An innovative €1.3m project which looks to tackle climate change on local and regional levels has hosted its final meeting.

The CLIMATE project - Collaborative Learning Initiative Managing and Adapting to the Environment (CLIMATE) - sees Derry City and Strabane District Council serve as lead partner, working with other countries including Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Faroe Islands, Republic of Ireland and Denmark.

The Council's CLIMATE Adaptation Officer, Cathy Burns met with the President of Iceland Guðni Th. Jóhannesson during the final meeting, presenting him with a gift on behalf of the Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Michaela Boyle. This was offered in recognition of the work Iceland has carried out in conjunction with Council to develop an action plan to mitigate against the worst effects of climate change.

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Speaking after the meeting, Cathy Burns explained: "As a local authority we have a dedicated taskforce aimed at making us more resilient to climate change. This includes improving our green infrastructure, helping communities become more prepared in terms of emergency planning and ensuring that climate adaptation is included in our community planning.

"We are fortunate to have been involved in a transnational CLIMATE Programme to develop a climate adaptation plan sharing knowledge and learning with other countries including Iceland and are honoured to have been given the opportunity to meet their president to express our gratitude."

The CLIMATE project will address climate issues using using models of best practice to develop climate adaptation plans for implementation in the City and District. This €1.3m project is part funded by the ERDF Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme 2014-2020. 

(CM/MH)