Introduction to MEL in NAP Processes Key Concepts.pptx

Introduction to Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) in NAP processes

1. Introduction to MEL for NAP processes: Key concepts Presentation Ha Long, Vietnam September 10-12, 2024

2. Adaptation is a learning process in itself. The aim of a MEL system is to provide a structured approach to monitor progress, evaluate results, and facilitate learning for NAP processes and their activities to effectively achieve their intended results. The different activities that countries undertake under monitoring, evaluation, and learning are closely connected. There is a need to change perspectives about the role of M&E towards learning rather than primarily on accountability. Source: Beauchamp et al. (2024). Toolkit on MEL for NAP processes How to define MEL for NAP processes?

3. How to define MEL for NAP processes? MEL occurs to both a distinct phase and a dedicated set of activities throughout the adaptation process. Monitoring and evaluation must be embedded in learning throughout the NAP process 

4. Why are MEL systems for NAP processes important? Adaptation Committee National MEL systems lay the foundation for effective, inclusive and transformative adaptation processes . Understanding the effectiveness of NAP processes Enhancing efficiency Improving adaptive management and mutual accountability Mobilizing domestic, international, public, and private finance Strengthening equity

5. National MEL systems also play a critical role in informing collective progress on adaptation The UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience sets a target focused on MEL: ” By 2030 all Parties have designed, established and operationalized a system for monitoring, evaluation and learning for their national adaptation efforts and have built the required institutional capacity to fully implement the system. ”

6. What is MEL for NAP processes..? Adaptation is an ongoing process that requires learning to manage climate risks and to effectively adapt to impacts that intensify more rapidly and become harder to predict. MEL systems are critical for NAP processes to be adaptative and responsive to changes in contexts, intensifying climate risks, and new information and understanding.

7. Status of MEL systems in August 2022 (n= 38 NAPs) The number of countries doing MEL for their NAP processes has increased over 40% between 2017-21. (Leiter, 2021) Data from NAP Trends show an increase between 2022-24 in: + 16% in NAPs with MEL systems + 10% in NAPs with indicators + 10% in NAPs with commitments to progress reporting Status of MEL systems in July 2024 (n= 56 NAPs) https://trends.napglobalnetwork.org/ What is the status of MEL across NAP documents today?

8. Defining monitoring Monitoring is the ongoing collection and analysis of information to track the progress of NAP processes.  Monitoring is the systematic gathering of real-time information to check if activities are being carried out as planned, resources are utilized effectively, and progress is being made toward stated goals of the NAP processes. It involves continuous data collection, observation, and documentation to identify trends and any deviations from the planned course to take corrective action when necessary.  

9. Defining evaluation Evaluations occur at strategic points throughout the NAP process to assess the performance of an intervention.  Monitoring data, additional sources and new evidence is collected to determine the performance or success of a time-bound intervention, as per its stated goals. Whereas monitoring looks at trends, evaluation involves a more comprehensive and in-depth analysis of specific performance-related criteria—such as the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, impact, and sustainability of the initiative. 

10. Defining learning Learning is an ongoing process throughout the MEL cycle and the NAP process. Learning is the process of acquiring and sharing new information and knowledge on adaptation leading to changes in beliefs, practices, behaviours , and policies. M&E activities should intentionally generate lessons on adaptation—for example, about how, why, and if activities are successfully reducing vulnerabilities to climate change. Learning enables adaptative changes during and between NAP cycles, enabling policy-makers to modify their strategies when evidence about new conditions emerges or when contexts change. ***We also recognize that learning can (and should) be shared outside of the MEL process.  

11. Leadership sets the tone for accountability and strategic alignment with national adaptation goals. Institutional arrangements are the structures and processes that enable effective coordination and collaboration among various stakeholders involved in MEL. Engagement with a broad range of stakeholders, including local communities, civil society, and the private sector, ensures diverse perspectives and knowledge are captured. Skills and capacities to develop and sustaining the necessary skills and capacities among MEL practitioners and stakeholders is essential for the effective implementation of MEL activities Data, knowledge, and communications are the foundation of effective MEL systems: the availability and quality of data and the management of knowledge are crucial. Finance, securing and managing funds effectively is crucial for the sustainability of MEL activities. The role of enabling factors learning A strong enabling environment is also critical for developing and strengthening MEL systems for NAP processes. Deep dive on this in the afternoon!

12. MEL systems for NAP processes should systematically integrating GESI considerations to ensure that adaptation actions address the root causes of inequality and aim for systemic change. Ensuring that GESI is reflected in key elements such as the purpose, targets, and indicators, including use of disaggregated data (by gender, age, ability, etc.) wherever relevant. Thinking of GESI considerations in MEL processes: establishing diverse teams that reflect a range of perspectives, undertaking gender and social analysis, incorporating participatory approaches and qualitative methods that can capture differentiated outcomes for different groups. Integrating gender equality and social inclusion considerations in MEL for NAP processes While most countries reviewed actively recognize the importance of GESI in adaptation planning and MEL, very few countries (e.g.: Kenya and Vietnam) have GESI-specific indicators within their MEL systems.

13. Vertical integration in MEL systems for NAP processes requires coordination between actors at local, subnational, and national levels. Local authorities, subnational governments, and central government’s agencies that operate across levels should be involved in the development of multilevel MEL systems to enhance ownership and to incorporate existing resources and information from subnational levels and diverse actors Horizontal integration in MEL systems for NAP processes involves consolidating information across ministries, departments and agencies that operate in different policy areas and sectors, as well as with other non-governmental actors when relevant. Designing vertical and horizontal integration in MEL for NAP processes

14. But MEL systems for adaptation must be contextual and nationally / locally owned to be effective You cannot copy/paste a MEL system from a country to the other, nor apply top-down indicators without contextualization. Countries must follow the phases of their NAP processes to identify which priorities, sectors, actions – which their MEL system must track and assess.

15. Unveiling the Toolkit for MEL for NAP Processes  The toolkit acknowledges critical realities of countries. Countries start working on their MEL systems at different phases of the NAP process… there is rarely nothing in place!  We provide easy and navigable links between sections for the readers to read according to their starting point(s). Countries have different levels of capacities and resources We provide a comprehensive pictures of what MEL systems can comprise… countries must contextualize to their priorities and capacities – not all compulsory! Structure: 19 sub-actions with guidance + additional resources.  33+ practical examples and country case studies included. Key resources from peer organizations and initiatives.

16. Good practices: Using simplicity to navigate tensions between robustness and feasibility in MEL systems All countries have some data on adaptation. All countries are continuously improving their MEL systems for adaptation. All countries nonetheless struggle to collate, coordinate, analyze, report, and learn…. Always build on existing systems and initiatives! Clarify the purposes and objectives of your MEL system from the start Be boldly pragmatic: use a phased approach(es) - whether regional, sectoral, vertically integrated, time bound. Start small, pilot, scale up. Start planning and implementing your MEL system from the onset of your adaptation planning. Budget MEL as an activity as part of your NAP processes, not as an aside. Your MEL system must go beyond project or strategy time frames to assess outcomes and impacts.

17. Download the toolkit for MEL for NAP processes 

18. Next steps Deep dives into key topics, e.g.: progress reporting, evaluations, data platforms Development of an online course: launch early 2025 Review of the toolkit every 2-3 years to stay on up-to-date Ongoing peer learning and trainings: developing our peer learning cohort!! Your feedback and comments always welcome! Next steps..

19. Gracias! Email: [email protected] Website: www.napglobalnetwork.org @ NAP_Network NAP Global Network National Adaptation Plan Global Network