Celebrating a decade of driving local climate action in sub-Saharan Africa
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) is the “regional covenant” of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM). It is a bottom-up and voluntary initiative that invites cities to define and meet ambitious and realistic energy and climate targets.
Launched in 2015 and funded by the European Commission, CoM SSA was initially led by the Council of European Municipalities and Regions, in partnership with African and European city networks, national associations of local governments, and civil society organisations.
To mark this decade, the new publication A Decade of Implementation, produced by GIZ in the framework of CoM SSA, brings together reflections from cities, institutional partners, donors and long-standing experts. Combining strategic perspectives with concrete city examples, it documents how more than 400 local governments, representing over 166 million people, have moved from climate planning to implementation and investment. The publication highlights key milestones and results achieved over the past ten years, including the development of the Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plans (SEACAP), support for project preparation for cities, and an increasing focus on implementation, investment and impact.
Over the past decade, CoM SSA has shown that local climate and energy actions can only be effective and sustainable when it is anchored in political ownership and supported by strong associations of local governments and city networks. By empowering mayors and local leaders, and by facilitating peer exchange and collective representation, the initiative has enabled cities to move from commitments to concrete action.
The publication includes a contribution from CEMR, authored by the Director of Projects and Programmes, Durmish Guri, reflecting on the role of national associations of local and regional goverments and networks in anchoring the Covenant politically and ensuring its sustainability, a message that remains highly relevant as reflections on the future of the Covenant of Mayors continue, including in Europe.
“We therefore call upon funders, governments and partners to continue investing in CoM SSA. Anchored in local realities and supported by diverse partnerships, it stands as a cornerstone of climate resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa.”
Durmish Guri, Director of Projects & Programmes, Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR)
We would like to thank our partners — Climate Alliance, Energy Cities, Environment Development Action in the Third World (ENDA), French Agency for Environment and Energy Management (ADEME), ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability (World Secretariat and Africa), International Association of French Mayors (AIMF), Portuguese Energy Agency (ADENE), Sustainable Energy for Africa, and United Cities and Local Governments Africa (UCLG Africa) — for their invaluable collaboration and commitment.
Europe is the fastest-warming continent in the world. Heatwaves, floods, droughts and extreme weather events are already affecting communities, infrastructure and ecosystems across the continent — with impacts that vary widely from one territory to another. In this context, climate adaptation has become an urgent priority for towns, cities and regions, which are on the frontline maintaining essential services and strengthening resilience on the ground.
The policy paper highlights a clear reality: local and regional governments already implement the vast majority of adaptation measures, yet their role remains insufficiently recognised and supported in EU and national frameworks. The paper calls for a territorial approach to climate resilience, grounded in multi-level governance and built around six key priorities:
Empowering local and regional governmentswith clear mandates and flexibility to act;
Strengthening local capacity through better access to data, tools and peer learning;
Securing predictable and accessible funding for adaptation investments;
Improving preparedness and disaster risk management;
Restoring ecosystems and scaling up nature-based solutions;
Ensuring water resilience through integrated, locally driven water management.
By combining horizontal enablers (governance, capacity and finance) with sector-specific recommendations, the paper demonstrates how empowering towns, cities and regions is essential to Europe’s overall resilience.
Towns, cities and regions at the frontline of adaptation policies
Ronan Dantec, CEMR spokesperson for Climate, underlines: “Today, it is urgent to recognise that adaptation to climate change is pivotal for municipalities and regions of all sizes. Investing in sustainable infrastructure and using our resources more efficiently is not just an option, but an imperative for securing a thriving future for all.”
Climate impacts are inherently local. Even within the same country, risks can differ significantly between urban and rural areas, coastal and inland regions, or northern and southern territories. Towns, cities and regions are therefore best placed to:
Assess local climate risks and vulnerabilities;
Protect vulnerable populations;
Plan and manage resilient infrastructure;
Ensure continuity of essential services such as water, transport and energy;
Deliver nature-based solutions and ecosystem restoration.
Their proximity to citizens also allows them to integrate social resilience into adaptation policies, ensuring that no one is left behind as climate impacts intensify.
Preparing for the EU’s upcoming integrated framework on climate resilience
CEMR’s policy paper comes at a key political moment, as the new integrated framework for European ClimateResilience and Risk Management is expected to be adopted by the European Commission in the second half of 2026. It will aim to establish a comprehensive and coherent EU approach to climate resilience and preparedness.
The ongoing public consultation of the European Commission on the future integrated framework, includes a set of questions covering resilience-by-design across EU policies; harmonised and comparable climate risk assessments; funding for adaptation; support for local and regional level, consideration of climate-related health impacts.
CEMR is currently developing a response in cooperation with its expert group, requesting that towns, cities and regions are recognised not only as implementers, but as strategic partners in the design, financing and monitoring of this future framework. The consultation is open until 23 February 2026. CEMR encourages its members to participate and make their voices heard.
The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), the largest network of local and regional governments in Europe, is recruiting a Policy Officer – Climate and Energy to contribute to its policy, advocacy, and project activities from its Brussels office. The position offers the opportunity to support Europe’s climate transition by ensuring that the priorities of cities and regions are reflected in European policymaking and initiatives.
A role at the intersection of policy and implementation
This position combines strategic policy analysis with practical project work. The Policy Officer will monitor EU developments related to climate and energy, draft position papers and advocacy materials, engage with EU institutions and stakeholders, and support the development and implementation of EU-funded projects.
Key responsibilities
The Policy Officer will:
Manage policy and legislative work on climate and energy
Engage with CEMR members and support expert groups
Deliver advocacy actions towards EU institutions
Draft policy documents and briefings
Contribute to EU-funded projects, including monitoring and reporting
Support communication, events, and partnerships
Ideal profile
CEMR seeks a candidate with a relevant master’s degree, two to three years of experience, a solid understanding of EU climate and energy policies, experience in advocacy and stakeholder engagement, and excellent English with strong French. Strong organisational skills and a collaborative mindset are essential.
Why join CEMR
Working at CEMR offers the chance to collaborate closely with local and regional governments across Europe and contribute to policies with tangible territorial impact. The organisation provides a multicultural environment and a competitive benefits package, including teleworking arrangements, vouchers, insurance, and transport coverage.
Location: Brussels Contract: One-year fixed-term contract, with possible conversion to open-ended Application deadline:27 February 2026 Apply:application@ccre-cemr.org
Town Hall COP: Faster climate action and multilevel governance to tackle climate change
Strengthened local action and multilevel governance to meet climate targets is one of the key messages defended by CEMR and PLATFORMA. On 19 November 2025, both networks organised their first Town Hall COP, a community-led climate dialogueaimed at reinforcing partnerships across levels of government. Participants insisted onlinking climate efforts with broader global agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event took place online while COP30 negotiations are expected to conclude by the end of the week in Belém (Brazil).
