Adaptation Networks

Adaptation Networks

UMass Extension coordinates and connects a number of climate adaptation networks, and promotes capacity building for networks through outreach and education.

Networks and Peer-to-Peer Learning are critical for effective climate adaptation. Climate change is an urgent crisis and there is literally no time to reinvent the wheel with each initiative. It is also a complicated challenge that requires cross-sector collaboration to ensure co-benefits for people and nature. As such, it is essential to come together as communities of practice to share lessons learned and build on each other’s work to have any hope of responding and transforming quickly enough. Learn more here.

Massachusetts Ecosystem Climate Adaptation Network (Mass ECAN)

• Mass ECAN is a community of practice at the intersection of climate adaptation, ecosystem resilience and natural resources conservation. We represent 450+ practitioners and researchers from academia, conservation non-profits, businesses, and state, federal, regional, and local agencies. Our short-term goals are to build community, increase knowledge sharing, and foster collaboration on adaptation. Our long-term vision is to weave ecosystem resilience and natural resources conservation into climate adaptation actions across sectors. Mass ECAN builds community in many ways, including through our resource-building monthly newsletter, affiliated expert work groups, and annual events.
• We have created a space for affiliated ad-hoc expert work groups that can form around climate change adaptation initiatives and needs. Group topics reflect areas that require collaboration and sharing of expertise across organizations to be successful. Work groups are made up of experts who are actively working on the topic and are led by 1-2 representative(s) from active organizations. Currently, there are six expert work groups affiliated with Mass ECAN: Salt Marsh, Southern New England Forests, Slow the Flow (rivers and watersheds), Climate Communications, and Mainstreaming Nature Based Solutions. Each work group decides what to tackle based on the current state of adaptation science and practice on their topic.

Network of Networks

• This community of practice is affiliated with the American Society of Adaptation Professionals (ASAP). This group is for those who coordinate and lead existing climate adaptation networks, collaboratives, and groups across the country to share ideas and benefit from a supportive community of peers. The group promotes knowledge exchange and sharing of adaptation network-related lessons learned, professional development, and collaboration.