Adaptation exhibition and student engagement
As part of its annual activities, DesirMED (a sister project of ARCADIA) organizes adaptation exhibitions to engage young audiences in climate adaptation efforts. This year, the project will co-host a session at the Circle the Med Forum in Athens on June 3rd. Senior high school and university students from Greece, Portugal, Spain, Croatia, France, Italy, and Cyprus are invited to submit innovative ideas on Nature-Based Solutions for urban water management and climate resilience.
Competition details
- Submission deadline: May 10th
- Event format: Students will pitch their ideas during the forum’s opening session.
- Awards: A team will be recognized for presenting the best solution.
The session will also feature presentations from DesirMED’s sister projects, showcasing specific solutions related to water management. This collaborative platform aims to inspire students while highlighting actionable NbS strategies.
Objectives and approach of DesirMED
DesirMED is a transformative project funded under the Horizon Europe Programme, specifically supporting the EU Mission for Adaptation to Climate Change. This ambitious initiative focuses on enhancing climate resilience across Mediterranean regions by prioritizing Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders. The project spans five Demonstrating Regions and three Replicating Regions, engaging regional leaders, communities, and scientific partners to implement holistic adaptation strategies.
DesirMED aims to strengthen the knowledge, ambition, and ownership of Mediterranean communities in their climate adaptation pathways. By integrating scientific insights, governance frameworks, and inclusive social practices, the project seeks to accelerate transformative solutions that address climate hazards while preserving ecosystems. Its multi-level governance framework acts as a catalyst for long-term regional climate resilience.
Key features of DesirMED include:
- Nature-Based Solutions: leveraging ecological processes to manage urban water systems and mitigate climate risks.
- Transformative Adaptation Journeys (TAJs): supporting regions in visioning, designing, testing, and scaling innovative solutions.
- Stakeholder engagement: emphasizing deliberative processes and scenario planning to align adaptation strategies with societal needs.
Broader impact
DesirMED’s focus on integrating NbS with innovative technologies and inclusive practices provides a scalable framework for addressing climate challenges in urban areas. By bridging scientific research with community-driven initiatives, the project offers valuable insights into sustainable resource management and regional resilience-building efforts across the Mediterranean.
Photo by Dimitris Kiriakakis on Unsplash