Search the EPA Research Database

Project title

LOcalised ADaptation (LOAD) for Climate Change in Ireland and Timor-Leste: Co-Developing Frameworks for Nature-Based Solutions

Primary Funding Agency

Department of Foreign Affairs

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Lead Organisation

University of Galway

Lead Applicant

Not listed

Project Abstract

Small island countries like Timor-Leste and Ireland have experienced the impacts of climate-induced risk and disaster. Timor-Leste experienced the devastating impact of climate-induced disaster when Cyclone Seroja hit, causing fatalities and catastrophic damage. Climate change has greatly impacted Timor-Leste�s environment, society and economy. As part of its recovery plan, the government is working to improve adaptive capacity and resilience, through a holistic approach including a nature-based solutions (NbS) focus, enhancing community capacity for resilience. To this end, expertise in Timor-Leste has sought to connect with other island nations to learn and develop good practices that support this ethos. This project investigates the application of best practice in adaptation implementation methods to address knowledge gaps. The outcome is to tailor good practice and guidance on key elements at certain procedural stages invoking the values and practices inherent to a NbS approach. With a focus on adaptation, the project aims to develop a �learning comparison�, co-producing reciprocal and multi-directional knowledge transfer between Timor-Leste and Ireland to enhance NbS capacities in both countries. Focusing on a small number of case studies, the project harnesses local expertise to develop a series of location-specific adaptation measures. Such measures are rooted in NbS approach; the site-specificity of this approach contrasts with mitigation initiatives that often occur at the national scale. The proposal incorporates co-productive, creative and qualitative methodologies that can be tailored to support outputs that are distinctly local and therefore will have immediate impact and influence. The developed methodological sequence in itself presents a valuable output, in that the steps can be replicated across any site with capacity to acknowledge local contexts. Additionally, the goal is to enhance the education profile of the Timor-Leste researcher through a doctoral degree and PhD thesis, new knowledge networks and enhanced cooperative capacity between Ireland and Timor-Leste.

Grant Approved

�202,125.00

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

3. Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities

Start Date

01/12/2023

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/11/2026