COP30 negotiations update and progress made since COP21
Intervening from Belém, the Director for Intergovernmental Support and Collective Progress at UNFCCC Cecilia Kinuthia-Nienga provided an update on the COP 30 negotiations, highlighting the presidency’s focus on multilateralism, building trust, and moving “from commitments to implementation.”
She discussed the importance of clear governance structures, investment pipelines, and support for developing countries to ensure credible Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) implementation.
Just back from COP30, Bridgette Burken-Holder, Director of International Program at the European Climate Foundation, emphasised the evolution of the 2015 Paris Agreement as a “living instrument” and the progress made in reducing emissions in cities, but also the growing recognition of subnational governments in climate policy. She noted that 80% of submitted NDCs now include cities and regions as key partners.
Paraphrasing a COP30 participant, she said: “As local governments, we don’t need just a seat at the COP table, we need to rebuild the table to make sure that we can fit everyone we need.”
CEMR Spokesperson on environment and Senator for Loire-Atlantique (France) Ronan Dantec, also discussed the evolution of local governments’ role in climate governance over the past 20 years, emphasising the importance of their involvement for reaching climate targets.
Thysia Tchekouteff, Policy Assistant at the European Commission Directorate-General for Climate Action, reminded the European Union’s climate goals: to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, with a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and a 90% reduction by 2040.
Climate action: political, financial, and citizen engagement
“Climate change does not wait for the next election,” stressed Emil Brogn, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca (Romanian Municipalities Association), who called for reinforced political support, blending financial resources, and making green choices easy for citizens. The mayor named “three key elephants in the room”: political support, finance, and citizen engagement.
He stressed the importance of communicating climate change actions in a way that resonates with citizens. A comment shared by Siri de Vrijer, Policy advisor on environment to MEP Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy (Renew Europe – Netherlands), who said: “we must show citizens what’s in it for them.” She discussed the need for a narrative that aligns with citizens’ perspectives and policy makers’ responsibilities.
This was also supported by Nadia Pellefigue who presented the Committee of the Regions’ opinion on COP30. “Without multi-level governance, ambitions remain theoretical. With it, ambitions become reality,” stated the Vice-President of the Occitanie Region (France). She called for a formal multi-level governance dialogue within the UNFCCC.
National perspectives from Moldova and Croatia
Marina Lungu, Head of Climate Change section at the Ministry of Environment of Moldova presented her country’s newly submitted NDC, which emphasises multi-level governance and includes institutional mechanisms for climate policy coordination across all levels of government.
Miljenko Sedlar, Head of climate in the Northwest Croatia Regional Energy and Climate Agency, presented Croatia’s approach to climate action. He also mentioned a new EU27 project called National Adaptation Hubs, which aims to shift from reactive to systemic adaptation and resilience across EU member states.
Local climate action initiatives
“80% of what can be done is under the influence of local governments,” said CEMR spokesperson for climate Marianne Overton, who discussed the challenges of climate change and the importance of local government in addressing it. The Councillor of North Kesteven and Lincolnshire (UK) highlighted the need “to make green choices easier for residents” and shared examples of successful initiatives, such as solar installations on council housing and energy-efficient building designs.
Overton emphasised the role of local municipalities in achieving climate targets and mentioned a motion passed by over 200 councils aiming for net zero by 2030.
Ola Nord, Head of the City of Malmö (Sweden) EU Office presented his city’s Town Hall COP initiative, which engaged 40 citizens to identify key climate action areas, resulting in 26 proposals focused on city planning, transport, democracy, just transition, lifestyle, and energy. “Change is happening, there’s a lot of positive developments, but it needs to be sped up and made stronger,” he said.
Looking towards 2027
Risto Veivo, Climate director at Central Administration of the City of Turku (Finland) provided an update on the IPCC Special Report on Cities to be presented at COP27. The report, involving approximately 100 lead authors will focus on various aspects of urban climate change, including solutions by city types and regions globally.
The results of CEMR-PLATFORMA Town Hall COP will now be shared with the large community of the Local Governments and Municipal Authorities (LGMA) Constituency of the United Nations, of which CEMR is a member. Ahead of COP30, CEMR endorsed the LGMA Joint Position, a joint call for COP30 leaders to empower cities and regions as key drivers of global climate implementation.
The Local Alliance – a coalition of Europe’s leading local and regional governments: ACR+, CEMR, Climate Alliance, Energy Cities, Eurocities, FEDARENE, ICLEI Europe and POLIS, – aims at ensuring that our constituencies have the competencies and resources to implement and reinforce Europe’s resilience, competitiveness and decarbonisation.
We share a common vision for the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to become a strong, democratic, and future-proof tool that drives cohesion across territories, reinforces Europe’s competitiveness, and enables a just transition towards climate-neutral and resilient transition.
Local and regional governments are Europe’s frontline for delivering change. They are the democratic level closest to citizens, trusted by a majority of Europeans, and directly or through shared responsibility in charge of implementing most EU legislation. They mobilise the bulk of climate-relevant investment, drive innovation and competitiveness, and safeguard cohesion and just transition by ensuring that no community is left behind. Without their leadership, Europe cannot succeed in meeting its green, digital, social, and competitiveness ambitions.
Yet instead of empowering this strength, the Commission’s proposal for the next MFF risks sidelining local and regional governments, who are best placed to deliver. A centralised approach, which does not reflect the local realities and priorities, not only threatens delivery on the ground, but also Europe’s long-term societal, democratic and economic resilience and competitiveness. As the Committee of the Regions’ most recent report highlights, European cities and regions need a budget to help build the Union from the ground up – where local and regional authorities are not only implementers but co-creators of Europe’s future.
With the negotiations already underway, the Local Alliance calls on the European Parliament and the Council of the EU to seize this opportunity to put democracy, territorial cohesion, and competitiveness at the heart of the next MFF by ensuring local and regional governments are recognised as indispensable partners. Europe cannot achieve its strategic objectives without working hand in hand with its towns, cities and regions. For this reason, the Local Alliance presents an 10 point action plan to ensure the EU budget delivers tangible results for people in every territory across Europe and beyond.
For the next MFF, we call on:
1. Stronger multilevel governance mechanisms to deliver both reforms and investments.
2. Stronger partnership principle for the implementation of the MFF.
For the National and Regional Partnership Plans:
3. Making regional and territorial chapters of the National and Regional Partnership Plans mandatory, with a clear section on cities.
4. Earmarking for a just transition & affordable living for all.
5. A real EU program for cities of all sizes under the proposed EU Facility.
6. Safeguarding mechanism for the local and regional level to guarantee their access to EU funds.
7. Linking performance indicators to EU law implementation and territorial delivery.
For the European Competitiveness Fund and Horizon Europe:
8. Competitiveness Fund and Horizon Europe should recognise cities and regions explicitly as innovators and investors.
For Horizon Europe:
9. Continuing the Mission approach under Horizon Europe.
For the Global Europe Facility:
10. Stronger support for accession cities and regions for the future of European cohesion.
500 European mayors gathered to talk about local climate and energy transition
On 16 October, the EU Covenant of Mayors gathered with more than 500 mayors, local and regional representatives, and EU institutions, in the hemicycle of the European Parliament.
