1. Persistent gaps in coordination, measurement, and  attribution hinder coherent integration of adaptation  across global frameworks (SDGs, Sendai, CBD, CCD),  underscoring the need for harmonized, adaptive,  and inclusive metrics. Metrics often remain siloed  and focused on static or targets not directly connected  with outcomes, which hinders aggregation and cross framework consistency. Strengthening alignment  through harmonized indicators, adaptive metrics, and  improved coordination—particularly integrating non state actors—is essential to achieve coherent global  adaptation tracking (Section II).

2. Adaptation measurement remains fragmented,  requiring scalable, systems-based frameworks that  link sectoral outcomes and enable meaningful  aggregation. This limits aggregation and obscures  cross-scale dynamics. To address this, a systems thinking approach and scale-specific MEL frameworks  that link sectoral outcomes and enable aggregation  from local to global levels are needed. The UAE–Belém  Work Programme’s 100 indicators mark progress  on this but remain process-heavy, requiring further  work to capture outcomes and ensure comparability  (Section III). 
3. Adaptation tracking is fragmented, requiring  stronger institutions, interoperable data, and  innovative, participatory approaches for effective,  accountable monitoring. Political, institutional, and  financial constraints—alongside limited capacity  and inclusivity—undermine robust monitoring and  evaluation. Strengthening institutional capacity,  ensuring data interoperability, linking finance to  measurable outcomes, and investing in open-access  systems are key priorities. Mixed-method approaches  combining quantitative and qualitative data,  participatory co-design, and technological innovation  (Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT),  blockchain) can substantially enhance adaptation  metrics’ effectiveness and accountability (Section IV). 
4. Six principles—aggregable, transparent, consistent,  realistic, coherent, and context-sensitive metrics— combined with a ToC-based, scale-specific MEL  framework, can reduce fragmentation and link  local actions to global goals. Metrics should, ideally,  be aggregable, transparent, longitudinally consistent,  realistic, coherent, and context-sensitive to ensure  comparability and local relevance. A functional typology  (inputs, processes, outputs, outcomes/impacts) clarifies  causal chains and strengthens accountability. A Theory  of Change (ToC)-based, scale-specific MEL framework  enables aggregation while maintaining contextual  nuance, linking local actions to the Global Goal on  Adaptation (GGA). Operationalizing this framework  requires institutionalized stakeholder participation,  integration of GESI, and global support for bottom-up  aggregation and learning-oriented systems (Section V). 
5. Effective implementation needs sustained funding,  coordination, iterative learning, and a permanent  platform to ensure coherent, credible, and  actionable adaptation metrics. Regular updating  of indicators, clear methodological guidance, and  integration with financial and governance frameworks  are critical to ensure metrics remain relevant, credible,  and actionable. Establishing a permanent international  platform or expert group on adaptation metrics could  sustain coherence, comparability, and innovation across  scales and frameworks (Section VI). 

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