"Implementation and promotion of nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation in Mediterranean regions".
We implement nature-based solutions to drive transformation towards climate resilience in the Mediterranean
The DesirMED initiative is based on the identification, design, implementation and evaluation of the effectiveness of innovative nature-based solutions, such as wetland restoration, coastal reforestation and sustainable water management, among others. It does so in five pilot regions in the Mediterranean: Valencian Community (Spain), Split-Dalmatia (Croatia), Beiras and Serra da Estrela (Portugal), Sardinia (Italy) and Greece.
Furthermore, three other Mediterranean regions have joined the initiative to start their climate change adaptation process: Région Sud-Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (France), Potenza (Italy) and Cyprus.
Therefore, support is provided to these eight regions in defining roadmaps for regional transformation towards climate resilience, with a primary focus on nature-based solutions.
Climate change is one of the most important global challenges of our time, affecting our society, health and well-being. Its complexity calls for a systemic transformation that encompasses not only environmental, but also economic, governance and social aspects.
Nature-based solutions are a way to adapt to climate change by drawing on nature and its processes and ecosystem services to increase climate resilience. They also bring additional long-term economic, social and environmental benefits.
TECNALIA’s role
TECNALIA participates in this initiative with a dual role. On the one hand, it transversally generates knowledge in:
- Assessing the climate risk profile at a regional level
- Prioritising adaptation needs
- Contributing to the definition of the solutions portfolio
- Designing adaptation to climate change from the perspective of formal regional planning instruments
Moreover, TECNALIA is part of the regional cluster regarding the Valencian Community demonstrator, evaluating the effectiveness of natural solutions for forest fire management under climate change scenarios.
Adaptation to climate change and nature-based solutions
The Mediterranean is one of Europe's least economically developed biogeographical regions and where the adverse effects of climate change are most significant. They manifest themselves mainly in the form of heat waves, droughts, forest fires, floods due to extreme rainfall, landslides and rising sea levels. This is why all kinds of natural solutions are required to achieve climate resilience in the Mediterranean.
In view of this situation, TECNALIA is collaborating with different institutions from eight European Mediterranean regions, including public administrations, companies, universities, scientific-technological centres and local communities to promote a transformation towards climate resilience in the Mediterranean.
These entities collaborate in the framework of the European DesirMED initiative promoted by the European Regional Adaptation Mission: its main objective is to raise the awareness and capacities of Mediterranean regions and communities to take the lead in implementing the nature-based solutions required to increase their climate resilience. It will do so without compromising their economic development and will also prioritise a socially fair transformation.
By engaging key institutions at the regional level in a multi-level governance framework, the initiative acts as a catalyst to trigger and accelerate the actions required to increase regional climate resilience in the long term.
Social impact
DesirMED actively involves local communities in the planning and implementation of projects. It also fosters environmental awareness and education to ensure long-term sustainability.
It also contributes to the fulfilment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 13 (Climate Action), and Goal 15 (Life of Terrestrial Ecosystems). The project is also aligned with the EU Biodiversity Strategy and the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.
This project has received funding from Horizon Europe's Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No. 101069689.
