The Vulnerability Sourcebook

The Vulnerability Sourcebook is targeted at governmental and non-governmental organisations and aims to support their efforts to substantiate and enhance adaptation and development planning. The document is of interest to institutions that are engaged in activities at the intersection of climate change and sustainable development.
In particular, it could be of particular interest to technical and adaptation experts looking for an effective adaptation planning tool. Building on the approach developed by Germany’s ‘Vulnerability Network’ for assessing domestic vulnerability across different sectors at various administrative levels in Germany, the Vulnerability Sourcebook offers a practical and scientifically sound methodological approach to vulnerability assessments and their application for monitoring and evaluation of adaptation. It is illustrated with examples and lessons learned from pilot applications in Bolivia, Pakistan, Burundi and Mozambique. It thus offers a compendium of practical and scientific knowledge on vulnerability assessments.
In particular, the Vulnerability Sourcebook provides a standardised approach to vulnerability assessments covering a broad range of sectors and topics (e.g. water sector, agriculture, fisheries, different ecosystems) as well as different spatial levels (community, subnational, national) and time horizons (e.g. current vulnerability or vulnerability in the medium to long term).
The Vulnerability Sourcebook also offers step-by-step guidance for designing and implementing a vulnerability assessment which covers the entire life cycle of adaptation interventions, using consistent methods proven on the ground.