Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Mitigation Steps for SK – UA crossborder region (CLIMADAM)

Project facts

Project promoter:
Agency for the support of the regional development Košice(SK)
Project Number:
SK-GOVERNANCE-0008
Status:
Completed
Final project cost:
€429,502
Other Project Partners
Department of Urban Development and Architecture(UA)
Institute of Development of Carpathian Region(UA)
Košice Self-Governing Region(SK)
Zakarpattya Oblast State Administration(UA)

Description

This project is aimed at development of an effective tool – regional adaptation strategy which will be widely used in order to prepare a local action plan for local communities. This regional adaptation strategy will significantly increase an awareness rising related to climate change and will set up measurements in area of environment (land recovery, urban spaces recovery), society and economy. Second output of CLIMADAM project is aimed at the planning of steps towards mitigation in the area of transport by production of sustainable mobility plan. Final impact of such type of the plan is to decrease greenhouse gases emissions by reducing individual transport, while people are motivated to use public transport instead of their personal cars. Project is directly oriented also to enhancement of Slovak-Ukrainian institutional cooperation, because all outputs will be produced in cooperation of Ukrainian and Slovak public organisations on regional level.

Summary of project results

The GGC01008 project aimed to address critical challenges in mobility and environmental planning within the Slovak-Ukrainian border region. Key issues included inadequate sustainable transport infrastructure in Uzhhorod and surrounding areas, exacerbated by demographic and industrial shifts due to the war in Ukraine. The project also focused on the broader challenge of adapting to climate change, promoting resilience in local communities, and addressing flood risks in the Roňava River basin. A lack of comprehensive planning and knowledge transfer between regions further hindered progress, necessitating innovative solutions and cross-border collaboration.

The project implemented several activities to address these challenges. A sustainable transport model for Uzhhorod was developed in collaboration with Slovak experts, incorporating data analysis and stakeholder input. This model aimed to optimize public transport, alleviate congestion, and promote environmentally friendly mobility practices. Additionally, the project delivered an Adaptation Strategy for Climate Change for the Zakarpattia region, utilizing methodologies adapted from the Košice region.

To mitigate flood risks, a comprehensive study titled “Our River Roňava” was produced, outlining nature-based solutions for water retention and management. This study is already being utilized in subsequent projects under the Horizon program. Dissemination activities included conferences, workshops, and a range of outreach materials such as brochures, videos, and public questionnaires to raise awareness about climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. Collaborative secondments facilitated knowledge exchange between Slovak and Ukrainian institutions, further strengthening cross-border cooperation.

The project achieved significant outcomes benefiting multiple stakeholders. The transport model provided Uzhhorod with a scalable framework for sustainable mobility planning, enhancing regional connectivity and reducing environmental impacts. Due to the war in Ukraine, the model had to be reworked to adapt to the influx of displaced populations and industries into the region, ensuring it addressed the city''s changed demographic and economic realities.

The Adaptation Strategy equipped local authorities with actionable plans to address climate change challenges, while the “Our River Roňava” study contributed to flood management efforts and informed further environmental initiatives. Students, policymakers, and the public benefited from increased awareness and education on good governance and climate resilience. Workshops engaged 378 participants, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainability principles and practical applications. The project also strengthened institutional collaboration, enabling the transfer of best practices in governance and environmental planning from Slovakia to Ukraine. These efforts established a strong foundation for ongoing reforms and sustainable regional development.

Information on the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants is provided by the Programme and Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States, who are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information.