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A comprehensive review of the available literature
was complemented by the systematic involvement
of governmental experts. Through their direct
participation and continuous feedback, including
via questionnaires and review mechanisms, data
and information was collected on sectoral and
adaptation policies in the Western Balkans.
Information, data and institutional gaps preventing
a proper policy assessment have been identified,
including:
• Lack of (accessible) data and information on
actual implementation, outcomes and bottlenecks
of existing policies
• Limited institutional capacities to provide
specific data and information at the national or
subnational level
• Poor monitoring and evaluation of existing policies.
In fact, information on policies is sparse. Even
when it is available, adaptation considerations are
often still inexistent or very basic. With respect to
integrating adaptation into policies, there is a need
to improve policy performance evaluation, and
to agree on expected outcomes from policy focus
areas by defining quantitative indicators to monitor
progress against the objectives.
In only a very few cases were assessments of national
performances available, such as the National
Capacity Self-Assessment for Global Environment
Management – providing an overview of challenges
and opportunities in relation to the three Rio
conventions – which was developed by all Western
Balkan countries except Kosovo.
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Information, data and institutional gaps
Improving the quality of information on adaptation and
access to information remains essential. As a first step,
Western Balkan countries should start sharing their
progress in terms of adaptation on the EuropeanClimate
AdaptationPlatform, Climate-ADAPT, andmake full use
of the resources available online, including an Adaptation
Support Tool and Case Study Search tool designed to
improve the knowledge base of policymakers.
Mountain village in Bosnia and Herzegovina