Second Meeting of the Local Adaptation Team (LAP) Held in Kobuleti Municipality within the EU and Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Project

09 Sep 2025

On September 5, 2025, the second meeting of the Local Adaptation Team (LAP) took place in Kobuleti Municipality as part of the EU co-funded Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin project. The meeting brought together local stakeholders, municipal representatives, and scientific experts to continue joint work on shaping Kobuleti’s Local Climate Change Adaptation Plan (LAP).

During the session, LAP members presented thematic reports and analyses on a wide range of issues: the level of environmental awareness within the community, the state of Kobuleti’s water resources, waste management practices, geology and hydrology, tourism and the challenges posed by climate change, ecotourism development, as well as the negative impact of climate change on natural and cultural heritage. These presentations highlighted the urgent need to develop comprehensive adaptation measures tailored to the municipality’s specific vulnerabilities.

As a result of the discussions, participants drafted the initial outline of Kobuleti’s Climate Change Local Adaptation Plan. This outline will continue to be refined and expanded during the implementation of the project. Once finalized, the plan will serve as an important tool for the municipal leadership, supporting the prevention and effective management of climate-related risks in such sectors as tourism, infrastructure, agriculture, water management, and public health.

The meeting was also attended by scientific experts selected by the NGO “Green Regions,” who provided valuable insights and data-based perspectives. Additionally, an electronic survey on perceptions of climate change and local adaptation opportunities was shared with stakeholders, with the aim of gathering further input for the development of the LAP.

Looking ahead, the participants agreed on several key topics to be addressed at the next meeting. These include: biosolar technologies, solar water heaters, the municipal spatial development plan, the sanitary protection zone of the Tskhemlauri landfill and its links with groundwater, hazard identification, and water quality monitoring. Presentations on these issues will be delivered both by LAP team members and invited experts from relevant institutions.

Through this participatory process, Kobuleti Municipality continues to build a solid foundation for an effective Local Climate Change Adaptation Plan. The LAP will not only help address immediate challenges but will also provide a model for sustainable decision-making and resilience planning for other municipalities across the region.