Situated in the north-central part of the Iberian Peninsula is Euskadi, home to 2.2 million people, with a striking 75% living along its picturesque coastlines. However, this coastal charm comes with a challenge: the rising threat of sea level rise and increased wave action due to climate change.
To tackle this head-on, the Basque Government has launched the Basque Climate Adaptation Mission, a bold initiative in line with the EU Mission. This mission aims to develop tangible projects that not only check the effectiveness of climate solutions but also serve as blueprints for other regions facing similar challenges.
At the forefront of this effort is Ihobe, the Basque Environmental Agency, which orchestrates climate actions across the most vulnerable areas. Ihobe’s strategy is comprehensive, bringing together public administrations, businesses, citizens, and a special focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Leading the charge is Mari Mar Alonso, Director of Climate Action at Ihobe, whose vision and dedication have been pivotal in driving this mission forward. Together, they are working to ensure that Euskadi’s coastlines remain resilient and vibrant for generations to come.
Mari Mar Alonso leads a dynamic team at Ihobe, steering the Basque Government’s climate planning and legislation while supporting transformative projects like LIFE IP Urban Klima 2050 and Regions4Climate (R4C). For Mari Mar, these initiatives are more than just policy—they’re about action. “Our participation in these projects allows us to identify, design, and implement funding tools for climate adaptation,” she explains. “We focus on meeting the specific needs of the Basque territory while promoting nature-based adaptation measures.”
Through R4C, Ihobe aims to boost Euskadi’s climate resilience by setting up on-the-ground demonstrators that offer valuable insights. One standout example is the restoration of the San Lorenzo lagoon. This project isn’t just about ecological repair; it’s a multi-faceted approach to improving biodiversity, reducing flooding, and capturing blue carbon. By learning from these local projects, Basque Environment Agency hopes to create adaptable models that can be applied to other regions, making Euskadi a leader in climate resilience.
A key challenge Ihobe has encountered in the R4C project is getting stakeholders actively involved. Mari Mar Alonso points out, “While we design projects and actions with stakeholders, there’s still a gap in involving citizens who are directly affected. They need to be part of the decision-making process from the very start.”
To tackle this, Ihobe has been pushing for a more inclusive approach, working to integrate local communities and businesses into every stage of planning and implementation. It’s about fostering a culture where those most impacted by climate initiatives have a real voice, transforming passive observers into active participants in building a resilient future for Euskadi.
If I had to sum it up in one sentence, it would be to contribute practically and realistically to the climate adaptation of the territory and generate a business sector that responds to these needs – Mari Mar emphasised when we asked about the long-term impact expected from R4C.
Eva Montoya, coordinator of Ekoetxea Txingudi, a centre within the Ekoetxea Network of Environmental Centres in Euskadi, plays a crucial role in the R4C project. Ekoetxea Txingudi is found in Plaiaundi, where the San Lorenzo lagoon restoration will take place.
When asked about Ekoetxea Txingudi’s role in the project, Eva explained: “we will conduct a citizen engagement process in the Bidasoa region to develop an environmental education experience focused on the general public, which will allow them to closely understand the climate adaptation project in Plaiaundi.”
Eva highlighted the importance of involving the local population: “It is essential to carry out actions and experiences that bring the population closer to the project and allow them to see the interventions necessary to mitigate climate change from another perspective.” These awareness activities will help citizens understand the importance of the San Lorenzo lagoon intervention and how these actions can improve the region’s resilience.
The efforts of Ihobe – Basque Environment Agency and Ekoetxea Txingudi have been pivotal to the R4C project’s success so far. By fostering active dialogue and planning future educational initiatives, they aim to deepen the community’s understanding and involvement in climate adaptation efforts. The goal is to ensure that the local population is not just informed but actively engaged in shaping and implementing solutions.
The Regions4Climate project is more than a quest for immediate fixes; it’s about driving long-lasting change. With the collaboration of institutions, businesses, and citizens, Euskadi is emerging as a leader in climate adaptation, proving that local action can spark global impact in the fight against climate change.
