BC3. Basque centre for climate change – Klima aldaketa ikergai

LIFE-IP URBAN KLIMA 2050 will demonstrate the effective and well-coordinated implementation (directly in the IP and though complementary funding), of a climate strategy (KLIMA 2050) on a large territorial scale (Basque Country, 7 .200 Km 2, 2, 1 Mill inhabitants), while ensuring involvement of key stakeholders (Regional Government, Provincial Authorities, Municipalities, Public and Private companies, Research and Education sector, Social agents and citizens) and promoting the coordination with and mobilisation of other relevant funding sources: European Union (FEADER, FEDER, FSE, H2020 ... ), national level (MITECO, Fundaci6n Biodiversidad, Basque Government own funds ... ) and other private funds (BBVA, Iberdrola Foundation ... ).

URBAN KLIMA 2050 defines a particular approach to adapt, and sometimes mitigate the effects of CC in the Basque urban zones. It is considered that this approach could be considered as a replicable case study for similar regions of the EU. It presents the following framework:

1. The project considers the urban settlements as the core for CC adaptation. The Basque Country presents two urban settlement models: 1. The compact municipality where to respond and react to CC-derived risks and vulnerabilities and adaptation are the goals. These responses should be linked to advance towards sustainability in order to achieve a more resilient territory and a better quality of life for citizens; 2. The Small municipalities where there is still a strong connection between rural and urban areas. In the last, the challenge is focused on preserving these areas and its values by protecting their natural resources and rural population. Green infrastructures and Nature-based Solutions will play a key role on both challenges.
2. The interim revision of the 1st Action Plan (2015-2020) performed in 2017, identifies the mainstreaming of resilience and adaptation at territorial scales as key priority. This revision has highlighted: 1. The need for arrange synergies between the territories at several scales; 2. The need to take full advantage from innovative and sustainable solutions; 3. The need to act at urban and peri-urban areas; 4. The need to reinforce rural-urban links. In sum, this revision suggests the need to define a governance and action model adapted to each action level. Therefore, the project proposes key urban and peri-urban areas to develop Pilot Actions at the following 3 territorial scales:

• Urban/peri-urban scale (C4): in order to promote the maximum synergies and interaction between adaptation and mitigation at municipal and supra-municipal level.
• River basin scale (C5): taking into account that the settlement models in the territory are strongly conditioned by the characteristics of the catchments and that these articulate the potential main CC induced impacts and, at the same time, are the key­scale for the implementation of the best solutions to increase its resilience, since the inter-connection along the catchment is no doubt.
• Coastal scale (CG): taking into account that a huge amount of population is living near the coast that presents a high degree of vulnerability in natural environments and even in several local urban areas and that there is a management concurrency with the National Administration.

Although Pilot Actions will be developed around all the Basque geography, some Priority Areas are defined on each governance level: urban areas (Bilbao, Vitoria!Gasteiz, Oonostia/San Sebastian, Bakio, Bermeo, Gemika-Lumo, Zarautz), peri-urban areas (Urdaibai-Green Infrastructures; Oebabarrena-Coastal Natural Habitat; Rioja Alavesa­Renewable Energies), river basins (Butroe, Oka, /baizabal, Deba, Urumea, Zadorra, Baia, Ebro) and coastal areas. More information provided in the maps under Form B2b.

Territory {C2): in order to move towards a territorial model adapted and resilient, integrating CC both at regional scale ("Climate Proofing" criteria on Partial and Sectorial Territorial Planning) and at local scale (Urban Planning guides). Population (C3): relative to public health (cross effects between urban air quality, heat waves and heat islands ... ) and as well towards social commitment.

Infrastructures (C3): to reduce territorial vulnerability and CC induced risks (i.e . floods, landslides, sea storms or mean sea level rise) in the built environment and energy and water infrastructures.

Socio-economic activities (C1 ): horizontal to the 3 previous ones, in the sense that all actions foreseen in them will generate synergies and opportunities for innovation in the social and economic field.

Maria José Sanz

Iñaki Arto

Aline Chiabai

Mikel Gonzalez

Marc Neumann

Marta Olazabal