Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) is a relatively new field, and to date the implementation of adaptation measures has been limited. This places even greater emphasis on understanding what works (or not), when, where, how, and why. Monitoring and evaluation can play a central role in this process. This paper distills key lessons from some of the most important contemporary CCA evaluation initiatives from across the globe, including projects and programmes in Africa, Asia and Europe. We consider findings from evaluation practice in different adaptation contexts, from major international programmes, to community-based adaptation and ecosystem-based approaches.

This leads us to consider two questions 1) What do these emerging lessons mean for adaptation M&E practice in Australia and elsewhere? and 2) what are the key challenges that must be addressed to maximise the effectiveness of monitoring and evaluation?

Our response focuses on:

• The significance of perceptions, values and context
• The practical application of tools and methods
• Use of evaluation research to inform policy and practice