This paper addresses adaptation measures that reduce vulnerability to climate change as critical, especially in many countries where the risks are here and now. It is intended provide policymakers with a starting point, including background information and questions for further reflection.

This paper is one of a series produced for the project that provides in-depth information on the four thematic building blocks of the Bali Action Plan—mitigation, adaptation, technology and finance—as well as on land-use, land-use change and forestry. The project materials also include executive summaries for policymakers, background briefing documents and workshop presentations. These materials will be used for national awareness raising workshops in the participating countries.

The paper analyzes a sample of existing or in-formulation policy frameworks governing access and security of tenure over major natural assets such as land, forests and wildlife. The fundamental question that runs through the analysis in the paper concerns the extent to which security of resource tenure can mediate the achievement of the MDGs.