USAID/ICMA Planning for Climate Adaptation Program – Quarterly Report October to December 2016

The program is implemented by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) in partnership with the Federación Dominicana de Municipios (FEDOMU), Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC), and ICF Incorporated, LLC. The program's primary focus is on supporting municipalities in developing and implementing climate-resilient land-use plans. This involves conducting territorial analyses, identifying climate vulnerabilities, and developing adaptation measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The program also aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of municipalities to address climate change through training and technical assistance. During the October to December 2016 reporting period, significant progress was made in the program's implementation. In San Pedro de Macorís, the municipality advanced further in program implementation, with the support of program staff. San Pedro de Macorís conducted an adaptation planning workshop to identify adaptation measures that respond to its key vulnerabilities. The municipality's Municipal Development Plan (PMD) was also updated to incorporate climate change and sustainable land-use planning considerations. In Las Terrenas, the Draft Territorial Analysis was completed, and the council members approved a resolution prioritizing land-use planning best practices inclusive of climate change adaptation and citizen participation processes. Mayor Alex García presented the Territorial Analysis results to the municipality, marking a significant moment for his government. In the National District and Santiago, technical offices are still in the process of being reorganized, with changes in staff and leadership. Program staff worked with the technical teams in these municipalities to complete the Territorial Analysis, with significant but slow progress. Implementing partner INTEC launched the next round of university certificate courses with the participation of staff from target municipalities, plus FEDOMU, DGODT, Ministry of Environment, Council on Climate Change, Ministry of Public Administration, Ministry of Tourism, and representatives from NGOs that were awarded small grants by the program. The relationship between Las Terrenas and the City of Miami Beach, Florida was formalized during November, and collaboration began with a visit to Las Terrenas in December. ICMA Program Specialists continued their efforts to increase institutional capacity to address and mainstream Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) into land-use planning by drafting a manual with guidelines for conducting climate vulnerability assessments. Three of the five small grants awarded the previous quarter were launched during this reporting period, with presentations made in Santiago and Las Terrenas. Activities to strengthen the institutional capacity of FEDOMU to replicate and scale-up program activities were held at FEDOMU's headquarters, with FEDOMU staff trained on conducting climate vulnerability assessments. The program's progress is reflected in the increased institutional capacity of municipalities to address climate change, the development of climate-resilient land-use plans, and the strengthening of partnerships with implementing partners and stakeholders.