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Description
This project seeks to assertively answer the need for climate change adaptation at the local level. The development of the ClimAdapt.Local project will increase the visibility of the climate change adaptation issues, bringing them to the agenda of several actors, mainly because of its local scale dimension. The Plans to be develop will have a diagnosis of the current situation, including the identification of vulnerabilities under various climate scenarios for the region, adaptation measures, options and respective prioritization.
Summary of project results
The Oeste Adapta project was designed to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change in the Western Region of Portugal. These challenges included increased risks of extreme weather events such as floods, landslides, droughts, and coastal erosion, which have had profound environmental, economic, and social impacts on the region. The project recognized the need to move from general regional adaptation frameworks to precise, localized climate adaptation plans that account for the specific vulnerabilities of each municipality. Furthermore, the project aimed to overcome institutional barriers and gaps in technical capacity that hindered effective climate change adaptation at the municipal level.
The project implemented a comprehensive approach to climate adaptation by developing customized Municipal Climate Adaptation Plans (PMAAC) for all 12 municipalities in the Western Region. These plans were informed by detailed risk assessments, climate scenario analysis, and vulnerability mapping. The initiative incorporated various capacity-building activities, including:
- Workshops and Webinars: Seven webinars and three workshops were held to train municipal technicians on climate vulnerability assessments, risk analysis, and the integration of climate adaptation into local policies and planning instruments.
- Field Visits and Technical Meetings: Local site visits and consultations with municipal teams were conducted to identify priority areas vulnerable to climate risks and to co-design tailored adaptation measures.
- Knowledge Sharing: National and international experts, including the Norwegian partner Vestlandsforsking, provided valuable insights and methodologies, such as tools for assessing adaptive capacity and conducting climate proofing of local plans.
- Community Engagement: Local councils were organized in each municipality to engage stakeholders and validate proposed strategies, ensuring that community perspectives and needs were integrated into the adaptation plans.
The project produced tangible results that directly benefit the municipalities and communities of the Western Region. Key outcomes include:
- Customized Adaptation Plans: Each of the 12 municipalities now has a tailored plan outlining specific measures to address their unique climate risks, from flooding and drought to coastal erosion and biodiversity loss.
- Enhanced Institutional Capacity: The project strengthened the technical expertise of municipal staff, enabling them to conduct climate risk assessments, prioritize interventions, and integrate adaptation measures into urban planning processes.
- Increased Community Resilience: Local stakeholders, including residents and businesses, are better informed about climate risks and are actively involved in identifying and implementing solutions.
- Long-term Strategic Impact: The project has created a replicable framework for climate adaptation that can be extended to other regions in Portugal, leveraging the methodologies and lessons learned.
Summary of bilateral results
How did the project contribute to strengthening bilateral relations?The Oeste Adapta project played a pivotal role in fostering bilateral collaboration between Portugal and Norway. This partnership was exemplified by the active involvement of Vestlandsforsking, which contributed cutting-edge methodologies and expertise in climate risk assessment and adaptation planning. Key contributions to bilateral relations included:Knowledge Exchange: The project facilitated the transfer of advanced methodologies from Norway, such as those developed in the "Unpacking climate impact CHAINs (UNCHAIN)" initiative. These tools were instrumental in improving the accuracy of climate vulnerability and risk assessments.Shared Learning Opportunities: Through joint participation in workshops, webinars, and field visits, Portuguese and Norwegian teams shared insights and best practices, creating a foundation for mutual understanding and collaboration.Capacity Building: Norwegian experts provided targeted training and technical support, enhancing the skills of Portuguese municipal staff and enabling them to implement innovative solutions.Visibility and Influence: The collaboration drew attention from a broader network of stakeholders, including government agencies, academic institutions, and local communities, demonstrating the potential of cross-border partnerships in addressing global challenges.Continuity: The partnership has laid the groundwork for ongoing cooperation between Portugal and Norway in future climate adaptation initiatives, with potential applications at the regional and European levels.