Outermost regions driving climate resilience in the EU
26. June 13:45 - 15:00
When it comes to climate change, EU outermost regions (EU ORs) act as resonance boxes. They are among the most vulnerable European territories, highly impacted by climate change and with limited capacities to adapt, but also pioneers in designing and implementing innovative solutions to climate-driven natural hazards. The climate they are facing today will become more and more common on continental Europe, especially in southern Europe countries. Considering these aspects, EU ORs, could be considered as Living Labs to develop climate adaptation solutions. Supporting climate resilience in EU ORs today means more best practices and replicable solutions for continental Europe tomorrow.
This session will develop this idea, showcasing best practices and solutions developed in EU outermost territories but also describing the kind of support would allow them to become EU climate resilience leaders and develop state of the art solutions with high replicability potential in continental Europe. Interactive parts will also allow for exchanges on climate adaptation solutions and best practices. The session will close on upcoming opportunities to collaborate with EU ORs through EU programmes.
You are looking for inspiration to develop climate adaptation solutions? Or you would like to work more with EU outermost regions? Do not miss this unique opportunity to better understand their situation and the challenges they face!
The session builds on conclusions from exchanges with and among EU outermost regions in the scope of REGILIENCE project.
Speakers
Project Manager, Climate Adaptation, French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME)
Pauline Guérécheau, Project Manager, Climate Adaptation (ADEME)
With an academic background in International Relations, specializing in international climate negotiations, Pauline has walked the line between global ambition and local action. At UN Environment, she supported cities in their journey toward decarbonization and climate resilience, notably through the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC). Now based in Guadeloupe with ADEME, Pauline leads adaptation efforts under the H2020 TransformAr project, weaving together innovation and tradition to shape responses rooted in the island’s unique rhythms - like the Local Adaptation Fund, designed to help farmers adapt to the impacts of climate change and strengthen the resilience of local agriculture.
Principal Consultant, Ecorys
Chiara Savina, Principal Consultant, Ecorys
Chiara Savina is a Principal Consultant at Ecorys Brussels, working within the Research and Policy team. She manages and delivers projects for EU Institutions on green transitions, climate adaptation, and Cohesion Policy. Chiara has a strong track record in supporting the EU Outermost Regions, having led the Programme of Exchanges on Climate Adaptation and the Advisory Tool for these regions (DG REGIO). She currently manages the Secretariat of the European Climate Pact (DG CLIMA) and the Cohesion for Transitions (C4T) Community of Practice (DG REGIO), helping stakeholders accelerate climate neutrality. She also contributes to the Just Transition Platform Working Groups, advising DG REGIO on regional green and just transition pathways. Chiara holds a double MSc in International Economic Integration from the University of Pavia and HEC Liège, and a BA in International Development from the University of Bologna.
Project Manager, University Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Patricia del Mar Caro Ruiz, Project Manager, University Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
She holds a degree in Marine Sciences and an advanced degree in Environmental Engineering, with over 20 years of experience in the environmental field. Throughout her career, she has worked in environmental management for major infrastructure projects (airports, ports, dams), and has participated in numerous environmental innovation initiatives within European programs such as LIFE, H2020, and INTERREG.
In recent years, she has specialized in climate change impact assessment and the development of mitigation and adaptation measures. She is currently part of the Coordination Team of the LIFE COSTAdapta project, serving as technical coordinator. In this role, she leads the design and validation of a new coastal adaptation solution to address sea level rise and erosion in island territories. This approach aims to offer an innovative and integrative alternative within broader coastal protection and resilience strategies.
Head of Innovation, Energy and Climate Regional Agency of la Réunion
Vincent Omarjee, Head of Innovation, Energy and Climate Regional Agency of la Réunion
Vincent supports Énergies Réunion in its mission to fight climate change for the benefit of the people of La Réunion. As part of the regional agency for energy and climate, he works closely with local authorities to help them develop and implement their energy strategies through concrete actions. With the team there, he aims to achieve renewable energy self-sufficiency for the island,
Moderator
Junior Expert, Resilience and Climate Adaptation, ICLEI Europe
Erika Palmieri, Junior Expert, Resilience and Climate Adaptation, ICLEI Europe
Erika Palmieri is a Junior Expert in Resilience and Climate Adaptation at ICLEI Europe. With over 6 years of experience ranging from architecture and urban planning to humanitarian work, with organisations like the Red Cross and UNHCR, her expertise spans between climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. Along her career, she has provided strategic territorial and infrastructure planning, recovery responses and monitoring and assessment tools to enhance resilience of local and regional governments. In parallel to her professional endeavours, Erika is actively engaged in academic research activities and she is currently pursuing a PhD in Regional Planning and Public Policy.
Currently she is supporting several EU funded projects on regional climate resilience, such as Regions4Climate and REGILIENCE, as well as multi-hazard built environment resilience (MULTICLIMACT).
Project Officer, FEDARENE
Nadège Seguel, Project Officer, FEDARENE
Nadège Seguel is a Project Officer at the FEDARENE, developing climate adaptation activities. Currently working on EU flagship projects and initiatives such as REGILIENCE, the Mission Implementation Platform and PLAN4COLD. She has an academic background in European Policy and Environmental management.