Egis experts contribute to the assessment of the vulnerability of sectors of the economy to climate change in Ukraine

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On August 28-29, 2023 the experts of the EU funded project “Strengthening the capacity of regional and local administrations for implementation and enforcement of EU environmental and climate change legislation and development of infrastructure projects” (APENA 3), presented interim results of the assessment of the vulnerability of economic sectors to climate change of Ivano-Frankivsk region.

The presentation took place in Ivano-Frankivsk in a mixed format and was organized together with the Covenant of Mayors East. More than 150 participants attended the event: experts, the representatives of local governments and the public sector from various regions of Ukraine, representatives of communities that are signatories of the Covenant of Mayors-East.

The presentation informed about APENA 3 assistance in the preparation of the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Ivano-Frankivsk region. The strategy for Ivano-Frankivsk region is the second one that APENA 3 assists to develop, and similar assistance is provided in other two regions, Lviv and Mykolayiv. The presentation of the interim results of similar work for Mykolayiv region was organized in May 2023.

About the project:

Project “Strengthening the capacity of regional and local administrations for implementation and enforcement of EU environmental and climate change legislation and development of infrastructure projects”, funded by the European Union for provision of long-term assistance in capacity building of state government bodies of Ukraine at local and regional levels in issues of development and implementation of key reforms, stemming from the Association Agreement, includes capacity building to conduct the process of approximation of legislation with the EU in sectors of environmental impact assessment, strategic environmental assessment, waste management, and climate change adaptation. The project is implementing by a consortium of ENVIROPLAN S.A. Consultants and Engineers, Egis International, Egis Structures & Environment, Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Savings (CRES).

The issue of climate change is one of the first on the agenda both worldwide and in Ukraine. War caused even bigger challenges for Ukraine, that is why the issue of development of efficient climate policy on all levels is key for assurance of green recovery. We are confident that recovery of Ukraine shall take place taking into consideration forecasted trends in climate change, risk analysis for various sectors. Recently Minister Ruslan Strilets issued an order that approved methodological recommendations for execution of risk and vulnerability assessment, which were developed by the APENA 3 project. They are one of the main instruments for development of climate change adaptation strategies and their implementation plans. These elaborations will be useful during development of all strategic documents on climate change adaptation strategy for various oblasts of Ukraine.

Victoria Kireyeva, Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine

Mainstreaming of environment and climate into post war reconstruction is in the interest of citizens of Ukraine as it will ensure no regret investments and will bring benefits to all. Adaptation to climate change is one of the aspects that Ukraine has the chance to take into account while planning its “build back better” and this summer has already shown us how climate change is affecting our lives. I am glad that my colleagues in the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine cooperate closely with the experts of Apena 3 project and the work on the development of climate adaptation strategies continues during this difficult time. I am also glad to witness strong commitment to the Green Deal principles at local level as participation of a wide circle of stakeholders in the decision-making, is crucial for success”.

Chloé AllioHead of Section "Economic Cooperation, Energy, Infrastructure and Environment" at the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine

We consider a few scenarios of climate change to show different possible futures. But for all scenarios adaptation to climate change of sectors and population on territories is crucial and unavoidable to minimize the negative impacts. Our goals are to achieve climate resilient development in the recovery of Ukraine after the war to assure a better future for all. But our pilot regions should not wait until our Victory but be prepared and start right now planning adaptation measures based on our climate projections and assessment of vulnerability of sectors and territories”.

Svitlana KrakovskaClimatologist