strategic Framework

Respect: We operate with respect for partners, cultures, traditions and Indigenous knowledge systems.
Collaboration and reciprocity: We strive to build authentic, sustained and mutually beneficial collaborations and partnerships.
Co-production: We prioritize co-developing actionable science, underpinned by enduring partnerships.
Inclusivity: Justice, diversity, equity and inclusion are central to our work.
Scientific foundation: We believe that science plays a critical role in the development of lasting climate solutions.
Commitment: We are committed to seeking nature-based solutions to climate adaptation challenges, for the future wellbeing of our interconnected ecosystems, cultures, and communities.

Goals and Objectives

Goal: Conduct and support user-driven and solution-oriented research to address priority climate adaptation needs.

Develop a climate adaptation research agenda, led by the USGS, that addresses the knowledge needs of natural and cultural resource managers and Tribal partners.
Develop project solicitations that advance the research agenda.
Select and fund actionable science projects that align with the research agenda.
Engage in user-driven and solution-oriented research.

Goal: Build the capacity of early-career researchers and others in climate adaptation science and applications.

Leverage existing opportunities (e.g., workshops, funding proposals, symposia, etc.) to support training in co-development, research, science translation, partnership building, and other programs and initiatives.
Continue to strengthen the existing Natural Resources Workforce Development Fellowship program.

Goal: Increase integration of climate adaptation science into natural and cultural resource decision making

Communication and outreach: engage partners in multi-directional, iterative, respectful knowledge exchange and learning practices.
Collaboration: promote participation across disciplines, by practitioners as well as researchers, to facilitate knowledge co-development.
Decision-framing and context: work to ensure science products are grounded in cultural, economic, institutional, legal, political and temporal considerations to increase their management relevance.

Goal: Build, strengthen and maintain partnerships to co-develop knowledge for climate adaptation.

Prioritize early, frequent, ongoing, and inclusive engagement with partners.
Provide coordination capacity for ongoing partnership initiatives.
Convene and provide other opportunities to create new partnerships, and strengthen existing partnerships.
Deliberately and intentionally allocate resources to build, strengthen and maintain partnerships.
Use transparent and equitable decision-making processes to facilitate buy-in and co-ownership.
Respect the values and viewpoints of partners and strive for our organization and partners to come to a mutual understanding of one anothers' perspectives