Organised since the launch of the initiative in 2008, the High-level event is the annual gathering of the Covenant signatories invested in securing a safe and sustainable future for their citizens. As an initiative running for more than 15 years, the EU Covenant is mobilising local leaders all over Europe to plan, act and work with their communities to build a more resilient, prosperous and climate-neutral future.
Both the EU Covenant and the Ceremony are reaffirming the key role of towns, cities and regions in shaping Europe’s vision and future.
Opening session with high-level European leaders
The Ceremony started with an intervention of the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, who emphasised that Europe is in all cities and regions, that citizens are building Europe every day.
ollowing her welcome, Ursula Von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, shared that “we are on track to achieve our 2030 targets”. For towns, cities and regions to achieve their climate and energy transition, housing and climate resilience are key policies, which are currently tackled by the European Commission. Von der Leyen also welcomed the delegations of Ukraine and Moldova to the Ceremony, reaffirming their belonging to Europe.
Finally, the President of the European Committee of the Regions, Kata Tüttő, welcomed the local leaders to the Ceek of Regions and cities, key moment of the year. She highlighted how the Covenant of Mayors is a story of and for mayors, regional leaders and their representatives, by highlighting her personal experience.
Covenant of mayors – Ceremony 2025
Celebrating cities leading the way
The Covenant Ceremony is also the occasion to award the successes of many European Cities, and showcase the inspiring and replicable good practices. From Mechelen in Belgium, to Lappeenranta in Finland and Domokos in Greece, European cities are already leading the path towards climate neutrality.
Local leaders and institutions in dialogue
Several panels gathered European local leaders, interacting with representatives of the European institutions. Focusing on “Powering Europe with local, clean and affordable energy” or “Protecting Europe from climate risk through local resilience”, European Commissioners Dan Jørgensen and Wopke Hoekstra shared video messages to reinforce the importance of the EU Covenant of Mayors for their portfolios linked with climate or energy.
Closing session: working together for cohesion and resilience
The closing session focusing on “Cities and the EU working together for a prosperous Europe” was attended by European Commission Raffaele Fitto Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, who reaffirmed the importance of Cohesion Policy as a key tool for climate-neutral cities. Read here more about the Cohesion Policy in the next EU budget for 2028-2032.
Covenant of mayors – Ceremony 2025
Looking ahead: stronger cooperation needed
Closing the European Week of Regions and Cities, the EU Covenant of Mayors ceremony is the right occasion to meet local leaders, inspiring and inspired, from all over Europe. The Ceremony came at a critical moment for Europe, when the next EU budget is being negotiated.
Reaffirming the essential role of local and regional governments in delivering the climate and energy transition, the Ceremony highlighted Europe’s security, resilience, and prosperity can only be achieved through close cooperation with its towns, cities, and regions.
More than 30 local and regional European leaders are heading to New York to advocate for their vital role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). Among them is Clifford Galea Vella Maslennikov, President of the Tramuntana Region (Malta) and a member of the CEMR-PLATFORMA Young Elected Officials Committee. He also signs the foreword of this year’s study on SDG localisation.
Galea Vella Maslennikov sends a strong and hopeful message:
“I firmly believe that localising the SDGs through inclusive processes that engage all levels of government, and all sectors of society […] is in fact the key to building a more inclusive, just, and sustainable future for all.”
This year’s report includes contributions from 31 associationsof local and regional governments and puts forward nine key recommendations to the United Nations, the European Union, and EU Member States.
Local governments in dialogue with Member States
In recent years, the United Nations has increasingly acknowledged the essential role of local action in advancing global sustainability, including through various HLPF initiatives. However, the degree of involvement of local and regional governments – and their associations – in national SDG reporting processes still varies significantly from one country to another.
This year, Malta is one of 37 countries presenting a Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the HLPF. Three other countries with membership within CEMR – Bulgaria, Finland, and Germany – will also present their VNRs. Our latest study provides insights into how these four nations have involved local authorities in shaping their national SDG reports.
It also gives details about the progress made in achieving the five SDGs under review this year: SDG 3 (Good health and well-being), SDG 5 (Gender equality), SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth), SDG 14 (Life below water), and DSG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Over 30 local and regional leaders representing Europe
Next week, PLATFORMA and CEMR, in collaboration with the Global Task Force of Local and Regional Governments (GTF), will represent European cities and regions at the HLPF, under the auspices of the UN.
Their participation aims to fast-track the localisation of the SDGs and ensure that local voices are not only heard, but also acted upon.
Here are some of the events they will attend:
15 July, Local and Regional Governments’ Networking Hub, with the launch of the GTF Annual Report “Towards the Localization of the SDGs”, by the GTF and UCLG
16 July, 8th Local and Regional Governments Forum on the 2030 Agenda, by UCLG, GTF, UN-DESA, the Executive Office of the UN Secretary-General, UN Habitat, UNDP, Local2030
17 July, EU delegation – local leaders breakfast meeting, by CEMR and PLATFORMA
17 July, HLPF Official Session on Localisation: “Transformation from the ground up: Acting at local level”, by UN
18 July, VNR Lab on Local and Regional Governments engagement in VNR/VLR processes, by UN-DESA, UN-Habitat, and UCLG
Local leaders urge European Commission to set a binding 90% domestic emissions-cut target for 2040
Mayors of Aalborg (Denmark), Athens (Greece), Barcelona (Spain), Braga (Portugal), Copenhagen (Denmark), Freiburg (Germany), Ghent (Belgium), Matosinhos (Portugal), Milan (Italy), Malmö (Sweden), Matosinhos (Portugal), Nantes (France), Oslo (Norway), Tallinn (Estonia), Utrecht (The Netherlands) and Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain) among signatories of joint letter to Von der Leyen and Ribera, coordinated by C40, CEMR, Eurocities and ICLEI Europe
Today, European local leaders have sent a joint letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urging the European Commission and Member States to set a binding EU target to reduce domestic greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90% by 2040 relative to 1990 numbers. The demand aligns with recommendations from the European Commission Impact Assessment on the 2040 target and the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change (ESABCC), which highlight how this target is feasible for Europe.
Coordinated by Europe’s largest networks of local and regional governments –C40, CEMR, Eurocities and ICLEI Europe- the letter reiterates that “climate neutrality is a strategic imperative”, and calls on the European Union to “reaffirm its global climate leadership” ahead of the crucial COP30 climate summit. The signatories stress the need for a “robust, science-based 2040 climate target”.
To achieve the 2050 climate neutrality goal, cities and regions call for a “clear and ambitious framework at the EU level” that will provide “long-term certainty to businesses, unlock investment, and accelerate innovation”.
