Over the last 3 years, URPS has engaged in numerous adaptation planning exercises with communities and regions around South Australia, including developing 4 Adaptation Plans under the State Adaptation Framework. Each of these projects implemented innovative, values-based participatory practices to realise a stakeholder-centred approach to all aspects of assessing vulnerability to climate change impacts and deciding how to progress adaptation.

The approach is based on the notion (supported by research and practice) that people – their values, decisions and behaviour - are central to climate change adaptation. As such, the active involvement in adaptation planning of those who will need to adapt supports both meaningful action and development of practical adaptation measures.

Three case study examples from different communities around South Australia demonstrate how integrating stakeholder involvement into all aspects of an adaptation planning process can foster ownership and support for action, while adding robustness to understandings of vulnerability and commitment to adaptation decisions. Lessons learned in each project have contributed to ongoing refinement of the tools and methods used.

These experiences have linked contemporary concepts of how barriers to adaptation might be overcome with practice “on the ground” of working with diverse sectors and communities that have differing priorities and aspirations and various views about climate change. The outcomes have been at times exciting, reassuring and challenging, but overall demonstrate the value that integrated stakeholder involvement can bring to adaptation planning.