what is GRaBS? GReen and Blue Space adaptation for urban areas and eco-towns three-year project funded under INTERREG IVC Programme - September 2008 to August partners from 8 members states representing a broad spectrum of authorities, climate change challenges and with varying degrees of strategic policy and experience

who are the partners? City of Malmo Klaipeda University Coastal Research and Planning Institute Regional Environmental Centre for Eastern Europe (Slovakia) Province of Styria Municipality of Kalalaria University of Catania, Etnambiente Province of Genoa Nieuw-West District, Amsterdam Southampton City Council TCPA (Lead Partner) London Borough of Sutton Northwest Regional Development Agency University of Manchester

why are we doing it? Birchgrove, Swansea Nov09 Cockermouth, Cumbria, Nov09 Mudslides, Sicily, Feb2010 Drought, Spain – frequent!

why are we doing it? Manchester University ASCUUE research: Based on the evaporative cooling effects from a matrix of green corridors, smaller open spaces, street trees, and green or living roofs and walls 10% decrease in urban green leads to a potential 8.2ºC increase in surface temperatures by the 2080s 10% increase in urban green will keep temperatures at, or below, current levels until the 2080

GRaBS overall aim to ensure existing and new mixed use urban development is adapted to the impact of climate change through improving local and regional planning policy to put in place green and blue infrastructure; and to facilitate the much needed exchange of knowledge and experience and the actual transfer of good practice on climate change adaptation strategies to local and regional authorities across Europe

GRaBS 5 key objectives 1.increase partner expertise on use of green and blue infrastructure 2.identify and influence regional planning policy and delivery mechanisms for adaptation 3.develop and use a risk and vulnerabilities assessment tool 4.develop regional and local adaptation action plans including a high level policy statement 5.improve community awareness and engagement in planning process

SWOTs: some common themes Weaknesses Lack of public and political awareness/support/interest – need political champions to drive for change Uncertainty over risks Dense urban form limits opportunities for green and blue space (eg Kalamaria) Slow local behavioural change Focus skewed towards mitigation over adaptation

SWOTs: some common themes Strengths Good level of climate change expertise available Increasing regulation/legislation/policy/non-statutory docs on relevant issues (eg flood risk/sustainable design) European Resea rch programmes to enhance knowledge and exchange of information on climate change issues Increased cooperation/coordination between officers/departments and external agencies/environmental organisations

SWOTs: some common themes Opportunities Revision/renewal of plans (spatial planning/climate change) allows integration of adaptation policy Improving stakeholder/community networks Use of variety of hooks for adaptation due to multifunctional nature of green and blue space, eg attractiveness for tourism / economic competitiveness EU Directives as levers e.g. SEA/Floods/Habitats Directives, and Adaptation White Paper/Arhus Convention

SWOTs: some common themes Threats Economic climate (cut backs) + political climate (e.g. elections) Lack of joined-up legislation/clear framework Lack of strategic coordination/cooperation Pressure for development, urban sprawl threatens effective planning for adaptation measures Difficulty in measuring tangible benefits – lack of indicators proving viability of adaptation (need targets to ensure delivery)

adaptation action plans Source: University of Manchester

some achievements: AAP guidance A key output is that each partner will produce an Adaptation Action Plan, which will include a High Level Policy Statement The High Level Policy Statement will address regional policies and deliver adaptation actions at the regional and local level Each Adaption Action Plan will contain a SWOT analysis, the results generated by the Climate Risk Assessment Tool and a list of actions, delivery mechanisms and measurable targets to implement green and blue infrastructure

adaptation action plans

some achievements: tool prototype – making it easier to aid and support the AAP policy/decision making process Each AAP will reflect the results generated by the Climate Change Risk & Vulnerability Assessment Tool User Needs & Requirements Analyses completed – now being developed, piloted and refined Tool used in AAP development, community engagement, mapping vulnerable groups and infrastructure

some achievements: exchanging knowledge Mentoring Visits - timed to help develop AAPs by implementing SWOT Analyses, and gain first-hand knowledge of climate change impacts/solutions in host location Workshops, Thematic Seminars & Study Visits – Malmo, Netherlands, Graz, Freiburg, London, Catania

Project Brochure Expert Papers Newsletters Press Releases Extensive Press Coverage Presentations at Conferences! Website some achievements: raising awareness

further information Diane Smith European and Corporate Affairs Manager Town and Country Planning Association 17 Carlton House Terrace t: +44 (0)