Highlighting their own efforts, cities and regions state they are already “delivering results faster than anticipated and aligned with the Paris Agreement” but emphasise that they “cannot do this alone”. The letter urges that “national and EU frameworks must reflect the urgency and scale of the challenge and enable faster and deeper action from the local level”.
The signatories also call for the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework to embed decarbonisation efforts, ensuring “that all regions and communities can access the resources, skills and infrastructure they need to succeed in the green transition”.
Finally, the letter underscores the importance of solid “multilevel governance structures and partnerships” to deliver an “ambitious and effective climate agenda”. This, they argue, is essential to “strengthen the EU’s credibility and influence on the global stage” at a “critical moment for international climate diplomacy”.
Signatories of the letter promoted by C40, CEMR, Eurocities and ICLEI Europe, as well as the following leaders from local and regional governments:
Jaume Collboni, Mayor of Barcelona and Eurocities Vice President
Matthias De Clercq, Mayor of Ghent and Eurocities President
Sharon Dijksma, Mayor of Utrecht
Haris Doukas, Mayor of Athens
Maider Etxebarria, Mayor of Vitoria-Gasteiz and Vice-President of ICLEI Europe
Lasse Frimand Jensen, Mayor of Aalborg and Vice-President of ICLEI Europe
Gunn Marit Helgesen, Councillor of Telemark County, President of KS, Association for all Local and Regional Authorities in Norway, CEMR President
Martin Horn, Mayor of Freiburg, in his capacity as the President of ICLEI Europe
Jevgeni Ossinovski, Mayor of Tallinn
Ricardo Rio, Mayor of Braga
Johanna Rolland, Mayor of Nantes, and President of Nantes Métropole
Luísa Salgueiro, Mayor of Matosinhos, President of the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (CEMR member) and member of the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy – Europe Political Board
Giuseppe Sala, Mayor of Milan and Vice Chair of C40 Cities
Eirik Lae Solberg, Governing Mayor of Oslo and Vice Chair of C40 Cities
Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh, Mayor of Malmö and President of ICLEI
Every Drop Counts: Water Resilience Begins Locally
“Every Drop Counts” was created to put the spotlight on the essential role of local governments in building water resilience in Europe. In the face of increasing droughts, floods, and water scarcity, municipalities and regions are already developing concrete, innovative solutions on the ground. Yet, these efforts often remain invisible at the European level.
These graphics respond to this gap by making local actions visible, connecting good practices across borders, and strengthening the voice of local governments in water-related policymaking.
Austria
Implementing multifunctional urban plant beds in Graz
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Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention
Explanation of the initiative:
By creating several polders north of the village, part of the built-up area was protected from floods.
These landscape features were made possible thanks to the State Land Office, which offers a unique service to municipalities, farmers and landowners – land consolidation.
Category: Environmentally responsible water management
Explanation of the initiative:
Copenhagen has developed water-sensitive urban design solutions, including rain gardens and green roofs, that capture and reuse rainwater while increasing urban resilience.
Category: Securing Water Supply and climate Resilience
Explanation of the initiative:
Etude de l’état quantitatif des ressources en eau et prospective 2030, 2050 et 2070: The study titled “État quantitatif des ressources en eau du Grand Est : prospective à milieu et fin de siècle et propositions d’actions” is a comprehensive initiative aimed at assessing and anticipating the future availability and demand for water resources in the Grand Est region of France. Structured in multiple phases, the study begins with a regional analysis that includes a synthesis of existing data and the definition of homogeneous sectors. Subsequent phases evaluate the balance between water resources and needs for the mid-century (2030-2050) and end-of-century (2080-2100) timeframes. The study identifies areas at risk of water deficits and proposes adaptive measures to address potential imbalances. By providing detailed reports and annexes for each phase, the study serves as a vital tool for policymakers and stakeholders to develop strategies for sustainable water management in the face of climate change and evolving regional demands.
Les gardiennes de l’eau ▶
Organisation: Métropole Européenne de Lille (Lille Métropole)
Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity
Explanation of the initiative:
It supports agricultural practices and increases the economic value of engaged farms. Based on water analysis, the project orders producers’ specifications. It stimulates product demand issued from municipalities. The label is built collaboratively to bring together citizens and actors in food production around water protection.
Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention
Explanation of the initiative:
Development of routines and tools to enable governments, crisis management organisations, and citizens in the North Sea Region to better prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate-induced floods by 2027.
Category: Smart infrastructure and technological innovation
Explanation of the initiative:
Gjøvik is participating in the EU-funded project TransformAr, testing innovative technologies to climate-proof its wastewater infrastructure and protect Mjøsa, a key drinking water source.
Workshops brought together participants from various municipal departments, the Innlandet County Council, and other local stakeholders to better understand local context, impacts, and risks.
Main climate risks include heavy rainfall and torrential rains, drought and forest fires, erosion, flooding, and subsequent quickclay slides.
These municipalities work with public utility companies to recover resources from wastewater, including nutrients and biogas, supporting a circular and sustainable system.
Modernisation of The Koras Square through planting tree and plants. Reuse of rain water to water all the plant thanks to two underground tanks build to collect rain water.
Sustainable water management in the Lamus stream valley
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The project aims to restorate the urban water ecosystem by shielding the Lamus River bed. It implements innovative methods of collecting rainwater and meltwater to strengthen the river bed. It has a positive impact on mitigating climate change. It will create a new biodiverse space in the city center.
2% is H20 is a water efficiency project developed in the municipal swimming pools, whose equipment daily, by legal requirement, renews 2% of its total volume of water. Every 50 days is reused the water of a complete pool, which represents 7 pools per year. The 2% is H2O provides a new form of water reuse in urban environment, completely integrated into the dynamics of the city.
Açude de Mosteiros
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Organisation: Município de Arronches
Country: Portugal
Title of the initiative:
Açude de Mosteiros
Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention
Explanation of the initiative:
The project aims to rehabilitate a wooden dam with a new inflatable structure to prevent sudden floods in winter and maintain a water area in summer. Creating green areas with biodiversity, recreational and leisure spaces, valuing nature and enhancing the mobility of users, is a proposal that aims to give new dynamics to the Region through the Rehabilitation of the dam system and urban facilities, in harmony between man and biodiversity.
Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising
Explanation of the initiative:
Water is a precious commodity. In the municipality of Sertã, we live surrounded by this natural treasure: more than 80% of the municipality’s territory is bathed by rivers and streams. Water fuels our economy, gives us more life, and makes this region more beautiful and unique. But excessive and unnecessary consumption of this limited resource can lead to its scarcity. That’s why it’s so important that we know how to save today, so we can have and live tomorrow.
Água para a Vida
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Organisation: Mourão
Country: Portugal
Title of the initiative:
Água para a Vida
Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising
Explanation of the initiative:
Awareness-raising actions in the school context.
