Assessment of climate change vulnerability and land use

The purpose of this block is to assess biodiversity vulnerability to climatic and non-climatic stressors (e.g. land use changes). Assessment is a prerequisite for any action to measure the conservation status of biodiversity and the resilience to climate change. These evaluations also help to better guide the identification of appropriate climate change adaptation interventions.

 

The assessment of climate change vulnerability and land use was done by touring the Nsumbu National Park and adjacent GMA namely Tondwa and Kaputwa, key informant interviews  and through desk review. While site visits aimed at obtaining crucial information through observation, desk review was conducted to augment field information. The assessment was led by experts accompanied by park managers. Leaders - men and women the adjacent villages who have a better understanding of the park and surrounding areas participated in the process.

    1. Inventory of traditional knowledge on biodiversity and weather / climate change.
    2. Availability and access to scientific baseline data on biodiversity and climate change.
    3. Ability to visualize past, present and future status of biodiversity in the context of climatic and non-climatic stressors

    Reviewing existing data on climate change is critical to understanding the past and future trends of climate change at the regional and national level.

     

    Site visits in and around the park helps to provide information on the ground status of land uses and biodiversity / ecosystems. Specifically, direct observation provides information on the threats and challenges facing biodiversity and also on the visible signs of climate induced droughts, floods, etc.

     

    Local communities, particularly villagers who have lived longer near / around the Natioanl Park have a better understanding of local changes on climate and biodiversity. As such capturing this information for validating and complementing global and regional data and developing a vision with communities is critical to designing appropriate adaptation strategies.