In the framework of the LIFE-IP AdaptInGR project, a three-day capacity building workshop for the adaptation of the Region of Western Greece (RWG) to climate change was organized on 20-22 September 2021. The workshop was organized by the Green Fund, in close cooperation with the Region of Western Greece. Several of the LIFE-IP AdaptInGR beneficiaries actively participated in the event: the Green Fund, the Region of Western Greece, the National Technical University of Athens, the National Observatory of Athens, the Academy of Athens, and the Ministry of Environment and Energy. External speakers from the University of Patras, the Hellenic Agricultural Association-Dimitra, and the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature also presented their work.
In total 87 people participated the event, including decision-makers, personnel staff from technical and other services of the central, regional, and local government, professionals, and other stakeholders. The participants were informed on the Regional Climate Change Adaptation Plan of the region of Western Greece and the expected impacts and good adaptation practices in sectors for which the region is considered to be particularly vulnerable to climate change. Special focus was given on nature-based solutions, the policy framework, and the prioritization of adaptation measures. The LIFE-IP AdaptInGR pilots were used for building up the case studies for the practical exercises included in the workshop.
The Governor of Western Greece Region Mr. Nektarios Farmakis, the Secretary-General of Natural Environment & Water of the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy, Professor Konstantinos Aravossis, and the Director of the Green Fund Mr. Giorgos Protopapas, opened the workshop, underlining the importance of building up the capacity of the competent authorities in order to achieve an integrated response to hazards that are intensified by climate change, and which are already visible in Western Greece.