Stakeholder Group Meeting in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region

On April 30, 2024, The Route des Villes d’eaux du Massif central hosted the first stakeholder meeting in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in the framework of GreenSPAS project.

The event began with a welcome address from Sébastien Dubourg, President of the Route des Villes d’Eaux du Massif Central, followed by by Jean-Yves Gouttebel, Interministerial Coordinator of the Thermalism and Future Mountain Plans, and Jean-François Béraud, President of the French Thermal and Climatic Federation.

Discussions focused on the project's context, issues, and objectives, as well as the consortium of partners involved, including entities from France, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Austria, Lithuania, and Belgium. Participants also discussed the project’s work program and timeline, the role of stakeholders, and the next steps, including a study visit planned for June 2024 in the Massif Central.

Key topics included achieving climate neutrality for thermal towns by 2050, preparing for and adapting to climate change, and promoting responsive public policies. Issues such as water management, natural resource conservation, combating urban heat islands, and promoting renewable energy were highlighted.

The GreenSPAS project plans to organize six study visits in Europe, three transnational thematic webinars, and two online seminars, as well as disseminating results through press conferences, specialized press articles, newsletters, and videos.

The meeting concluded with a session of exchanges with participants and closing remarks by Eric Brut, General Director and Marion Roussel, European Cooperation Manager of the Route des Villes d’eaux du Massif Central, the leadpartner of GreenSPAS project. This first meeting marked the beginning of a collaboration aimed at strengthening the resilience of European thermal regions in the face of climate challenges.