ADAPTO Launch in Cyprus – Diverse Challenges – Common Goal
On May 9-10, the first Interreg Europe ADAPTO project meeting dedicated to climate change mitigation and adaptation took place in Nicosia, Cyprus. Representatives from various European institutions gathered to discuss and strategize on tackling climate change challenges collaboratively.
A Collaborative Approach to Climate Adaptation
The ADAPTO project unites eight partners from across Europe, each working to develop climate change adaptation strategies at various governance levels. These partners face unique challenges such as generating knowledge and insights, defining adaptation capabilities, assessing vulnerability, and planning actions. By bringing together diverse experiences and expertise, the ADAPTO project fosters a cooperative environment where partners can share best practices and learn from each other. This approach ensures the effective communication and implementation of smart, systematic, and responsive adaptation plans across different regions.
First Day: Strategic Discussions in Nicosia
The initial meeting was hosted at the Cyprus Energy Agency in Nicosia, where the project structure, objectives, and planned activities were outlined. Participants engaged in discussions on climate change impact management strategies and explored ways to enhance regional resilience. The dialogue also addressed specific problems affecting various countries and potential solutions, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in climate adaptation.
Second Day: Educational Visit and Local Insights in the Ypsonas Region
On the second day, participants visited the Ypsonas region, which is significantly affected by climate change. The day began with a tour of water reservoirs and nature conservation areas, showcasing ongoing projects aimed at mitigating water-related hazards such as scarcity, drought, and extreme precipitation.
Following the tour, participants met with Ypsonas Mayor Pantelis Eftychiou Georgiou, who highlighted the ecological challenges facing the region and discussed initiatives to enhance climate resilience. The visit provided valuable insights into the local impacts of climate change and the measures being taken to address them.
Participants learned that the main challenges Cyprus faces include:
- Water scarcity
- Coastal erosion and sea-level rise
- Loss of biodiversity due to urbanization, exemplified by the construction of a casino near a lake that has significantly reduced the flamingo population.
Looking Ahead: Building Resilience Through Cooperation
The ADAPTO project has outlined a series of next steps, including working group meetings and seminars where specific adaptation strategies will be further developed. The overarching goal of the ADAPTO project is to enhance the resilience of regions to current and future climate change impacts. This will be achieved through international cooperation and the sharing of best practices in the creation and implementation of climate policy measures.
The project also aims to comprehensively understand the current situation in each territory, utilize inter-regional analysis to identify best practices, and strengthen the cooperation of public institutions and stakeholders to improve climate adaptation management at various levels.
The project is funded by the Interreg Europe European Regional Development Fund.