capacity of some members 

  4. Increased influence by member organizations on adaptation policies, programs and research agendas 

  5. Enhanced role of member organizations as adaptation accelerators

How is the network governed?

The network is co-created and co-managed by participating organizations. Initially, Ouranos is providing leadership and some logistical support to the network. This is expected to evolve toward more distributed leadership among members. The network will adjust its structure and governance as it learns.  

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