Using C-CADS
Track Progress: Learn what is included in each step by expanding each C-CADS section (see left). Track your progress by clicking on the buttons.
Guidance: C-CADS provides detailed guidance, information and opportunities to learn more (scan, follow the steps, or delve deeper in priority areas). Click on the links in the figure above to access more information in each step.
Keeping Records: Adaptation planning and implementation can take time, and record keeping is essential. Use the template to record what has been done, when and by whom, and to attach copies of information and reports.
Using C-CADS: Get more detail about the use and application of C-CADS in this section by reading on.
At a glance
- C-CADS is an iterative decision support process that provides guidance on adaptation planning and implementation, and on developing and delivering specific adaptation projects. Users can work through a series of steps; from identifying climate change challenges and impacts through to implementing adaptation solutions, monitoring and evaluating their effects, and making necessary adjustments.
- C-CADS supports users to identify and overcome potential barriers to adaptation by getting organisational buy-in, communicating and engaging effectively with stakeholders and understanding financing options. It is designed to help users develop adaptation plans and actions that are fit for purpose in their context. Its iterative design—so users can move between sections depending on their planning stage and experience— enables users to build their personal and organisational capacity as they develop their plan.
- Use C-CADS by first scanning all steps to get a good overview. (The C-CADS infographic provides a useful overview of the process). Then follow steps in detail to develop and implement an Adaptation Plan. Delve into greater detail to support action in high-risk, priority areas.
- CoastAdapt provides more detailed guidance documents and case studies to help to contextualise some of the complex issues of adaptation such as planning under uncertainty.
- Importantly, C-CADS is consistent with risk-based coastal zone management and adaptation approaches used in Australia and internationally.
Introduction
C-CADS (see Figure 1) is a risk-based framework which is consistent with global best practice and the Australian Standard of Risk Management (AS/NZS ISO31000:2009) and more importantly, is consistent with current guidance on coastal zone management in Australian States and Territories. C-CADS is an iterative framework, designed to lead users from understanding their risk and vulnerability to climate change to taking effective action to address those risks. Because of its adaptive nature, C-CADS enables users to learn as they go, to try novel approaches, and deal with the challenges of uncertainty and constant change.
C-CADS components
The six steps in C-CADS provide links to information in CoastAdapt on guidance, technical details about important aspects of adaptation and the coast, tools, worked examples, and case studies that illustrate adaptation in practice (see Figure 1).
Figure 1: The six steps of the C-CADS process and some of the key components within each step. Each box represents individual steps in the framework; each arrow indicates the relationship and navigation between steps. While it is important to monitor and evaluate your approaches throughout the planning cycle and make associated changes, there are also loops by which users can respond to the measured performance of their plan as well as to measures of trigger levels for action.
- Source: © NCCARF 2016.CCADS-IG-640.original
Figure 1: The six steps of the C-CADS process and some of the key components within each step. Each box represents individual steps in the framework; each arrow indicates the relationship and navigation between steps. While it is important to monitor and evaluate your approaches throughout the planning cycle and make associated changes, there are also loops by which users can respond to the measured performance of their plan as well as to measures of trigger levels for action.
Source: © NCCARF 2016.
Using C-CADs
Your use of C-CADS should depend on your needs, experience, the amount of prior adaptation knowledge, and your stage in the adaptation journey. You should consider the following points in determining how to use C-CADS to best suit your needs:
- The context: This includes prior knowledge and experience of climate change and adaptation in the organisation, including what has already been done. For example, has an adaptation strategy already been written? In a local council, does planning policy already seek to limit development in coastal locations exposed to risks from sea-level rise? Are there any actions or processes that your jurisdiction requires you to undertake?
- The goal of the exercise: What are you trying to achieve? Is this a first foray into adaptation, with a goal of simply understanding the risks and whether in the short-term action is necessary? Or are the risks known and so the goal is to identify and implement action?
- Available resources: What are the resources available (both human and financial capital)?
- Evaluation of risk: A rapid first-pass risk assessment (see Guidance on risk assessment) can be performed to evaluate the level of risk.
Is this a coastal council with soft shores that are prone to erosion and dense high-value coastal development? In this case, a full and costed evaluation of adaptation options is likely to be required, together with an implementation plan. All steps in C-CADS may need to be followed.
Or is it an urban council with a rocky shoreline? In this case, it may be possible to undertake only the first two steps of C-CADS to pinpoint the risks and make an evaluation of timing – for instance, when is it likely that sea level rise will create risks that require action to maintain ecosystem services and human well-being and safety?
Important to keep in mind:
Engagement and consultation should be done throughout your adaptation journey. Read the Information Manual 9: Community engagement for more information.
Learn from what you do. Set clear objectives for each activity you undertake and assess whether you have achieved these effectively. If not, make changes. Read more in the M&E guidance.
Table 1 provides four case studies of situations where C-CADS could be used, together with suggested links into CoastAdapt where further information can be obtained to support the adaptation process.
Table 1: How C-CADS could be used at four stages of organisational adaptation planning.
T4T7_Table2.original
Table 1: How C-CADS could be used at four stages of organisational adaptation planning.