kill and Knowledge Gaps in Climate Change Adaptation: A Case of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Climate Change is a contemporary issue discussed in many policy documents and global-level forums due to its significant impacts on the built environment. Therefore, while the implementation of all types of climate adaptation measures is a timely need, it is questionable whether built environment stakeholders and professionals are equipped sufficiently to execute Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) measures. This study aims to (a) identify key built environment stakeholders in Sri Lanka from all relevant fields (b) identify key challenges faced by them (c) identify key skill and knowledge gaps that hinder CCA and (d) propose a competency framework to address the said skill gaps. Key built environment stakeholders were identified through a secondary data review. Primary data was collected by employing a semi-structured interview with 40 purposively selected built environment experts. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings were validated through a focus group discussion. The study identified five major built environment stakeholders including the state and private sector, Non-Government Organizations, academia, and the public that work towards CCA. Each stakeholder faces different personal and organizational challenges including complications created by bureaucratic red tape, lack of resources, uncompetitive and inadequate remuneration in the state sector, lack of training opportunities, and political interference. In addition, there are key knowledge gaps in climate change mitigation and adaptation, research and investigation, and skill gaps in communication, technology, language, etc. The paper proposes a competency framework with three major tiers for all built environment practitioners, aimed at addressing these gaps as the seventh output of the project.