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This working paper examines whether multilevel governance can facilitate coastal climate change adaptation in Jamaica, focusing on the role of diverse actors and institutions across different scales, levels of organization, and sectors.

The document analyzes climate adaptation in Jamaica, focusing on the Whitehouse region. It highlights the central role of government agencies in adaptation design, the importance of social networks and co-management in fisheries, and the significant barriers to local adaptive capacity, including a lack of financial capital and insurance.

The paper examines how multilevel governance can facilitate climate change adaptation in Jamaica's coastal-marine environments. Using a case study approach and Social Network Analysis (SNA), the authors identify the roles of various state and non-state actors. Preliminary findings highlight the importance of bridging organizations, such as the Department of Fisheries (DoFish), and the potential of the newly established Climate Change Focal Point Network to strengthen horizontal coordination among government agencies. The study argues for the need to strengthen vertical ties between national and local levels and to leverage public-private partnerships to enhance adaptive capacity.