The Framework Matrix is built around the consideration of six major adaptation objectives for biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation and three levels of ecological analysis. The matrix is structured to provide a systematic way to arrive at an appropriate assessment approach and related tools:

1. Select the desired adaptation objectives (How?)
2. Select the desired level of ecological analyses (How?)
3. Use the links in each cell of the matrix to further investigate information about the appropriate approaches one would use to carry out an assessment