This paper looks at two particular, yet interlinked, aspects: the current financial flows related to climate adaptation strategies, and the institutional landscapes in place for driving adaptation planning and action on the ground, with a particular focus on the water sector. The paper sees water resources as being central to climate adaptation given that a range of climatic impacts are expressed in quantitative or temporal dimensions of water availability, with strong links to water quality. Thus, it argues that improving water resources management represents a key adaptive strategy for countries.