ABOUT
Objectives:
General Objective of the Project
The general objective of the project is to implement joint pilot actions that enhance the knowledge and capacity of local policymakers to take specific measures to mitigate the effects of climate change in the Black Sea Basin and to sustainably integrate climate change adaptation into local policies, based on cross-border cooperation established among various stakeholders.
Specific Objectives of the Project
● To establish sustainable cooperation on climate change adaptation among policymakers and planning support institutions by creating expert teams, analyzing existing tools, and organizing study visits and workshops for the exchange of good practices.
● To increase local awareness and knowledge of European and national strategies on climate change adaptation through a guide prepared for policymakers.
● To enhance capacity in climate change adaptation planning and reporting by implementing a mentoring and training program for 30 planning and management experts.
● To promote good practices in policy design for climate change adaptation by developing four frameworks, plans, and monitoring tools: two Urban Mobility Plans, one Energy Efficiency Program, and one Carbon Footprint Reduction Plan.
Target Groups:
Local Public Authorities:
The project targets all municipalities in the region, including nine municipalities in Edirne (Turkey), thirteen in Burgas region, twelve in Varna region (Bulgaria), and fourteen in Thessaloniki region (Greece).
Particularly:
Uzunköprü Municipality will prepare a sustainable urban mobility plan; Byala Municipality will develop policy frameworks for sustainable transport; and Kalamaria Municipality will conduct a carbon footprint analysis related to waste management and present improvement recommendations.
Regional Public Authorities:
Burgas Regional Administration, as a project partner, will coordinate local training activities, showcase energy efficiency measures, and prepare a 10-year Energy Efficiency Program for the region.
NGOs and Civil Society:
Project partner BIONET Association will work on establishing a sustainable urban mobility policy in Byala Municipality and will strengthen civil society involvement as part of the mentoring program aimed at local administrations.
General Public:
Citizens in the target regions will be included in awareness-raising initiatives regarding local municipalities’ climate adaptation efforts. Over 400 local residents will be invited to public awareness events promoting sustainable lifestyles that reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency.
Expected Results:
● Developed and Disseminated Solutions: Project partners will adopt joint strategic planning capacity-building methodologies to develop climate change mitigation and adaptation plans. The guide prepared for policymakers will be made available online and will continue to be updated and expanded with new best practices by the project partners for at least one year after project completion.
● Institutionalized Cross-Border Cooperation: The four project partners will sign a partnership agreement to continue cooperation in climate adaptation and mitigation after the project ends. This agreement will support continued collaboration, exchange of best practices and knowledge, and ongoing capacity-building under European initiatives such as the Covenant of Mayors.
Expected Impact and Sustainability
Sustainability and Ownership Project outputs will be sustained through the following mechanisms:
● Financial and Institutional Ownership: The developed plans will be financially supported by the respective municipalities: Uzunköprü Municipality will implement the mobility plan; Kalamaria Municipality will carry out waste management improvements; and Byala Municipality will enforce the mobility framework.
Additionally, Uzunköprü Municipality will continue using the carbon emission measurement sensor obtained through the project.
● Web Portal and Digital Tools Maintenance: The Lead Partner will maintain the project website and hosting services for at least 10 years, keeping tools and best practices updated for post-project climate action.
● Continuity of Partnership: Project partners will sign a Memorandum of Partnership—including Byala and Kalamaria Municipalities—to continue cooperation after the project ends.
Long-Term Impact The project is expected to have enduring effects on the target regions and populations:
● Wide Regional Coverage: The project spans a broad geographic area, covering approximately 48 municipalities serving around 1.68 million people across Bulgaria, Turkey, and Greece.
● Lasting Capacity Enhancement: The mentoring program delivered to over 30 local experts will directly influence sustainable planning and climate policy practices within their municipalities.
● Concrete Local Improvements:
○ Uzunköprü’s Climate-Neutral Urban Mobility Plan will create a resilient urban environment, leading to cleaner air and healthier living conditions for residents.
Improved waste management in Kalamaria will reduce carbon footprint and environmental impact.
○ The 10-year Energy Efficiency Program for Burgas will have a wide-reaching effect across the region.
○ The sustainable mobility framework in Byala will enable the integration of eco-friendly transport in a major coastal tourism area