ARA Mission & Foundation

The Adaptation Research Alliance (ARA) is a global collaborative to catalyse increased investment and capacity for action-oriented research that supports effective adaptation to climate change, primarily in the Global South, at the scale and urgency demanded by the science.

Goals of the ARA

The mission of the ARA is detailed in its Concept Note and Theory of Change. Namely, the Alliance works to accelerate and scale investments in action-oriented research in developing countries.

Specifically, it seeks to support research that addresses the pressing knowledge needs for adaptation and resilience of the most vulnerable, build capacity at all stages from research to action, strengthen research implementation linkages, and promote greater learning.

The ARA will deliver on its mission by conducting activities spanning three strategic functions:

• Advocacy
• Research planning and cooperation
• Resource mobilisation and delivery

Why was the ARA formed?

Action-oriented research is an iterative process of transdisciplinary and co-produced knowledge that is usable in practice, outcome-focused and demand-driven. It creates equitable partnerships between stakeholders and researchers, builds capacity, and enhances the resilience of those most vulnerable to current and future climate risks.

However, the current scope and scale of action-oriented research are insufficient to address the magnitude and urgency of actions needed across sectors. There is an inadequate, concerted effort to fund the research needed to build climate-resilient futures.

The ARA seeks to redress this situation, seizing the opportunity to strengthen coordination and scale up investments in action-oriented research to enable the achievement of our societal goals under a changing climate, with a particular focus on developing countries.

Related Resources

• ARA Gobeshona Declaration
• Adaptation Research for Impact Principles
• Adaptation Research Alliance: European Consultation Workshop