Abstract

This study modifies the IUCN's (2010) Framework for Social Adaptation to Climate Change: Sustaining Tropical Coastal Communities and Industries. It assesses resource dependency to evaluate the adaptive capacity of Dominican Republic coastal communities to adapt to climate variability. It focuses on both direct and indirect marine resource users/dependents and considers their vulnerability to climate change. The capacity of natural-resource dependent communities to adapt to unavoidable climate impacts requires immediate attention because global changes in climate patterns alter the accessibility, quality, and availability of natural resources. This impacts social and economic systems. This study utilizes a survey method to assess this capacity at the individual and household levels in Dominican coastal communities. This study focuses on the impacts to communities as integrated systems of individuals with diverse livelihoods that rely on natural resources either directly (e.g. fishers, tour operators) or indirectly (e.g. restaurateurs, hoteliers, shop keepers). Social, economic, and environmental characteristics determine the capacity to cope with, adapt to, and take advantage of climate variability. This study measures these indicators.

PDF Preview