Creating a Shared Cross-Border Dialogue
The workshop gathered representatives from national and regional authorities as well as researchers working on climate-related topics in the region. The main objective was to create a shared space for dialogue among institutions that often operate in parallel, while identifying opportunities for cooperation, data synergies, and common approaches to climate adaptation.
Participants were introduced to the goals and expected outcomes of the Climate_CRICES project, followed by short presentations highlighting ongoing initiatives and relevant projects in the participating countries.
Interactive Discussions on Climate Challenges
The second part of the event focused on interactive discussions in breakout groups supported by digital whiteboards and Mentimeter polling. Participants explored key cross-border challenges, municipal needs, and potential areas for cooperation.
The Mentimeter poll revealed a strong alignment among participants regarding the most pressing climate risks in the region. Heat and drought were identified as the top priorities, followed by flooding and biodiversity loss.
At the same time, several structural challenges were highlighted, including:
- differences in data granularity and methodologies between countries,
- gaps in climate monitoring, particularly in smaller catchments,
- uneven monitoring networks,
- and legislative or organisational barriers affecting cross-border data sharing and cooperation.
Supporting Municipalities with Better Climate Information
Stakeholders emphasised that municipalities need stronger support to effectively plan climate adaptation measures. This includes improved access to coherent and comparable climate data, capacity-building opportunities, practical guidance, and good-practice examples. Participants also underlined the importance of providing expert support and tools to help communicate the benefits of nature-based solutions.
Next Steps for the Pilot Actions
The workshop marked the beginning of a collaborative process that will continue throughout the project. Proposed next steps include harmonising climate data formats and indicators, strengthening long-term cooperation channels, and developing more integrated cross-border data platforms and joint monitoring initiatives.
The strong engagement of participants demonstrated a clear willingness to collaborate across borders and build a more coordinated approach to climate resilience in the tri-border region.