A mountain of solutions

Finding solutions to complex problems can be a difficult and challenging process. This is especially true when it comes to addressing the impact of climate change on mountains around the world. As mountain communities face numerous, interrelated challenges posed by climate change, identifying effective solutions requires a thorough understanding of the problem. To begin with, it is essential to identify the problem itself, as well as its various impacts. Once the problem has been understood, stakeholders can begin brainstorming potential solutions that best address the specific effects.

Mountain communities around the world have already begun implementing climate change adaptation strategies and measures, and many of these have proven promising and inspiring. Restored ancient water management systems in Peru, early warning systems in Pakistan or innovative funding mechanisms in Kyrgyzstan are good examples, to name a few. Sharing this knowledge enables the replication and scaling-up of successful solutions to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.

Zoï together with other Adaptation at Altitude (A@A) partners maintains a SolutionsPortal that allows stakeholders to explore tried and tested climate change adaptation solutions for mountain regions. The Solutions Portal currently includes 80 solutions with information on the resources and enabling environment needed for success –including knowledge, technology, and consideration of the relevant political, legal, institutional and socio-cultural conditions. The portal helps solution seekers find inspiration and funding options, and supports stakeholders and decision-makers in transferring and adapting solutions to new contexts and in addressing the complexity of the problem they face.

Inspiring and guiding decision makers to identify and prioritize possible climate change risks and to implement effective adaptation measures in mountains remains a challenge. Finding access to solution seekers and the right way to engage with decision makers effectively is challenging. Building on the Solutions Portal and with the support of the network of solution providers and the A@A partners, Zoï aims to develop new strategies to support decision makers during the second phase of the A@A programme, which starts in 2024. This includes the facilitation of a community of practice, an online guidance tool, and assessments of the effectiveness of climate change adaptation solutions.Throughout 2023, Zoï is facilitating the second phase planning process with all A@A partners and remains dedicated to supporting mountain communities and communities directly or indirectly benefiting from mountains.

 At Zoï, support for informed and effective solution-finding is an integral part of our work. It is challenging, much needed and possible – even high up in the mountains!