The Tool
What is the PACDR?
The PACDR tool consists of seven modules that build upon each other to enable users to systematically integrate the consideration of climate and disaster risks into community planning and development. Good local knowledge can – and must – inform the assessment of climate and disaster risks, but the process can seem daunting. The potential for improving the adaptive capacity of households and communities or for implementing climate-friendly strategies may not be apparent at first glance. Taking account of hazards, risks, global warming and local responses requires information and a way of organizing knowledge and evidence into an effective plan. The PACDR tool can guide the way.
The idea behind the tool is that communities can apply their local knowledge in combination with general knowledge related to disasters and climate change in a way that suits their specific needs and situation. The tool provides a simple, easy-to-use structure and guidance to follow in the step-by-step development of a community assessment of climate and disaster risks and opportunities. The assessment can then inform ongoing or planned projects and programmes, and, more generally, community planning. The tool identifies available sources of relevant scientific information and provides links to numerous websites. It relies on local participation to identify hazards, to prioritize risks and to develop the strategies necessary to respond effectively to the risks.
The Modules
Module 1: Context
Preparation of background material and compilation of information on the community
- Review of the literature on climate change and hazards, and on national climate change and disaster risk reduction policies
- Consultations with stakeholders
Methods: Description of climate change and disaster risks, policies, plans and strategies and the community context
Module 2: Climate change and hazard analysis
Identification and application of local knowledge
- Participatory mapping of hazards
- Creation of a seasonal calendar identifying events and periods of hazard-related stress
- Prioritization of hazards
Exercise 1: Hazard map
Exercise 2: Seasonal Calendar
Exercise 3: Prioritization of Hazards
Module 3: Vulnerability assessment
Analysis of vulnerable livelihood assets and resources and identification of the impacts of hazards
- Creation of a vulnerability matrix
Exercise 4: Vulnerability matrix
Module 4: Responses to the impacts of hazards
Survey and assessment of local responses taken to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience
- Survey and assessment of local responses
- Compilation and presentation of assessment results and conclusions
Exercise 5: Review and evaluation of local responses
Summary: Review and conclusions
Module 5: Adaptation strategies
Identification of additional responses to cope with climate hazards and impacts
- Review of climate change scenarios
- Identification of community adaptation goals
- Consideration of adaptation strategies, obstacles
and opportunities
Presentation: Climate change scenarios
Exercise 6: Community adaptation goals
Exercise 7: Adaptation strategies, obstacles and opportunities
Module 6: Co-benefits of adaptation strategies
Assessment of environmental and socioeconomic co-benefits
- Creation of a matrix of adaptation strategies
and co-benefits
Exercise 8: Identification of co-benefits
Module 7: Community adaptation planning
Development of an action plan and community presentation
- Identification of activities for individuals,
groups, community and other stakeholders - Advocacy planning
- Presentation to wider community
Exercise 9: Development of an action plan
Community presentation
Learn more about our lessons learned.