The 6As of Adaptation for environmental management

The 6As of Adaptation (6As) supports land and water managers across New South Wales to plan, implement and review climate-adapted environmental management. It provides a shared, practical way to understand how adaptation works, while allowing flexibility in how it is applied across different environments and governance contexts.

The framework is guided by the practice of caring for Country, informed by values and responsive to change. It recognises that climate change is already affecting land and water systems and that environmental management must evolve to protect what matters most now and into the future.

The 6As are a flexible checklist. In practice, stages may be revisited, combined or progressed in different orders depending on context, scale and capacity. However, effective adaptation still requires a clear understanding of values, climate risks and desired future conditions before selecting or implementing actions.

Rather than prescribing a single method or set of tools, the 6As describe the conditions that support effective climate-adapted environmental management.

This page explains each stage of the framework. Environment-specific pages apply the same structure in more detail for particular systems such as coasts, soils, and estuaries environments.

The 6As of Adaptation for environmental management

Awareness
Access
Analyse
Act
Assess
Advocate

Recognise the climate challenge and understand your context

Awareness is the starting point for climate-adapted environmental management. It establishes a shared understanding of the climate change challenge by clarifying the key climate pressures affecting a site or system, the ecological, cultural, social and economic values at stake, and the organisational context in which decisions will be made. This stage defines the purpose, scope and limits of the adaptation effort, including what is realistically within an organisation’s influence, and surfaces potential tensions between values where not all can be protected under future climate conditions. By setting clear parameters for later analysis and action, Awareness ensures that subsequent decisions are focused, feasible and aligned with responsibilities.

What this stage typically involves

Gaining a broad understanding of current and emerging climate change impacts relevant to the site or system. This may include spending time observing and interacting with the site, drawing on existing site knowledge, past observations and local climate trends.
Identifying the values you want to protect or restore. Often this can be done in conjunction with key decision-makers, landholders, community groups and as well as local Aboriginal groups (such as Elders, fishers’ groups and Native Title owners) to gain a complete understanding of the site’s values.
Reviewing relevant policies, legislation and regulatory frameworks that shape what adaptation is required or permitted.
Assessing your organisation’s ambition, adaptive capacity and authority to act, and building understanding or support among decision-makers where needed.
Defining the scope of the adaptation effort, including what is in or out of scope, key stakeholders, available resources and realistic influence.

Identify the data, resources and knowledge that you’ll need

Access is the stage where the evidence base and enabling resources for adaptation are assembled. It identifies and brings together the climate data, site information, knowledge systems, relationships and resources needed to understand risks and support sound decision-making. By addressing information gaps early and drawing on credible sources and lived experience, this stage reduces uncertainty and rework later in the process, strengthening readiness for risk analysis and planning.

What this stage typically involves

Identifying the information sources, knowledge and evidence needed to understand climate risks to values, including site‑specific values, climate data, condition information, and relevant local experience.
Gathering information on social, cultural, ecological and economic values, drawing on multiple knowledge systems, targeted stakeholder engagement and existing datasets.
Understanding the site’s condition by reviewing monitoring data, historical records, on‑site surveys and recent research, and where applicable, engaging with local First Nations knowledge holders to extend understanding into the deep past. Selecting condition indicators that reflect the key values you want to protect.
Accessing credible climate information, including observed trends and projections of the type, frequency and intensity of future risks appropriate to the site, scale and decision timeframe.
Reviewing different climate risk assessment approaches, including those that incorporate cultural perspectives and practices, and drawing on relevant case studies, tools and decision‑support resources to inform later analysis and action.
Scoping funding sources, partnerships and other resources required to support adaptation planning and delivery.
Identifying critical knowledge, capacity or data gaps and determining how these will be addressed within current constraints.

Understand climate risks to values

Analyse is the stage where climate risks to values are systematically examined using evidence, scenarios and knowledge of place. It translates information into insight by assessing vulnerabilities, adaptive capacity and the timing and severity of risks under current and future climate conditions. This stage clarifies which values are most at risk, where intervention is most needed, and what climate-appropriate future conditions adaptation should work toward. In many contexts, analysis will indicate that some values can be maintained or restored, while others may need to be transformed, relocated or allowed to decline, providing a sound basis for prioritising action.

