In Latin America and the Caribbean, adaptation to climate change and variability (CCV) is characterized by a double paradox. First, whereas informal settings in the region are typically highly vulnerable to water-related risks associated with CCV, they are also effective incubators of bottom-up, informally-driven mechanisms of adaptation. Second, these strategies are very often initiated and led by women, who constitute a particularly vulnerable group, but also play a crucial role in building the social fabric that make such adaptation possible. While extensive research exists on the causes of vulnerabilities and the conditions for resilience enhancement, empirical research, as well as on-the-ground implementation and validation, are needed to understand and support the specific role of informal strategies in disaster-risk reduction (DRR).