Águeda Drainage System – Flood Control
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Organisation: Municipality of Águeda
Country: Portugal
Title of the initiative:
Águeda Drainage System – Flood Control
Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention
Explanation of the initiative:
Every year there are floods in Águeda that cause damage and disruption. The General Drainage Plan for the City of Águeda presents a series of structural and complementary interventions aimed at improving the hydraulic performance of the drainage system, including pumping stations, helping to mitigate the risk of flooding, particularly in the lower part of the city, as well as protecting the city’s riverside areas from flooding when the river reaches higher levels.
Aproveitamento da água das piscinas
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Organisation: Câmara Municipal de Coruche
Country: Portugal
Title of the initiative:
Aproveitamento da água das piscinas – Sistema de recolha e valorização
Category: Water reuse and circularity
Explanation of the initiative:
Use water, from the water supply resulting from washing the filters of municipal swimming pools, rain from cobertura and transbordos. It is possible to remove all of the battery systems from reusing water.
Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity
Explanation of the initiative:
It promotes plastic reduction and waste recovery through the installation of an EcoBarrier and custom filters in Guimarães. The project includes environmental education activities, awareness campaigns, and the promotion of circular economy strategies, focusing on single-use plastics and the recovery of waste collected through green infrastructures.
Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising
Explanation of the initiative:
The project revitalized the Ave River, once one of the most polluted in Europe, promoting sustainable water management and engaging 45,000 residents across 14 parishes in Guimarães. It involved schools, volunteers, and local leaders in ecological restoration and environmental education. With visible improvements in river health and community engagement, it became a model for sustainable development and civic participation.
It tackles marine plastic waste with sustainable, circular solutions. It builds a multi-stakeholder ecosystem to boost innovation, entrepreneurship, and internationalization, unlocking the value of marine plastics. By promoting a replicable circular economy model in the Atlantic region, the project reduces environmental impact, creates new business opportunities, and drives the maritime sector toward a Blue Circular Economy.
Caparide Stream Restoration with Nature-Based Solutions in Cascais
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Organisation: Cascais City Council
Country: Portugal
Title of the initiative:
Caparide Stream Restoration with Nature-Based Solutions in Cascais
Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)
Explanation of the initiative:
The Renaturalisation of the Caparide Stream relies on nature-based solutions that enable the restoration of the riparian ecosystem and the recolonisation by naturally associated communities, fostering the recreation and development of new natural habitats and increasing biodiversity. It also includes the regulation of water flow, preventing floods and protecting people and property in response to climate change.
CApt2
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Organisation: Municipality of Águeda and Laboratório da Paisagem
CApt2 is a network project with eight partners in the thematic area of the Urban Water Cycle. The project aimed to improve water efficiency and increase the circularity of water use by applying an effective methodology to develop a plan that meets the main challenges of the different partners. In this context, the Municipality of Águeda has created a Local Action Group, involving citizens, and developed the Local Integrated Action Plan, which comprises nine actions spread over three main themes.
Title of the initiative:
Citizen Awareness sessions – natural engineering
Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising
Explanation of the initiative:
The Municipality of Leiria promoted public Awareness Sessions in order to promote a set of basic skills that enable the population to act in areas related to the cleaning of watercourses. The sessions mainly focused on: River, riverbed and banks, Water domain, General implications, Water Law, Responsibility of owners, Measures for the conservation and rehabilitation of the hydrographic network, Importance of riparian vegetation.
Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising
Explanation of the initiative:
It tackles river plastic pollution through innovation, active citizenship, and sustainability. In partnership with the Landscape Laboratory and the University of Minho, Guimarães leads an ecological and circular initiative to protect biodiversity, turn waste into value, and inspire the country toward a cleaner, more conscious future.
Comemoração do Dia Mundial da Água 2025
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Organisation: Câmara Municipal de Santa Cruz das Flores
Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising
Explanation of the initiative:
Every year the Municipality of Santa Cruz das Flores marks the water world day. This year,it was organised guided tour to a water reservoir in the municipality. These visits were carried out in collaboration with the Escola Básica e Secundária das Flores and their respective teachers and included 11 classes and more than 100 students, being the largest turnout recorded so far for this type of activity in the Municipality.
Control and monitoring of leaks
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Organisation: Municipio do Funchal
Country: Portugal
Title of the initiative:
Control and monitoring of leaks in the water supply networks associated with the existing remote management system
Category: Smart infrastructure and technological innovation
Explanation of the initiative:
Need to address the high water losses, unsustainable from both an economic and environmental point of view. Improvement of the hydraulic system, namely by correctly managing pressure, replacing obsolete pipes, sectoring the network and centralising all the information via a command center.
Control of water loss reduction
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Organisation: Câmara Municipal de Tavira
Country: Portugal
Title of the initiative:
Control of water loss reduction
Category: Environmentally responsible water management
Explanation of the initiative:
The efficient management of water supply systems is currently one of the main objectives of the Municipality of Tavira. In this regard, a series of interventions is being carried out, mainly consisting of the installation of control devices, the reduction of water losses, and the replacement of pipelines with significant leaks.
Category: Environmentally responsible water management
Explanation of the initiative:
According to the Cascais Water Matrix, municipal schools are responsible for 13% of the municipality’s water consumption. Therefore, the Smart Water Use Project in Cascais Schools is essential to reduce water waste and raise awareness within the school community about water conservation. Water audits are being carried out in 64 schools, and measures are being implemented, such as installing flow reducers on taps and showers, dual-flush toilet systems, and rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing.
Eficiência Hídrica no Combate à Poluição das linhas de àgua no Norte Interior
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AdIN – Águas do Interior Norte, has as its corporate purpose the operation and management of water supply and distribution systems for public consumption, as well as the sewage systems of the Municipalities that make up its share capital.
Exhibition: Until the Last Drop at Cascais Museum of the Sea
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Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising
Explanation of the initiative:
With an interactive component,the exhibition “Until the Last Drop” aims to serve as a call to action. It is a futuristic essay, where this life-giving resource becomes inaccessible in its original form, with technological mediation as the only means of access. The proposed setting is one of worship: a space for contemplation. An altar that floats and reacts to interaction, undulating endlessly. This artistic installation opens a space for reflection on the heavy water footprint of the Anthropocene.
Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention
Explanation of the initiative:
The Requalification of the Sassoeiros Stream promotes the improvement of river flow conditions through the construction of flood attenuation basins. This intervention, implemented using natural engineering methods, aims to ensure flood control, promoting the safety of people and property. The project also includes the creation of an 11-hectare green infrastructure equipped with rest areas, leisure and fitness facilities, featuring 5km of renaturalised watercourse and 5km of soft mobility pathways.
Heróis da água
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Organisation: Empresa Municipal de Água e Saneamento de Beja
Category: Environmentally responsible water management
Explanation of the initiative:
It aims to address the efficient use of water as water scarcity is a reality today. It focuses on environmental awareness, ensured through the initiative “EMAS in schools”. It focuses on community engagement, playing an active role in social integration and participation. It promotes innovation, research and development.