What this stage typically involves

Confirming and refining the values identified earlier, including their relative importance and sensitivity to climate change. This can be done with stakeholder input including from local residents, landholders/users, subject‑matter experts, your organisation, and local First Nations people.
Assessing the current condition of the site and determining the baseline against which change can be measured.
Defining a climate-appropriate future condition that reflects projected climate impacts rather than historical states alone.
Analysing current and projected climate trends and considering site context (e.g. degradation, resilience) to understand how different risks may affect values over time.
Identifying and prioritising climate risks based on their likelihood, severity, timing and consequences for values.
Using appropriate analytical tools and methods to support risk assessment and decision-making, proportionate to the context and scale of the project.

Identify, prioritise and implement adaptation actions

Act is the stage where analysis is translated into delivery. It defines how priority climate risks will be addressed through practical, feasible actions aligned with values, policy settings and long-term outcomes. This stage supports informed choices about timing, sequencing and pathways, including where protection or restoration is possible and where transformation, relocation or acceptance of change is required. By embedding adaptation actions into routine land and water management, the Act stage ensures that responses are implemented, resourced and able to evolve as conditions change.

What this stage typically involves

Identifying adaptation actions that directly respond to priority climate risks and support the desired future condition.
Prioritising actions based on their effectiveness, feasibility, alignment with values, cost of implementation, available resources and relevant policy or legislative settings.
Considering where values can be protected or restored in place, and where transformation, relocation, documentation of cultural or social assets or acceptance of change may be required.
Establishing clear triggers, thresholds and pathways to guide when actions should start, change, scale or stop as conditions evolve and where applicable, working with stakeholder groups, including Aboriginal knowledge holders, to incorporate seasonal calendars and cultural indicators into the timing and sequencing of actions.
Developing a realistic implementation plan, including timelines, responsibilities, resourcing and delivery arrangements, and the triggers that will initiate or modify actions.
Securing funding, personnel and partnerships to support implementation, including opportunities through NSW Government grants, programs, community organisations, local businesses and philanthropic groups, recognising that multiple funding streams may be needed across different components of the work.
Integrating approved adaptation actions into routine land and water management practices.

Monitor and review your progress

Assess is the stage where change and effectiveness are tracked over time to understand whether adaptation actions are achieving their intended outcomes. It supports adaptive management by testing assumptions, generating evidence and informing deliberate decisions to adjust, replace or cease actions as environmental conditions, knowledge and priorities evolve. Through monitoring, review and learning, this stage ensures that adaptation remains responsive rather than static.

What this stage typically involves

Monitoring agreed indicators to track changes in site condition, values and climate impacts over time, and where applicable, drawing on both scientific metrics and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) to detect early and subtle signals of environmental change.
Assessing whether adaptation actions are effective relative to the baseline and desired future condition, and recognising that in some situations success may be defined by maintaining healthy Country and supporting adaptive capacity, rather than achieving a fixed end goal.
Using predefined triggers and thresholds to determine when actions need to be adjusted, scaled, replaced or ceased as conditions evolve.
Reviewing assumptions, evidence and priorities as new information or as environmental and climatic conditions change.
Applying lessons learned to refine actions and inform future adaptation decisions.

Share outcomes and learnings

Advocate is the stage where learning from adaptation is shared beyond individual projects or sites to support broader capacity and system-level change. It focuses on translating experience into knowledge that can influence practice, strengthen networks and embed climate adaptation into organisational, sector-wide and policy settings. By sharing outcomes, recognising partnerships and contributing to wider conversations, this stage extends the impact of adaptation and supports long-term integration into decision-making.

What this stage typically involves

Regularly documenting and sharing outcomes, challenges and lessons from adaptation actions in formats that can be easily communicated, reused and applied by others.
Sharing experiences and learning with peers, stakeholders, local communities and networks to raise awareness of climate‑adapted management and support others undertaking similar adaptation work.
Recognising and supporting the contributions of First Nations knowledge holders and other partners involved in the work.
Promoting the integration of climate adaptation into organisational systems, planning, budgets and decision-making.
Advocating for fair, long‑term adaptation across your sector by contributing to policy, planning and budget processes at local, sector‑wide and systemic levels.

Awareness

Recognise the climate challenge and understand your context

What this stage typically involves

Gaining a broad understanding of current and emerging climate change impacts relevant to the site or system. This may include spending time observing and interacting with the site, drawing on existing site knowledge, past observations and local climate trends.
Identifying the values you want to protect or restore. Often this can be done in conjunction with key decision-makers, landholders, community groups and as well as local Aboriginal groups (such as Elders, fishers’ groups and Native Title owners) to gain a complete understanding of the site’s values.
Reviewing relevant policies, legislation and regulatory frameworks that shape what adaptation is required or permitted.
Assessing your organisation’s ambition, adaptive capacity and authority to act, and building understanding or support among decision-makers where needed.
Defining the scope of the adaptation effort, including what is in or out of scope, key stakeholders, available resources and realistic influence.

