Gümülcine hosts 3rd regional workshop on climate resilience and pilot actions in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace
A regional workshop focused on climate resilience and pilot projects in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace was held in Komotini on Friday, June 19, 2026, highlighting the growing emphasis on cooperation between regional authorities, scientific institutions, and local stakeholders in addressing the impacts of climate change.
The event, titled the “3rd Regional Workshop on Climate Resilience and Pilot Actions in the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace,” was organised within the framework of the European project DesirMED and took place at the Regional Unit of Rhodope in Komotini. Participants reviewed the progress of ongoing pilot actions, identified key challenges, and discussed next steps for strengthening climate adaptation capacity in the region.
Officials underlined that the initiative represents a continuation of structured consultation and technical cooperation aimed at moving from climate risk assessment to practical adaptation measures. Emphasis was placed on aligning project implementation with local needs and integrating scientific data into regional planning processes.
During the opening session, representatives of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace outlined the institutional framework and progress of the project. Dr. Lampros Tsourgiannis, Director General of Internal Operations of the region, highlighted the importance of coordination among services and stakeholders. Professor Georgios Sylaeos of the Democritus University of Thrace presented the scientific and technical support behind the project, while Ioannis Tsoukalidis, advisor to the Mayor of Pangaio, focused on local implementation challenges. Menelaos Hatzapostolidis, a member of the project team, presented an assessment of progress and upcoming steps.
A second session focused on pilot actions and the use of meteorological stations in the agricultural sector. Officials discussed procurement, installation, and operational issues related to weather monitoring systems, stressing their importance for reliable data collection and decision-making in agriculture and climate adaptation.
Technical presentations also addressed data integration, API management, and interoperability across regional monitoring systems. The discussion further highlighted the potential scalability of pilot actions and their contribution to improving regional civil protection mechanisms.
A final session was dedicated to communication and dissemination activities, emphasizing the importance of public awareness and stakeholder engagement. Participants agreed that stronger coordination between scientific research, civil protection services, and local authorities is essential for the effective implementation of climate resilience strategies.
The workshop concluded that the DesirMED project strengthens the region’s capacity to design, test, and apply adaptation solutions tailored to local conditions. Findings from the meeting will inform the next phase of pilot implementation and contribute to enhanced climate resilience across Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
