Stories of resilience: lessons from local adaptation practice

This report examines how climate adaptation becomes more effective when it is driven from the local level. Rather than treating communities as passive recipients of externally designed solutions, the report argues that individuals, households, and local governments are best positioned to define what resilience means in their own contexts. It draws on case studies covering topics such as smallholder farmers, informal workers, local finance mechanisms, and humanitarian localization to build a practical case for locally led adaptation (LLA).

The findings show that current adaptation approaches are largely top-down, fragmented, and struggle to channel finance to where it is most needed. It promotes eight Principles for Locally Led Adaptation, emphasizing devolved decision-making, inclusive participation of marginalized groups, flexible and predictable funding, and locally grounded knowledge. It also highlights a significant financing gap — estimated at USD 187–359 billion annually — and calls on inclusive financial service providers, the private sector, and philanthropy to complement public finance. Ultimately, the report concludes that when communities are equipped with the right tools, resources, and support, they can lead adaptation efforts that deliver lasting resilience at the frontlines of climate change.