Eastern Macedonia and Thrace emerges as key player in EU Climate Cooperation
Held from March 17 to 19, 2026, the high-level meeting brought together more than 100 representatives from 34 partner organizations across 10 Mediterranean countries, reinforcing cross-border collaboration on climate resilience and sustainability.
Leading International Organizations Join Forces
The DesirMED project gathered some of the world’s leading institutions in climate adaptation and environmental protection, including:
- Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change
- Climate-KIC
- International Union for Conservation of Nature
- The Investing Bank for Earth
Participants exchanged expertise and best practices aimed at accelerating climate transformation across the Mediterranean basin.
Focus on Nature-Based and Technological Solutions
As one of the five demonstration regions in the DesirMED project, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace showcased innovative climate adaptation solutions developed in collaboration with Democritus University of Thrace.
Led by Professor Giorgos Sylaios, researchers presented:
- Artificial wetlands for natural wastewater treatment and water reuse
- Precision agriculture using soil moisture sensors to optimize irrigation
- Small-scale check dams to reduce flood risks
- Coastal protection systems to combat erosion and enhance biodiversity
These solutions are expected to serve as scalable models for other Mediterranean regions facing similar environmental challenges.
Field Visits and Strategic Discussions
On the second day, participants conducted field visits to pilot sites in the municipality of Pangaio, where technical and operational aspects of the proposed solutions were examined in detail.
Discussions focused on scaling up these innovations and promoting their adoption across different geographical contexts.
Strong Political Backing for Climate Collaboration
The assembly was officially opened by Deputy Regional Governor Charis Dalkitzis, who emphasized the importance of transnational cooperation in addressing climate resilience challenges.
Closing remarks were delivered by Kavala Deputy Regional Governor Theodoros Markopoulos and Regional Development Deputy Alexandros Iosifidis, highlighting the need for continued collaboration between public institutions, researchers, and civil society.
A Strategic Hub for Mediterranean Climate Transformation
The successful hosting of the DesirMED General Assembly positions Eastern Macedonia and Thrace as a strategic hub for climate adaptation in the Mediterranean.
Regional authorities plan to expand engagement with civil society through thematic events, stakeholder outreach, and awareness campaigns, aiming to foster a more resilient and sustainable future.