Access

Identify the data, resources and knowledge that you’ll need

What this stage typically involves

Identifying the information sources, knowledge and evidence needed to understand climate risks to values, including site‑specific values, climate data, condition information, and relevant local experience.
Gathering information on social, cultural, ecological and economic values, drawing on multiple knowledge systems, targeted stakeholder engagement and existing datasets.
Understanding the site’s condition by reviewing monitoring data, historical records, on‑site surveys and recent research, and where applicable, engaging with local First Nations knowledge holders to extend understanding into the deep past. Selecting condition indicators that reflect the key values you want to protect.
Accessing credible climate information, including observed trends and projections of the type, frequency and intensity of future risks appropriate to the site, scale and decision timeframe.
Reviewing different climate risk assessment approaches, including those that incorporate cultural perspectives and practices, and drawing on relevant case studies, tools and decision‑support resources to inform later analysis and action.
Scoping funding sources, partnerships and other resources required to support adaptation planning and delivery.
Identifying critical knowledge, capacity or data gaps and determining how these will be addressed within current constraints.

Analyse

Understand climate risks to values

What this stage typically involves

Confirming and refining the values identified earlier, including their relative importance and sensitivity to climate change. This can be done with stakeholder input including from local residents, landholders/users, subject‑matter experts, your organisation, and local First Nations people.
Assessing the current condition of the site and determining the baseline against which change can be measured.
Defining a climate-appropriate future condition that reflects projected climate impacts rather than historical states alone.
Analysing current and projected climate trends and considering site context (e.g. degradation, resilience) to understand how different risks may affect values over time.
Identifying and prioritising climate risks based on their likelihood, severity, timing and consequences for values.
Using appropriate analytical tools and methods to support risk assessment and decision-making, proportionate to the context and scale of the project.

Act

Identify, prioritise and implement adaptation actions

What this stage typically involves

Identifying adaptation actions that directly respond to priority climate risks and support the desired future condition.
Prioritising actions based on their effectiveness, feasibility, alignment with values, cost of implementation, available resources and relevant policy or legislative settings.
Considering where values can be protected or restored in place, and where transformation, relocation, documentation of cultural or social assets or acceptance of change may be required.
Establishing clear triggers, thresholds and pathways to guide when actions should start, change, scale or stop as conditions evolve and where applicable, working with stakeholder groups, including Aboriginal knowledge holders, to incorporate seasonal calendars and cultural indicators into the timing and sequencing of actions.
Developing a realistic implementation plan, including timelines, responsibilities, resourcing and delivery arrangements, and the triggers that will initiate or modify actions.
Securing funding, personnel and partnerships to support implementation, including opportunities through NSW Government grants, programs, community organisations, local businesses and philanthropic groups, recognising that multiple funding streams may be needed across different components of the work.
Integrating approved adaptation actions into routine land and water management practices.

Assess

Monitor and review your progress

What this stage typically involves

Monitoring agreed indicators to track changes in site condition, values and climate impacts over time, and where applicable, drawing on both scientific metrics and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) to detect early and subtle signals of environmental change.
Assessing whether adaptation actions are effective relative to the baseline and desired future condition, and recognising that in some situations success may be defined by maintaining healthy Country and supporting adaptive capacity, rather than achieving a fixed end goal.
Using predefined triggers and thresholds to determine when actions need to be adjusted, scaled, replaced or ceased as conditions evolve.
Reviewing assumptions, evidence and priorities as new information or as environmental and climatic conditions change.
Applying lessons learned to refine actions and inform future adaptation decisions.

Advocate

Share outcomes and learnings

What this stage typically involves

Regularly documenting and sharing outcomes, challenges and lessons from adaptation actions in formats that can be easily communicated, reused and applied by others.
Sharing experiences and learning with peers, stakeholders, local communities and networks to raise awareness of climate‑adapted management and support others undertaking similar adaptation work.
Recognising and supporting the contributions of First Nations knowledge holders and other partners involved in the work.
Promoting the integration of climate adaptation into organisational systems, planning, budgets and decision-making.
Advocating for fair, long‑term adaptation across your sector by contributing to policy, planning and budget processes at local, sector‑wide and systemic levels.

Get started

Detailed guidance for managing the values of different types of environments, as well as guidance on climate-adapted restoration and conservation, can be found on the following pages: