The main objective of the climate change adaptation domain is to support and enhance the adaptive capacities of vulnerable communities. This is done through identification and implementation of package of adaptation measures, options and responses to address multi-dimensional aspects of vulnerability due to impact of climate change.

Key elements of the strategies and approaches towards climate change adaptation/climate resilient development are:
a. Sensitisation of communities and local institutions to impacts of climate change.
b. Promotion of vulnerability and capacity assessment at the local level to identify most vulnerable communities in addressing their concerns.
c. Promoting equity, inclusion and livelihoods in enhancing the resilience of the most vulnerable.
d. Support mobilization of Indo-Swiss collaborations and expertise in scientific knowledge and climate science.
e. Enhance quality climate and weather information through improved forecasting and early warning systems. Promoting integration of climate sensitive scientific information in development planning locally.
f. Testing, piloting, action research, analytical work and thematic studies in the field towards evolving climate change adaptation policies, climate profiling of development investments, promoting energy efficient, low carbon growth and promotion of financial instruments for the poor and vulnerable, contributing to risk reduction.
g. An ecosystem based approach linking communities and ecosystems for developing climate resilient development strategies.
h. Promote integration of climate risks into development policies, plans and programmes and while doing so, a no-regrets approach to adaptation with co-benefits of development needs.
i. Enhance reciprocal knowledge exchange at different levels i.e., local, State, National and International level networks and partnerships with key organisations.

On-going Programmes
The domain at present has following on-going programmes:

• Partnership with Watershed Trust (WOTR) on Climate Change Adaptation
The overall objective of the collaboration is to have capacitated and empowered rural communities to effectively adapt to climate change impact and integrate disaster risk reduction strategies into development programmes. The project is being implemented in 25 villages in Ahmed Nagar District of Maharashtra by Watershed Trust (WOTR), with co-funding from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

• Sustainable Civil Society Initiatives to address Global Environmental Challenges
The aim of the project is to develop viable economic models for community groups vulnerable to climate change impact on sustainable community carbon clusters that promote adaptation and mitigation strategies for vulnerability reduction and promoting low carbon growth. The project area is Bundelkhand, covering selected districts in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The project is being implemented in partnership with Development Alternatives.

• Indo Swiss Collaboration in Biotechnology (ISCB)
The mandate of the programme is to develop biotechnological products and processes which have an impact on poverty reduction and sustainable management of natural resources in India. The programme aims to build capacities of Indian institutions and to promote research and development partnerships among Indian and Swiss institutions. The programme is being implemented under a scientific cooperation with the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India and involves a network of twenty five Indian and Swiss institutions.

Up-Coming Programmes
The following are the up-coming programmes under climate change adaptation:

• Climate Resilience through Risk Transfer (RES-RISK)
The overall goal of the RES-RISK project is to enhance climate resilience and promote adaptive capacities of the vulnerable through innovative risk transfer options and solutions, which are complimentary and supplementary to existing risk reduction measures. The project aims at designing a long term implementation programme for enhancing climate resilience through insurance solutions. It will also work towards strengthen enabling framework of policies and regulations for commercially viable solutions. Along with capacity building, it is essential to upscale and mainstream experiences in as local experiences can have implications globally.

• Indian Himalayas Climate Change Adaptation Programme (IHCAP)
The objective of the proposed programme is to strengthen the resilience of the vulnerable communities in the Himalayas and knowledge and capacities of research institutions, communities and decision makers are connected and enhanced. The programme aims at integrating science, community based climate resilient development, and contributing to existing national and state policy frameworks for improved action in the Indian Himalayas.