PLACARD

Significant challenges exist towards strengthening the Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) communities for coherent, mutually reinforcing and pragmatic planning and action. PLACARD sought to support the coordination of these two communities.

PLACARD tackled current challenges by 1) providing a common ‘space’ where CCA and DRR communities can come together, share experiences and create opportunities for collaboration; 2) facilitating communication and knowledge exchange between both communities; and 3) supporting the coordination and coherence of CCA and DRR research, policy and practice.

PLACARD’s approach to achieving these goals was to establish a strong and operational network of networks by connecting to existing networks and boundary organisations, to foster dialogue among stakeholders (e.g. researchers, research funders, policymakers, practitioners) engaged in CCA and DRR at the international, European, national and sub-national scales. This overarching network enabled these communities to share knowledge, to discuss challenges and to jointly coproduce options to bridge the gaps they experience. It supported the development and implementation of a research and innovation agenda to make better use of research funding, as well as it developed guidelines to strengthen relevant institutions in their efforts to mainstream CCA and DRR. PLACARD evolved iteratively, learning from the different processes and experiences with the stakeholders, while being flexible and responsive to changing needs.

PLACARD was supported by an online platform that built upon and linked existing CCA and DRR platforms to streamline the dissemination and communication of CCA and DRR activities.

PLACARD met the following aims:

• Established a network of networks of CCA and DRR stakeholder groups and initiatives at the international, European, national and sub-national scales
• Created a common ‘space’ to facilitate dialogue and consultation among stakeholders and initiatives
• Designed effective science, policy and practice dialogues
• Took stock of the CCA and DRR decision-making context
• Facilitated and guided knowledge exchange and mobilization between CCA and DRR
• Strengthened CCA and DRR institutions and gave direction to policy-practice agendas
• Streamlined the dissemination and implementation of ongoing and evolving research and innovation activities on CCA and DRR across scales.

PLACARD approach was built on two main pillars: an interchange and connectivity hub; and on four key supporting elements: stocktaking of the decision-making context, knowledge brokerage, institutional strengthening, and evaluation, learning and legacy.

The ‘PLACARD Interchange’ was PLACARD’s connection with society and all of the associated research and political players working in the field of CCA and DRR. The “space” worked as a tool to disseminate research and innovation activities, as well as facilitate the exchange of knowledge between researchers, funders, policymakers and practitioners. The Interchange was at the heart of the PLACARD project results, where ideas and concepts were shaped and tested, knowledge exchanged and where synergies between CCA and DRR were explored and maximized.

Stocktaking of the decision-making context laid the ground for dialogues, assessment of gaps and barriers and identification of weak and strong links between research, policy and practice. Knowledge brokerage enhanced coherence by making an assessment of the fragmented knowledge in science, policy and practice within and between the CCA and DRR areas. The ‘institutional strengthening’ developed guidance to enhance policy coherence and improve institutional coordination at different governance and geographical scales. Promotion of foresight activities enabled a coordinated institutional response to future CCA and DRR research, policy and practice developments.

The evaluation, learning and legacy set out a framework for reflecting on PLACARD processes on a cyclical basis, enabling improvements and adjustments to be made to PLACARD throughout. It analysed and prepared a set of legacy options to ensure that the processes established and the knowledge generated last beyond the lifespan of the project. An online platform set the dissemination and communication plan. This complemented activities that were carried out in the PLACARD interchange, by working as a Connectivity Hub where information and knowledge were showcased and exchanged.

PLACARD was designed to contribute better coordination, dissemination and communication of research and innovation activities in CCA and DRR, and increase synergies between EU, Member State and international activities in these fields. PLACARD achieved these impacts by supporting the ambitious international and European strategies, plans and frameworks with the aim of bridging the gaps between CCA and DRR communities. PLACARD’s main outcomes were:

• Connectivity Hub: A “search and discovery” tool to help users find knowledge and organisations working on CCA and DRR issues.
• Foresight for policymakers: A comprehensive stocktake of foresight approaches employed across the CCA and DRR communities.
• Strengthening institutional coordination & capacity: Hands-on insights and policy advice to encourage activities to strengthen collaboration and capacity.
• PLACARD Manifesto & legacy: Adapting to extremes: Key insights for bridging CCA and DRR in the European Green Deal.
• Stories to inspire climate action: Through emotional connections created within a story, we can inspire people to think differently and more positively about difficult subjects.
• CCA, DRR & global agreements: Three reports highlight where taking adaptation and risk reduction activities into account could improve the outcomes of international agreements.
• ECCA 2019 – we need action now! The 4^th European Climate Change Adaptation conference highlighted the urgency of action on climate change, and research and practice gaps.
• Knowledge management & network analysis: Efficient information knowledge management and communication with your stakeholders are vital elements for successful practice.
• Participate! online course: Our online course teaches skills for facilitating CCA and DRR-related workshops, and suggestions for hosting

Find the project's other outputs, including policy briefs, visuals, and webinars on the PLACARD website.