Engaging stakeholders in global change risk and vulnerability planning: a case study of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region

Abstract

Understanding climatic changes and their possible impacts on society is essential in critical sectors in South Africa in order to improve strategic adaptation responses. The study presented here, based in the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region, aims to investigate and communicate the latest climate change projections, impacts and research to key stakeholders, thereby strengthening the science-practice dialogue in the region. The paper presents results from the three-stage stakeholder engagement procedure (mapping, questionnaire and workshops), which outline the key stakeholders identified in the region, their information usage and needs and their principal climate change concerns, as well as the adaptation strategies that are currently possible to undertake. Challenges to adaptation measures raised by the stakeholders are also reviewed. Climatic extremes, ecosystem impacts and the increased prevalence of diseases were highlighted as priority areas for adaptation. All participants agreed that targeting funding, as well as capacity, training and awareness, are required and that proper policy planning at the national, provincial and local levels could improve adaptive capacity.