Gibraltar selected to participate in EU cities adapt project

Gibraltar is one of 21 cities across Europe that has been selected to participate in a new project being organised by DG CLIMA Action in Europe. This new initiative aims to provide capacity building and assistance to European cities in the development and implementation of a strategy for adaptation to climate change. The training programme will take place over a period of 8 months, culminating in a conference in May/June 2013 where all cities will present the results of their work.

Gibraltar is part of the Mediterranean coastal cities sub group along with Barcelona, Rotterdam, Almada, Burgas, Ancona and Zadar. An adaptation task group has already been set up and the first workshop was held in Rotterdam at the end of October. Other cities include Birmingham, Sirling, Dublin and Copenhagen.

The project will:
- Guide cities in initiating a management process for local actions on climate change adaptation
- Support the development of an adaptation strategy
- Support cities in implementing an adaptation process

Gibraltar will benefit from an extensive capacity building package which will allow it to partake in an exclusive training programme facilitated by expert coaches and peer cities. The training will encompass web-based tutorials, workshops, city site visits, coaching and peer exchanges, access to a webportal with tools, guiding materials and a reference library as well as an interactive members exchange forum. All costs will be paid by the EU. Minister for Health and the Environment, Dr John Cortes commented, “We are very pleased to be among a select group of European cities working on this aspect of climate change, a subject that Europe takes very seriously. Gibraltar can benefit greatly from involvement at this level, both directly, and indirectly, through the contacts it will make with some of Europe’s major cities.”

Nikki Kent from AEA Environment & Technology will be Gibraltar’s dedicated coach during the course of the project and is visiting the Rock this week to familiarise herself with Gibraltar and to hold a series of meetings and workshops with Government departments and agencies.