The Community-based Risk Screening Tool – Adaptation and Livelihoods focus on forests and ecosystems (CRiSTAL Forests) is a decision-support tool that helps project planners and managers design activities that support adaptation to climate variability and change in forest-dependent communities.

CRiSTAL Forests targets project planners and managers working at the local or community level. It relies on information collected from desk-based review and stakeholder consultations at the local level (community and other local experts) using participatory methods.

Key questions addressed:

• How could current and potential future climate hazards affect a project area, its forests, ecosystem services, and local livelihoods?
• How can communities respond to the current and potential direct and indirect impacts of climate hazards?
• Which ecosystem services are most affected by current climate hazards and which ones are most important for the response strategies?
• How do project activities affect access to, or availability of, critical ecosystem services?
• What project adjustments can be made to support climate adaptation and reduce climate risks?
• What is the potential of activities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and participate in REDD+ schemes?

Sample data inputs:

• Livelihood activities
• Forest characteristics
• Ecosystem services
• Current and potential climate change impacts
• Community responses to climate impacts

Sample quantitative outputs:

• Climate risks to ecosystems and livelihoods
• Proposed adjustments to existing projects
• Prioritized new activities to support climate adaptation
• Proposed actions for reducing greenhouse gases
• Preliminary assessment of requirements for REDD+ participation

Access The Community-based Risk Screening Tool – Adaptation and Livelihoods focus on forests and ecosystems (CRiSTAL Forests).

Resources:

CRiSTAL Forests user manual

CRiSTAL Forests case studies.