ZiBiKli: Target group-oriented educational modules on climate adaptation

New times, new challenges

Adaptation measures are usually site-specific. Cities function as heat islands due to their building density. Erosion rates and permeability of soils is influenced by their structure and vegetation. In basins, flood damages are linked to the space given to rivers. In rural communities adaptation to climate change will increasingly go along with a declining and aging population. Hence, communities have to deal with lower budgets or a shortage of young people in e.g. voluntary fire brigades or non-profit organisations.

The project will focus on the Kurstadtregion (spa region) Elbe-Elster that faces the aforementioned challenges with regards to climate change adaptation and demographic change. The Elbe and Schwarze Elster rivers gave their names to the region. In the last decade, residents and decision-makers had to deal with several heat waves and flooding, and the population in this already sparely populated region has continuously been decreasing.

Self-interests in adaptation measures

ZiBiKli aims at strengthening activities for climate change adaption. With the participation of stakeholders the project partners will develop target group-specific education modules for regional decision-makers from politics, administration or the private sector and for affected people and volunteers. The modules can be combined as per local requirements and stakeholders can use tutorials for operational procedure, best-practice examples, recommended concepts and measures to develop region-specific knowledge for climate change adaption. The stakeholders can act as multipliers, disseminating their knowledge throughout the region. In the near future, target groups should be able to cope better with altered water supply like floods, dry spells and extreme weather events like hail or storms.

Two modules with basic information on climate change and climate protection will complement the adaptation modules. Moreover, an "experience module” will be developed that illustrates how stakeholders can - e.g. via exploration of the closer surrounding - raise awareness for climate change and adaptation measures and strengthen the motivation for implementing these measures.

The transferability of the adaptation modules to other regions with similar conditions will be guaranteed through expert consultations and workshops with potential users. In addition, the project cooperates with LOUISE, a well-established facility that acts as a regional broker for topics like renewable energies, energy efficiency or climate change.