The final conference of the Ready4Heat pilot site in Maribor was held on 2 December 2025, bringing together stakeholders, representatives of municipal departments, public institutions, non-governmental organizations, and experts. The event provided an overview of the activities implemented at the Maribor pilot site and presented the key results and impacts achieved within the framework of the Ready4Heat project.
A total of 24 participants attended the conference, where the focus was on practical measures to address the growing challenges of heat waves in urban environments and to protect vulnerable population groups.
Key Outcomes of the Maribor Pilot Site
During the event, several important outputs developed for the City of Maribor were presented. One of the central results was the Maribor Heat Action Plan, which offers a structured approach to preventing and mitigating the impacts of extreme heat through coordinated actions across different sectors.
Participants were also introduced to a list of recommended tree species suitable for the Maribor area, supporting urban greening and the creation of cooler, more comfortable public spaces. In addition, greening guidelines for architects, urban planners, and construction designers were presented, aiming to encourage the systematic integration of nature-based solutions into public space reconstruction and urban development.
The Maribor pilot site also focused on strengthening preparedness and awareness among citizens. Key actions included trainings for vulnerable groups, guidelines on health protection during heat waves, and the development of a heat warning system to support timely communication and response during extreme temperature events.
Concrete pilot interventions were showcased as well, such as the installation of wooden pergolas with kiwi seedlings and grapevines in kindergartens, providing natural shade for playgrounds and improving outdoor conditions for children during hot periods.
Focus on Vulnerable Groups and Health Inequalities
An important part of the conference discussion addressed vulnerable groups, who are often also socio-economically disadvantaged. These populations frequently live in hotter neighborhoods, in poorer-quality housing, work in more heat-exposed occupations, and have limited access to healthcare services. As highlighted during the event, universal heat protection measures are not sufficient to address these unequal risks.
The Ready4Heat pilot in Maribor demonstrated the importance of tailored, locally adapted measures. By involving multiple sectors—including city administration, healthcare, social services, urban planning, and non-governmental organizations—the pilot enabled solutions that better respond to real needs while also contributing to the reduction of unfair health inequalities.
Strengthening Cooperation for Climate-Resilient Cities
The conference also presented best practices in urban greening and public space design, encouraging continued cooperation between municipal administrations and local stakeholders during future reconstruction and redevelopment projects. The Maribor pilot site highlighted how cross-sector collaboration can lead to more resilient, healthier, and more inclusive urban environments.
The final conference confirmed that the Ready4Heat pilot site in Maribor has created valuable knowledge, tools, and partnerships that can support ongoing and future efforts to adapt cities to increasing heat risks.