Expert Training on Risk and Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Planning – Urban Planning and Development Sectors
Date: 23-24.02.2015
Place: Podgorica, Montenegro
Organizer: ECRAN Secretariat with EC TAIEX Unit
Key vulnerabilities are associated with many climate-sensitive systems, including food supply,
infrastructure, health, water resources, coastal systems, ecosystems, global biogeochemical cycles,
ice sheets and modes of oceanic and atmospheric circulation.
During the regional ECRAN Adapt Seminar in Skopje in July 2014, the ECRAN beneficiaries have
identified the sectors in the Western Balkans and Turkey that are most vulnerable to climate change.
Urban areas represent points where the effects of (cumulative) changes in most of these systems are
felt. Measures have been proposed for vulnerability mitigation. However, from an urban planning
perspective the key to adaptation to climate change is the integration of the issue of climate change
in the urban planning sector’s sectoral strategic, planning and programme documents both at
national and regional levels as well as at the local level.
The EU’s Adaptation Strategy provides a framework for a more climate-resilient Europe by
enhancing the preparedness and capacity to respond to the impacts of climate change at local,
regional, national and EU levels. The Strategy consists of three priorities: (1) Promoting action, (2)
Informed Decision making and (3) Climate proofing action.
Using the Climate Adapt Tool, as well as other available tools, the participants will be guided through
the framework and process of assessing climate-related risks and vulnerabilities in their own
technical areas. They will learn to understand and assess current and future hazards, identify sources
of climate data and information, assess risks and impacts and assess a selection of societal
components of risk and vulnerability.
Wider objective
To promote climate adaptation action in the Western Balkan countries and Turkey.
Specific Objectives
To enhance the understanding about climate adaptation action in the urban planning and
development sector among a core of Beneficiary countries’ representatives, supporting the creation
of national climate adaptation policies and planning as a basis for action.
Expected Results of the Workshop
- Strengthened awareness and understanding of climate change adaptation needs and options among urban planning and development experts from Western Balkan countries and Turkey;
- Improved understanding of applicability of tools (including the Climate Adapt Tool) for risk and vulnerability assessment in the urban planning and development sector;
- Foundation for improved cooperation and coordination among authorities in Western Balkan countries and Turkey in the area of climate adaptation action established;
- Awareness of the need to speed up and enhance climate adaptation action planning in the Western Balkan countries and Turkey.
