The Pathways2Resilience Project
Forty regions and communities have been selected to take part in Pathways2Resilience, a flagship project funded by the European Union, to apply a new, transformative approach in their climate adaptation plans, with systemic innovation at its core.
This innovative programme will support selected regions to strengthen their resilience to a wide range of hazards, from droughts to wildfires, to better protect their combined population of more than 53 million. 16 of the selected 40 regions have reported being at high risk of exposure to climate hazards, citing heatwaves, wildfires, droughts and floods as the most urgent.
Regions and communities participating in the programme will have 18 months to develop a robust climate resilience strategy, complemented by an action plan and investment plan. In addition to a grant of €210,000, they will have access to practical guidelines, tools, and hands-on training and mentoring developed by Pathways2Resilience experts.
Increasing Cities Resilience
“The City of Budapest faces significant challenges in building resilience to the growing threats of climate change, including heat waves, floods, and droughts” say representatives of the municipality.
“Short-term solutions are not enough; we urgently need national strategies and stronger governmental support to address issues such as water management, outdated legislation, and funding climate adaptation measures. By taking part in Pathways2Resilience and the Mission Adaptation, we hope to enhance international cooperation with and learn from other cities and regions who are committed to increasing climate resilience.” (Representatives of the City of Budapest)
Adapting to multi-faceted climate hazards
Pathways2Resilience is a flagship project of the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change. EU Missions are novel instruments meant to fast-track implementation of the EU Green Deal in five areas, including climate adaptation.
Many of the selected regions are facing multi-faceted climate hazards: “The challenges Marche Region intends to face are related to a wider array of climate risks, including drought or river and sea floods, which occur in a territory characterised by mountains and highly populated sea areas, with the aggravating factor of an elevated seismic risk,” notes Stefano Aguzzi – Councillor for the Environment in the Marche Region of Italy.
“Thanks to the involvement with Pathways2Resilience, the Region aims at defining and implementing its own climate resilience regional journey by enhancing collaboration across borders and sectors and by implementing multi-objective measures. In the Pathways2Resilience context, Marche Region expects to consolidate strong partnerships with the other involved Regions in order to overcome common weaknesses by learning from others and building together through knowledge exchanges.” (Stefano Aguzzi, Marche Region)
Sharing best practices
Partners in Ithaki, Greece have highlighted their eagerness to exchange with other selected regions and communities: “Ithaki Island has a vulnerability index score of 6.39 at the NUTS 3 level, indicating its heightened vulnerability and low adaptive capacity to climate change impacts. The project aims to equip Ithaki with essential tools and strategies for developing climate resilience pathways, drawing on best practices and experiences shared by municipalities such as Skiathos, an island which has already committed to the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change.”
The first cohort
The initial cohort marks a first step toward the goal of Pathways2Resilience to support what will be a total of 100 regions and communities as they move towards climate resilience. The regions will be supported by a total of 21 million euros in cascade funding, allocated through two public calls for applications (the second of which will be launched in June 2025).
“Achieving a just transition to climate resilience will require a transformation that goes beyond performing technical tasks to changing mindsets and attitudes,” notes Laura Pando Martínez, Pathways2Resilience project coordinator and learning expert at EIT Climate-KIC. “Building a resilient future for all requires not only protecting the most vulnerable, but also making sure they have an active role in designing solutions and reaping opportunities.”
This first cohort is part of Pathways2Resilience’s aim to mobilise communities and elevate the ambition and capability of regional public administrations as they embark on a journey toward a more resilient future.
Find out more:
https://www.pathways2resilience.eu/news/
Detalii
- Data publicării
- 24 September 2024