On December 10, 2024, the Regional Development Agency (RDA) Centru hosted an online working group meeting to foster the exchange of good practices in Nature-based Solutions for climate change adaptation. This event was part of the broader ARCADIA project and brought together 30 participants, including public authorities, academia, NGOs, and other key stakeholders.
A collaborative approach to adaptation
The meeting provided a platform for representatives from local municipalities, environmental protection agencies, and academic institutions specializing in ecology, environmental engineering, and forestry to share insights and strategies for implementing NBS in the Centru Region. Additionally, local action groups (LAGs) and intercommunity development associations engaged in discussions on integrated territorial investments (ITI).
The session commenced with an overview of the ARCADIA project and its objectives concerning the Centru Region. This was followed by insightful presentations from regional and national organizations, each sharing expertise and case studies on climate resilience and NBS implementation.
Learning from local and international experiences
A key highlight was the contribution from the Târgu Mureș Municipality, which detailed its local experience with climate change adaptation and the approaches undertaken. Meanwhile, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu introduced the concept of “Nature as a bio-indicator of climate change,” offering a scientific perspective on environmental monitoring. Additionally, the Institute of Economic Forecasting of the Romanian Academy presented synergistic activities aligned with the ARCADIA project’s goals.
International collaboration played a significant role in the discussions, with representatives from Lower Austria – the ARCADIA model region – providing insights into their Innovation Laboratory. The Land Reform Authority, a project partner, showcased successful NBS implementations, sparking discussions on the potential transferability of these solutions to Centru Region.
Practical outcomes and future steps
The meeting concluded with an interactive workshop focused on gathering essential data to develop and implement NBS in Centru Region. Participants contributed valuable insights into climate data sources, formats, and sharing standards. This information will be integrated into analytical tools prepared by ARCADIA project partners, ensuring that NBS solutions are tailored to the region’s specific needs.
By fostering such exchanges and collaborative efforts, the ARCADIA project continues to advance its mission of enhancing climate resilience through nature-based solutions. The engagement of diverse stakeholders ensures a holistic approach to addressing climate challenges while promoting sustainable regional development.