National Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change.

The National Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change is a cross-sectoral strategic document adopted by the Ministry of the Environment to respond to the broader goals set out in the adaptation strategy package approved by the European Commission in 2013, with the aim of making Europe better prepared to withstand existing and future climate impacts. This national strategy aims in particular at: (a) reducing risks that arise from climate change; (b) protecting public health; (c) preserving natural heritage; (d) maintaining and strengthening the resilience and adaptation capacity of natural, economic and social systems; (e) taking advantage of potential benefits that new climatic conditions may create.Annex 3 defines non-structural measures and actions to be undertaken. They encompass the following issues and subject areas: water resources; desertification; hydrogeological risks; maritime ecosystems; forest management; agriculture and food production; marine fisheries and aquaculture; coastal zone management; human health (including food safety); urban planning; hazardous industries; energy.The Strategy recognizes the impact of climate change on agriculture and thus food production. It defines measures and actions to be undertaken in order to make agriculture, forestry and fisheries more productive and sustainable. Some of these actions include crop varieties, diversification of production activities and irrigation (see Annex 3).Further the Strategy aims at making agricultural and food systems more inclusive and efficient. The main priority actions in this field concern animal and plant health, market information and analysis (see non-structural measures on agriculture and fisheries under Annex 3).The Strategy is focused on synergy needed between Disaster Risk Reduction and adaptation to climate change, within the context of sustainable development. The document stipulates that these issues are to be included in national development plans designed to combat poverty. In particular the Strategy aims at increasing the resilience of livelihoods to disasters. To this end, it will strengthen existing knowledge of climate change and its impacts; assess Italy's vulnerability, along with potential adaptation options for all existing natural and socio-economic systems; strengthen information on adaptation through improved communication regarding potential risks and hazards, as well as potential benefits that may arise from climate change; and identify instruments to define the best adaptation options, including potential co-benefits associated with them.The Strategy will be reviewed every five years in order to keep up to date with scientific progress and reflect the results of the monitoring processes enivisaged. The following two new bodies will be established under the auspices of the Ministry of the Environment: 1) a permanent forum that aims to promote citizen information, improve public knowledge of climate issues and improve public participation in decision-making processes; 2) a national observatory, which will establish territorial priorities and monitor the effectiveness of actions taken.