instance, floodplain maps have been updated in some parts of the region and localities, but not in others. The same is true for GIS layers. Internal assessments will help cities determine what information they need to obtain in the short term so that they can engage in long term planning.

It also is important to understand the adaptive capacity of municipalities. Adaptive capacity in this context refers to the ability of a city to prepare for or respond to the impacts of climate change. Drawing on ideas advanced in the literature, in light of case studies of successful and failed adaptation efforts, indicators of urban adaptive capacity should be developed and assessments conducted across relevant municipal agencies. Agency responses could then be integrated into a “government scorecard” so that urban municipalities will have an overview of their strengths and limits. This activity also would enhance climate awareness while increasing peer pressure among municipalities. A report card also will provide comparable information to the national government as well as the international community, enabling both to tailor their TA and capacity building efforts.

In addition to understanding general patterns of risk, it also is essential to asses where vulnerable subpopulations are located and what steps can be taken to reduce their risk. Existing maps can be used to identify populations located, for instance, in high risk coastal zones, flood plains, and erosion prone areas, as well as in locales that could be affected by contaminated flood waters. In the long run, GIS mapping is essential to answering this question. The stated policies of many countries include provisions for the welfare of citizens. While it appears that safety nets are in place in most of ECA countries, a related issue that needs to be addressed in this context is whether these provisions are being evenly applied across the entire population or whether institutional inequities have resulted in unequal access to services and other state-provisions.

Few systematic studies have been conducted of adaptation planning in the region. It would be helpful to gauge what is driving municipalities to initiate climate adaptation planning, how they vary from one country and city to the next, and what accounts for this variation. Assessments, drawing on surveys and interviews, should be conducted across municipal agencies and at multiple levels of administration in countries throughout the region to understand what factors drive or impede climate adaptation efforts. This information will provide insight into whether mandates are required to foster action, what capacity levels and needs are present, whether innovations and independent action are taking place, and how best to integrate adaptation into existing agency agendas.

Once adaptation activities have been identified, it will be possible to determine which have been most successful and what problems have been encountered. Qualitative assessments, followed by the dissemination of innovative practices and accomplishments, will provide information that municipalities throughout the region can use to inform their climate adaptation efforts. These assessments not only should examine high profile situations such as the accomplishments of early adopters, or the gains achieved in exceptional cases, but also should provide information about demonstration projects and routine innovations. This will ensure that agencies and officials have access to information about different approaches to 24