In Faro Council public water supply network
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Organisation: Faro City Council
Country: Portugal
Title of the initiative:
In Faro Council public water supply network
Category: Environmentally responsible water management
Explanation of the initiative:
Installation of District Metered Areas and telemetry of the biggest clients.
Integrated Management of Supply Systems
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Organisation: Águas de Santarém – Empresa Municipal, S.A.
Country: Portugal
Title of the initiative:
Integrated Management of Supply Systems
Category: Smart infrastructure and technological innovation
Explanation of the initiative:
Over the past two years, Águas de Santarém has been rolling out an advanced system that unifies all field data into a single, intelligent platform for end-to-end water cycle management. By enabling real-time monitoring of network performance, it pinpoints high-pressure zones before they cause ruptures or outages, driving efficiency, sustainability, and a significant reduction in water losses.
Category: Environmentally responsible water management
Explanation of the initiative:
It aims to implement innovative climate adaptation measures for sustainable water management in the Ribeira de Fradelos Basin, such as the implementation of wastewater reuse and community engagement. It addresses increasing droughts, flash floods and soil erosion, balancing economic activities with Portuguese and EU environmental goals.
First licensed project in Portugal to reuse water for irrigation in municipal gardens, where reclaimed water started being used in an area of 30 hectares with an annual volume of 300,000 m³ and later extended to a new 38 hectares park rehabilitated to receive the World Youth Day in 2023. Addressing topics of concern such as droughts, greening the city, heatwaves or water efficiency, this was developed under the scope of the Lisbon’s Strategic Water Reuse Plan, enabling to save 3 mm3 of drinking water soon.
Marvão +Sustentável
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Organisation: Municipality of Marvão
Country: Portugal
Title of the initiative:
Marvão +Sustentável
Category: Governance and partnerships (public-private and public-public
Explanation of the initiative:
25 awareness raising activities among the population of the municipality, economic agents, institutions and youth to promote the consumption of tap water and the protection of water resources.
Mosaic Decorative Panel Project in the Calhau Bathing Area
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Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity
Explanation of the initiative:
Work is underway at the Calhau swimming pool, which includes the application of a decorative mosaic panel, with aesthetic value and also an essential ecological purpose. The aim of this project is to prevent the paints used in washing and repainting from being directed into the ocean, thus polluting the environment. The municipality of Lajes do Pico, at the suggestion of Monika Ehrensperger, began work on a decorative mosaic panel in the Calhau bathing area. The design is by Mrs. Mara.
Municipal Water Management Plan of Leiria (PMGA)
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Organisation: Municipality of Leiria
Country: Portugal
Title of the initiative:
Municipal Water Management Plan of Leiria (PMGA)
Category: Environmentally responsible water management
Explanation of the initiative:
The Municipal Water Management Plan (PMGA) is a planning tool that aims to ensure the sustainable management of water resources at the municipal level. This plan establishes 32 priority measures and actions to guarantee the availability, quality and efficient use of water, taking into account local specificities of Leiria´s territory and the guidelines of national plans.
Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity
Explanation of the initiative:
It requalifies the main watercourses in the municipality in order to conserve biodiversity, protect water resources and adapt to climate change. It is characterised by enormous cultural and environmental potential and is approximately 16 km long, from its source to its mouth on the Douro River.
Palmela: investimento na redução de perdas de água
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Category: Securing water supply and climate resilience
Explanation of the initiative:
Monitoring abnormal consumption in private networks. Replacement and upgrading of pipelines. Installation of water meters and monitoring of irrigation consumption. Controlling water losses in both public water supply networks and building-level (domestic) networks.
Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity
Explanation of the initiative:
Clearing the invasive weeds (water hyacinth) from the lagoon, through mechanical removal, using a water harvester; to normalize the natural bed of the Pateira by dredging the excess sediment; rebuilding the small weir located at the confluence of Pateira and Águeda river are some of the measures implemented to promote nature conservation and protection and, consequently, the environmental and landscape restoration of the largest natural lagoon on the Iberian Peninsula – Pateira de Fermentelos.
PERLA – strategic plan for the rehabilitation of watercourses
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Aims to rehabilitate and enhance several watercourses in the municipality of Mafra. Focuses on ecological restoration and the environmental and landscape valorisation of rivers and streams. Promotes the reduction of flood risks, improvement of water quality, and recovery of riparian habitats. Encourages community involvement and environmental awareness. Supports the sustainable management of water resources within a long-term strategic framework.
“Preciosos 1%”; “Água da Torneira com todo o Gosto”; “O Roubo de água é Crime”
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Organisation: Municipality of Leiria/ Municipal Water and Sanitation Services of Leiria (SMAS)
Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising
Explanation of the initiative:
SMAS de Leiria has promoted awareness campaigns aimed for the efficient and rational use of water, and also against the fraudulent use of water, such as: “Água da Torneira com Todo o Gosto”: The aim is to encourage the consumption of tap water in the Leiria region, avoiding bottled water consumption; “Preciosos 1%”: The aim was to alert the population to the scarcity of fresh drinking water on the planet ; “O Roubo de água é Crime” : is part of the plan to detect unauthorised water use.
Rehabilitation of the hydrographic network
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Organisation: Câmara Municipal de Albergaria-a-Velha
Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity
Explanation of the initiative:
The project aimed to rehabilitate and enhance several streams that are tributaries of the Antuã and Jardim rivers, as well as the Fontão stream and the Canela estuary. It covered a total length of approximately 7 km, mainly crossing agricultural and forest areas. The project included the planting of 26,000 trees. The investment exceeded €250,000.
Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity
Explanation of the initiative:
The project aimed to rehabilitate and enhance several streams that are tributaries of the Antuã and Jardim rivers, as well as the Fontão stream and the Canela estuary. It covered a total length of approximately 7 km, mainly crossing agricultural and forest areas. The project included the planting of 26,000 trees. The investment exceeded €250,000.
Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity
Explanation of the initiative:
The Municipal Environmental Surveillance Service (SMVA) has the mission of protecting and monitoring the environment in our municipality, including water resources. The major goal is to prevent and reduce environmental incidents and violations, thereby contributing to the sustainability of the environment and natural resources in Leiria.
Smart irrigation system of Colinas do Cruzeiro Urbanization
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Organisation: Municipality of Odivelas
Country: Portugal
Title of the initiative:
Smart irrigation system of Colinas do Cruzeiro Urbanization
Category: Environmentally responsible water management
Explanation of the initiative:
Solem Wi-Fi enables smart irrigation with remote control, real-time monitoring, and integration with urban systems. The management is base on the meterological factors such as temperature, moisture, solar radiation and wind. Solar panels ensure an energy-autonomous, eco-friendly solution aligned with public environmental goals and green space management best practices. With this it is possible to save around 40 to 50% of water consumption. This system is implemented and operating.
