In the context of LIFE-IP AdaptInGR Project the 6th of a series Infoday for the Adaptation of the Region of North Aegean to Climate Change was completed on Wednesday 6 September 2023. It took place at the Regional Council Hall in Mytilene and was organized by the Region of North Aegean in cooperation with the Union of Regions of Greece, the Central Union of Greek Municipalities and the Hellenic Society for Environment and Culture.
The General Secretary of Natural Environment and Waters of the Ministry of Environment and Energy, Petros Varelidis, took part in on behalf of the Ministry, which is also the coordinator of the LIFE-IP AdaptInGR Project, and send his greeting online. The General Secretary after mentioning the increase of extreme weather events noticed in our country and globally, highlighted the need for proper information and awareness of local communities about the effects of climate change and their adaptation to it. In particular, he pointed out that the main purpose of the Project is to strengthen the implementation of the National Strategy and the Regional Plans for Adaptation to Climate Change and to prepare their review after 2026, with appropriate actions at the national, regional and local level. Finally, he reminded the audience that the evaluation of climate resilience of infrastructures is prerequisite for the projects financed by the National Strategic Reference Framework of the new programming period, while in the context of environmental licensing the reassurance of climate resilience of projects and activities is demanded by the National Climate Law, which enters into force on 01/01/2024.
The Deputy Regional Governor for E-governance, Spatial Planning and Environment, and for Hellens Abroad of the Region of North Aegean, Pantelis Mpournias, the Deputy Regional Governor for Civil Protection, Consequences of Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure of the Region of Western Macedonia, Thomas Manos, and the Mayor of Hersonissos, Crete and Vice President of the Committee for Environment, Energy and Waste Management of Central Union of Greek Municipalities, Ioannis Segkos, also made a speech.
During the 6th Infoday the Regional Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change of the Reigion of North Aegean was presented in detail and two distinguished speakers and representatives of the academic community made their presentations focusing on climate vulnerable sectors of the region, such as water systems and coastal areas, tourism, primary sector and biodiversity, energy, health, civil protection and cultural heritage.
The projection of Efi’s Latsoudi film “Water Routes in Amorgos” (2010, 22 minutes) followed. It is a record of the traditional relationship of the inhabitants with the water resources of their island and their management, within the framework of the Action of the same name of the Sustainable Aegean Program of the Hellenic Society for Environment and Culture (ELLET) in the period 2009-2011. The film is particularly relevant today, offering memories of traditional, empirical water management that tends to be forgotten, but also food for thought for the present and the future.
The event concluded with interesting questions and interventions of civil society representatives who participated in the event, either in person or online, contributing decisively to the further clarification and highlighting of the expected environmental, economic and social effects of climate change as well as the measures that will could receive for their adaptation and self-protection.
Finally, it is noted that the Infoday belongs to the informative and educational activities of the LIFE-IP AdaptInGR Project and was carried out following the Three-Day Capacity-Building Workshop, which was co-organized by the Region of North Aegean and the Green Fund since 5 to 7 July 2023 centered on the city of Mytilene and physical presence on three islands of the Region at the same time, Samos, Chios and Lesvos. Until now, Information Days have been held in the Regions of Western Greece, Crete, Ionian Islands, Western Macedonia, Central Greece and the North Aegean, while similar events are planned for the rest of the Regions of the country.