Prioritizing climate change adaptation options : Application of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) with stakeholder participation in water resources management

Abstract

The complexity and uncertainty of climate change and differing stakeholder interests present substantial challenges to prioritization in adaptation strategies. Given that priorities can vary widely based on stakeholder composition and the selected adaptation measures, decision-making methodologies must possess the flexibility to accommodate these differences. With its multidisciplinary nature and diverse stakeholder involvement, water resources management requires comprehensive and integrated methods for rational priority-setting. This study assembled expert groups, including municipalities and civic organizations, to form a governance system. Trustworthy adaptation policy priorities were subsequently derived from this governance system's evaluation results. Recognizing that priority outcomes may differ across groups, we applied the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) method. The application of TOPSIS within governance offers a variety of flexible priority options, surpassing the limitations of a single top priority, and allows decision-makers to adapt their choices to both national and local contexts. While survey-derived priorities may differ based on stakeholder composition, this approach allows for developing plans that reflect the urgency of regionally tailored policies. Our findings offer a foundation for understanding each priority's significance.