New Joint Guide Empowers Local Policymakers in the Black Sea Basin to Tackle Climate Challenges

Photo: STEP2CleanPlan

The Black Sea Basin is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change — from rising temperatures and erratic precipitation to sea-level rise and more frequent extreme weather events. These challenges pose serious risks to urban infrastructure, agriculture, energy systems, and biodiversity, making coordinated local action more critical than ever.

To help local authorities respond effectively, the project STEP2CleanPlan (Cooperation for Sustainable Energy and Climate Actions’ Planning and Monitoring in the BSB, BSB00004), led by Uzunköprü Municipality and with District Burgas as partner — both partners in the TiCCA4DANU project — has developed a Joint Guide for Local Policymakers.

This comprehensive roadmap provides practical, structured solutions tailored to municipalities’ needs, drawing on European best practices, local experiences, and international climate policy frameworks.

Key Highlights of the Guide:

• Promotes integrated climate governance, combining mitigation (reducing greenhouse gas emissions) and adaptation (preparing for and managing climate impacts).
• Offers actionable recommendations for designing, funding, and implementing local climate adaptation plans.
• Stresses the importance of scientific data, regional cooperation, and multi-stakeholder engagement for building robust, future-ready strategies.

By following the approaches outlined in the guide, municipalities can:

• Strengthen climate resilience
• Improve access to sustainability and climate funding
• Protect vulnerable communities
• Promote environmental stewardship and inclusive economic growth

This collaborative effort equips local governments with the tools and knowledge needed to lead the transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future across the Black Sea Basin.

For more information about the STEP2CleanPlan initiative visit the project’s official page here. The Joint Guide for Local Policymakers including recommendations for local adaptation plans will be a rich resource for TiCCA4DANU’s work and can be downloaded here.