On 29 April 2026, the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace hosted the 2nd Regional Workshop of the DesirMED project in Drama, bringing together representatives from public authorities, academia, businesses, and regional stakeholders to further shape the region’s climate adaptation strategy. The workshop marked a significant milestone in the development of Transformative Adaptation Pathways, translating long-term climate resilience visions into concrete actions.

The event focused on identifying the most pressing climate risks affecting the Regional Unit of Drama, including rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, water scarcity, extreme rainfall events, flooding, and soil degradation. Participants agreed that strengthening the resilience of water resources is the region’s top priority, given the increasing pressures climate change places on agriculture, ecosystems, and local communities.

Through a series of presentations, discussions, and interactive working sessions, stakeholders collaboratively developed a “MetroMap” of adaptation pathways, visualising key actions, dependencies, and critical tipping points that may require additional interventions in the future. The exercise helped participants move from theoretical discussions towards practical planning and implementation.

The workshop also highlighted the important role of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) already being implemented across the region. Current pilot actions include precision irrigation systems, constructed wetlands for water reuse, coastal protection measures, and flood-risk reduction infrastructure. Participants recognised the value of these pilots as practical testing grounds for wider regional adaptation efforts and discussed opportunities to scale them up in the coming years.

A key outcome of the workshop was the strong consensus on the importance of collaboration among public authorities, researchers, local stakeholders, and the business sector. Participants emphasized that effective climate adaptation requires coordinated action across the quadruple helix and stronger integration between the DesirMED project and the Regional Climate Change Adaptation Plan (PeSPKA).

The discussions also identified challenges that need to be addressed, including increasing farmer participation, establishing clear mechanisms for scaling successful solutions, and ensuring long-term funding beyond the lifetime of the DesirMED project. Despite these challenges, the workshop demonstrated a shared commitment to building a more resilient future for Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.

By fostering dialogue, knowledge exchange, and co-creation, the DesirMED 2nd Regional Workshop provided a valuable platform for advancing climate adaptation planning and strengthening regional preparedness for the impacts of climate change. The outcomes will contribute to the continued development and implementation of adaptation pathways that support sustainable water management, resilient agriculture, and the protection of natural resources across the region.