Global climate change is predicted to have substantial impacts on South Africa's unique and prolific biodiversity but consequences for conservation planning (adaptation) are poorly described. Five distinct technical innovations were developed to address the issue of adaptation of biodiversity to climate change. A case study approach was used to develop tools to better understand the likely response of biodiversity to climate change and how to incorporate this into strategic conservation planning. The economic implications of various adaptation option were developed to better understand what approaches are likely to be most affordable.