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Extensive participatory process ensured consideration of a broad range of interests in the development of NAS
Austria

Involvement of all affected stakeholders and the general public were considered essential for the Austrian policy process on climate change adaptation and requested by the Austrian Government Programme (2008-2013). Thus, as part of the development of Austria’s National Adaptation Strategy (with an integrated National Action Plan), a broad stakeholder involvement process was carried out from summer 2008 until summer 2011 by Environment Agency Austria. This process was crucial in order to raise awareness of the need for adaptation, gain acceptance from the various stakeholder groups involved as well as enhance the quality of the adaptation policy outcome. Within the process stakeholders had the opportunity to exchange their expertise and interests and had a platform to discuss potentially conflicting issues.

The main objective of the involvement process was to discuss with stakeholders (e.g. federal and provincial ministries or related institutions, interest groups and social/environmental NGOs) the adaptation options identified in a prior step by the scientific community. Discussions focused on topics such as responsibilities for implementation, financial resources, knowledge gaps and open research questions. The bigger part of the suggestions from the stakeholder participation process was included one-to-one in the NAS/NAP by the responsible Ministry.

More information on the Austrian Adaptation Portal: http://www.klimawandelanpassung.at.