Enhancing urban water resilience through national adaptation plans and strategies

Urban water resilience is vital for climate adaptation, as cities face growing risks from flooding, drought, and water pollution. National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and National Adaptation Strategies (NASs) provide key frameworks for embedding water resilience into policy, but implementation is often fragmented due to weak coordination across governance levels. While some countries have detailed urban water strategies, others include only brief mentions, reflecting policy gaps. Research shows just 36% of countries have vertical coordination mechanisms, and only 32% have subnational adaptation plans—highlighting a major disconnect between national and local efforts. Strengthening multilevel governance, engaging stakeholders—such as private sector actors, civil society, and local communities—and increasing support for municipalities is essential for effective water resilience. This study uses a qualitative approach to examine how NAPs and NASs integrate urban water resilience, based on a review of policy documents, literature, and case studies, along with stakeholder insights. It assesses how these frameworks address urban water challenges and the role of governance mechanisms. Key questions include how local water management is incorporated, the alignment between national and local actions, and stakeholder involvement in policy development and execution. Case studies from Colombia, Egypt, and Indonesia offer varied perspectives. Colombia uses its National Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change (PNACC) and National Development Plan (PND) to integrate adaptation into planning at multiple levels, supported by sectoral and territorial plans. Egypt focuses on national frameworks like the National Climate Change Strategy (NCCS 2050) and National Water Resources Plan (NWRP 2037), while also implementing local measures such as Alexandria’s flood initiatives. However, coordination challenges persist, especially around financing and institutional capacity. Indonesia aligns national and local strategies through a comprehensive framework, including pilot projects and funding tools like the Special Allocation Fund (DAK). Still, resource inequalities hamper implementation, with poorer regions lacking capacity. The findings underscore the need for stronger multilevel governance, aligned financing, and inclusive policy processes to close the gap between national strategies and local adaptation. Enhancing collaboration, investing in capacity-building, and integrating water strategies into urban planning will boost cities' resilience and promote adaptive water governance at all levels.