Smart Water Reuse System in Cascais Swimming Pools
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About 2% of the total volume of water in public pools must be renewed daily for sanitary reasons.To improve water use efficiency, Cascais City Council has implemented measures in the municipality’s swimming pools: All sanitary facilities were subject to water audits and equipped with more water / Efficient taps,toilet flushes and showers -Pool renewal water is reused for toilet flushing through the implementation of an intelligent water reuse system.
These measures have enabled savings of 20%.
Smart Water Reuse System in Cascais Swimming Pools
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About 2% of the total volume of water in public pools must be renewed daily for sanitary reasons.To improve water use efficiency, Cascais City Council has implemented measures in the municipality’s swimming pools: All sanitary facilities were subject to water audits and equipped with more water / Efficient taps,toilet flushes and showers -Pool renewal water is reused for toilet flushing through the implementation of an intelligent water reuse system.
These measures have enabled savings of 20%.
Strategic plan for the rehabilitation of watercourses in Leiria (PERLA)
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Provides a diagnosis of the Leiria municipality’s 1,600 kilometres of water lines, where interventions are planned for recovery and maintenance over the coming years. Establish a strategy for management, protection and restoration of municipal waterways at the 44 critical points and sections identified, namely by establishing measures to reduce sources of pollution, to improve the quality of riparian vegetation and coordinate nature conservation with agricultural and forestry activities.
Translighthouses aims to understand the strenghts and limitations of NBS design. It integrates 19 European partners, of wich 8 are pilot cases. The pilot case “Janela do Inferno” objective is to set a NBS at a local pedestrian trail, used with the sole purpose of leisure. The trail is over the waterpipe that supplies the Lagoa Municipality. This implies that the NBS must take in to account co-managment of infrastrutures, water security and quality and the preservation of the natural ecosystem.
It occupies a vacant primary school in a low-density area and promotes a circular economy. One of the spaces created is the ‘biological ponds’, which reuse water from irrigation channels, rain, and surrounding drains. This water is stored and reused for irrigation, cleaning, and sanitation. Treatment is carried out using filtering plants, in a sustainable, nature-based solution.
Innovative water reuse system: 500 m³ of high-quality water per month is pumped from access wells to the rock salt mine — water that was previously discharged into the stormwater drainage system. This water is pressurised using photovoltaic energy, stored in a 15 m³ reservoir, and used daily for irrigation and urban cleaning. The initiative reduces the use of potable water and delivers both environmental and economic benefits.
Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention
Explanation of the initiative:
The Várzea Urban Park project, in its final stages of implementation, aims to establish itself as a green and blue infrastructure, combining climate regulation and water flows (controlling urban floods and combating “urban heat islands” through the creation of a climate refuge), the creation of an ecological corridor associated with the Livramento river, promoting ecosystem services, and the development of a recreational and leisure space for the population to enjoy.
Water reuse for production of biofuel
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Organisation: Mangualde Municipality
Country: Portugal
Title of the initiative:
Water reuse for production of biofuel – Public/Private partnership
Category: Water reuse and circularity
Explanation of the initiative:
Reuse of the water from our two biggest Sewer water treatment plant in the production of Green Methanol for descarbonization of the shipbuilding Industry. Private investment on a Private-Public cooperation providing the tools and the engagment necessary for a wide range of positive impacts not only for the region but also for the country given the project commitment to renewable energy, ecological conservation, sustainable and circular economic prosperity.
Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising
Explanation of the initiative:
The highest water consumption in Cascais occurs in households, mainly using taps and showers, accounting for 70% of the city’s total water consumption. The Municipality of Cascais has promoted various campaigns to encourage water savings among families and residents. The Water-Saving Kit, which includes 7 flow reducers for taps and showers, was distributed free of charge to 4,000 residents, also raising awareness about adopting good practices to save water in daily life.
Water Wise: Saving Resources in Cascais Municipal Offices
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Organisation: Cascais City Council
Country: Portugal
Title of the initiative:
Water Wise: Saving Resources in Cascais Municipal Offices
Category: Environmentally responsible water management
Explanation of the initiative:
As part of the Environmental Management System of the Cascais City Council, municipal offices are undergoing studies and water audits to improve water efficiency in the buildings and reduce waste. This is being achieved through the installation of more efficient water devices (taps, showers, and toilet flush systems) and the use of rainwater for toilet flushing and garden irrigation. These water efficiency measures will help reduce water consumption for a total of 1,084 municipal employees.
RESTORIVER increases climate adaptation capacities of riversides and riparian areas – potentially reducing risk of droughts, floods and heatwaves – by harmonising, adapting and connecting higher level water management, climate adaptation and flood protection policies with local interventions, effectively serving complex, transnational water and climate adaptation systems and stakeholder networks.
It increases climate adaptation capacities of riversides and riparian areas. It reduces the risk of droughts, floods and heatwaves by harmonising, adapting and connecting higher-level water management, climate and flood protection policies with local interventions.
Spain
AKUAL
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Organisation: eLankidetza – Basque Agency for Development and Solidarity
It improves water and sanitation infrastructure in municipalities in El Salvador, strengthening the capacity of national water utilities in El Salvador and Costa Rica. It incorporates a gender perspective into both components. The third edition of the project will conclude in 2027.
Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity
Explanation of the initiative:
The goal of the project is to restore this natural gem so that it continues to be a place for biodiversity and also to recover the original path of its waters so that it once again flows into the town’s wash house. Through the Green Water Route, improvements were created, and they range from creating an environmental information point midway along the route, to an amphibian pond and a butterfly oasis, installing insect hotels, cleaning up trash, improving the riverbed or installing nesting boxes for birds.
Municipal programme for the naturalisation of streams
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Organisation: City Council of Donostia/San Sebastian
Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity
Explanation of the initiative:
The aim is to restore the natural morphology of the watercourses and associated ecosystems of streams and waterways that have been artificialised. Bioengineering techniques and nature-based solutions are employed, and native species are planted. Since 2017, work has been carried out on the Atxutxar, Landarbaso, Errekatxulo and Santa Teresa streams, and further work is planned for the coming years. Some of the actions are financed by European LIFE and NextGenerationEU funds.
Naturalisation of the Artikutza reservoir
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Organisation: City Council of Donostia/San Sebastian
Category: Protection of water resources and biodiversity
Explanation of the initiative:
The project includes three phases: draining of the Artikutza reservoir (2017-2019); recovery of the stream, the potential habitats of the emerged area and the associated fauna (in progress); and the partial demolition of the dam to ensure the continuity of the stream (work planned for 2026).
The entire Artikutza estate is part of the Natura 2000 network as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) due to its natural values.
The second and third phases are financed by European LIFE funds.
The Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation
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Organisation: Lasarte-Oria town hall
Country: Spain
Title of the initiative:
The Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE) of Digitalization of the Water Cycle / El Proyecto Estratégico para la Recuperación y Transformación Económica (PERTE) de Digitalización del Ciclo del Agua
Category: Water reuse and circularity
Explanation of the initiative:
The Strategic Project for the Recovery and Economic Transformation (PERTE) of Digitalization of the Water Cycle aims to modernize the water cycle in order to improve the efficiency of the urban water cycle, reducing water losses in distribution systems and improving waste water treatment infrastructures. In order to carry out all this, the DIGURBE project, led by the company Añarbe, S.A (AGASA), with the participation of the municipalities of Errenteria, Hernani, Lasarte-Oria, Pasaia, Oiartzun.
Category: Securing water supply and climate resilience
Explanation of the initiative:
Collection of information about stormwater and how to prevent and protect properties during torrential rain and flooding.
Dagvattenparken (stormwater park – Malmö stad)
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Organisation: City of Malmö – Department of roads and parks
Country: Sweden
Title of the initiative:
Dagvattenparken (stormwater park – Malmö stad)
Category: Smart infrastructure and technological innovation
Explanation of the initiative:
The stormwater park in Hyllie consists of a 23,000 square metre lawn that invites play and socialising and a stormwater reservoir that will be able to receive a large amount of water in the event of a downpour.
Grönare Möllan
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Organisation: City of Malmö – Department of roads and parks
Country: Sweden
Title of the initiative:
Grönare Möllan
Category: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)
Explanation of the initiative:
Möllevången is one of the areas in Malmö with the fewest number of trees, which means that the total of 150 new trees has become a long-awaited addition to the cityscape and our common ecosystem.
Trees provide protection against torrential rain35 of the street trees planted on Möllevången are in a plant bed that allows them to receive and store water.
Mammas Park (Rosengård – Radararkitektur)
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Organisation: City of Malmö – Department of roads and parks
Country: Sweden
Title of the initiative:
Mammas Park (Rosengård – Radararkitektur)
Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention
Explanation of the initiative:
An important part of the design of the site is the premise that it should function as a torrential reservoir during heavy rainfall, also known as a hydrodrome.
Rain playground
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Organisation: Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute
Category: Equitable access to water and social inclusion
Explanation of the initiative:
It combines play with water management by involving citizens in its design.
The result of the playground is not only fun and safe but also a role model for more inclusive climate adaptation.
The playground is equipped with large, leaf-shaped canopies and gutters that collect and direct the rainwater in an educational manner.
Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention
Explanation of the initiative:
Implementation of an innovative climate adaptation project by redesigning Coosje Buskenstraat to function as a controlled waterway during extreme weather events.
This approach aims to manage the risks associated with rising sea levels and increased storm intensity without resorting to traditional methods like raising dikes, which could necessitate the demolition of existing structures.
Coosje Buskenstraat, which connects the elevated boulevard to the lower-lying city center, has been restructured to channel excess seawater safely inland during severe storms.
The street’s surface has been contoured to direct water towards its sides, where specially designed parking spaces with raised edges and a zigzag layout slow down the flow, mimicking a meandering river.
Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention
Explanation of the initiative:
Development of routines and tools to enable governments, crisis management organisations, and citizens in the North Sea Region to better prepare to respond and recover from climate-induced floods by 2027.
One of the newest neighbourhoods in Vlissingen is Claverveld. Located on the northern side of the city, this district is characterized by its very green and spacious design. What makes Claverveld unique is that rainwater is not drained through the sewer system, but instead naturally flows across the paving into watercourses and swales.
Türkiye
Agricultural practices compatible with climate change
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It encourages the use of gray water to avoid water shortages during the summer months. It uses treated water in some areas for landscape irrigation in the city.
Atakoy project
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Organisation: Istanbul Metropolitan Municipalitu and ISKI
Improving various treatment plants to treat wastewater for use in industrial zones and park irrigation. For example, the Ataköy Advanced Biological Wastewater Treatment Plant plans to use the treated water for park and garden irrigation.
Use of rain gardens, swale (a shallow grassy drainage channel for water to run through), tree planting, and over 1,300 plants to reduce surface water flooding. It includes a footbridge to the green space, ‘X-grid parking’, and an information board that explains its features.
It reduces the risk of flooding and the impact of increasing summer temperatures. Over 30 new trees have been planted across two urban residential streets, 11 of which are planted within specialist sustainable drainage (SuDS) tree pit systems. It contributes towards reducing heat stress and surface water flood risk while also providing attractive spaces for residents, visitors and wildlife.
Category: Stormwater management and flood prevention
Explanation of the initiative:
It details business cases and designs for schemes in 19 flood cells across the city have been delivered. It is an adaptive approach to flood resilience has been created, work programmes to develop increased flood storage and the incentivised delivery of natural flood risk management measures have commenced.
It examines the state of cooperation between local governments and public utility companies in six Western Balkans economies. The research involved piloting methods, desk research, conducting surveys and interviews, and compiling recommendations, from strengthening the institutional frameworks, improving operational coordination, to encourage regionalization through inter-municipal cooperation.
Regional capacity development network for water
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Organisation: Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South-East Europe
Category: Citizen awareness and engagement raising
Explanation of the initiative:
It connects local governments, water utilities and their associations from Western Balkans to work together on developing capacities of the water and sanitation service sector, helping to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of water and sanitation services. It has developed more than 30 programs in operation and maintenance, integrated asset management, capital infrastructure projects, non-revenue water management, wastewater management and more. It is supported by SECO and BMZ/GIZ.
CEMR priorities on the European Commission Water Resilience Strategy
The European Commission has just published its Water Resilience Strategy, a much-needed step toward safeguarding one of our most vital common goods.
At CEMR, we welcome the Strategy’s alignment with many of our long-standing priorities: ✅ Recognition of water as a public good ✅ Acknowledgement of the role of multi-level governance, cross-border cooperation and stakeholder engagement ✅ Emphasis on nature-based solutions, including the new Sponge Facility ✅ Improved tools for data access, drought management, and awareness-raising
We also welcome the reinforcement of the Polluter Pays Principle, especially for persistent pollutants like PFAS. However, we are particularly concerned by the provision for an updated study on the costs and potential impacts of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme under the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.
As addressed in our recent joint letter to President von der Leyen decision risks delaying the deployment of quaternary treatment technologies essential to remove micropollutants and could hinder the timely implementation of the recast Directive.
We strongly believe that local and regional governments are best placed to address water challenges — but to do so effectively, they must be empowered with the tools, flexibility, and funding they need.
The Strategy would benefit from: 🔹 Clear and firm commitment to dedicated funding for water management in the next MFF 🔹 Better access to emergency EU funds for municipalities and regions affected by extreme events 🔹 Stronger legal safeguards and technical support for public sector water services 🔹 Concrete support for urban-rural cooperation in integrated water management
These issues will be front and centre at the CEMR Leaders’ Summit in Oslo, 23–24 June, under the theme: “Local Solutions for Equitable and Sustainable Resource Management.”
Let’s ensure Europe’s water resilience starts where it matters most — in our cities and regions.
