Slovenia’s Strategic Integrated LIFE Project for Adaptation

Slovenia’s Strategic Integrated LIFE Project for Adaptation – LIFE4ADAPT, aims at contributing to the full implementation of the national adaptation strategy (NAS), i.e. the Strategic Framework for Climate Change Adaptation (SFCCA), adopted by the Government in 2016. The project proposes a comprehensive set of activities to target the main bottlenecks in climate change adaptation, address key risks, and include key stakeholders in the process, as foreseen by the SFCCA. So far, the implementation of the NAS has faced major barriers in the form of institutional capacity, know-how, and broader recognition of risks, leading to suboptimal implementation of capabilities and capacities across all sectors, levels of government, and the wider public. This has changed with climate impacts felt across Slovenia in 2022 (drought, forest fires) and 2023 (catastrophic floods). The project thus proposes to implement activities ranging from upgrading climate services at Slovenian Environment Agency via the Climate Service Center, strengthening interministerial cooperation, Climate Portal upgrade, building capacities and providing operational support for climate change adaptation action in regions and municipalities, underpinned by work packages on implementation of pilot measures, communication, education, devising a monitoring and evaluation system, innovative financing mechanisms and post-project implementation plan. The project will bring together crucial partners among local-level associations of municipalities, representatives of NGO, the private and public sectors, as well as academia. It will be able to develop synergies with other policies, sectors and levels of governments through systematic, long-term, and coordinated actions, ensuring successful involvement of all target groups and building capacity of the state and key actors to respond proactively to the rising risks and vulnerabilities due to climate change.

The LIFE4ADAPT project has significant importance for scientific development in Slovenia, as it promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, strengthens research capacities, and helps transfer knowledge into practice. Here are some key contributions to science: Development of scientific tools and databases - Establishment of a national center for climate analyses and projections to provide updated data for research and adaptation. - Enhancement of existing databases like LIFE NarcIS and development of apps for recording damage. Strengthening research institutions - The project involves many scientific organizations, such as the University of Ljubljana, Scientific Research Centre Koper, Slovenian Forestry Institute, Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, and National Institute of Biology. - It provides funding for research activities and pilot projects that serve as examples of best practices. Education and knowledge transfer - Development of educational programs for teachers, students, professionals, and public administration, focused on training for climate adaptation. - Enrichment of university portals with content related to climate resilience, improving access to scientific knowledge. Interdisciplinary collaboration - The project connects scientific, administrative, non-governmental, and local spheres, fostering a systemic approach to solving climate challenges.

The LIFE4ADAPT project plays a vital role in the sustainable development of Slovenia by tackling one of the most significant challenges of our time—climate change. Its impact spans across environmental, social, and economic spheres: Strengthening climate resilience - Slovenia is already experiencing heatwaves, droughts, floods, and forest fires. LIFE4ADAPT helps develop systemic solutions for adaptation that reduce vulnerability in communities. - The creation of a National Centre for Climate Analysis and Projections will support better planning of adaptation measures. More effective governance and collaboration - The project encourages interministerial cooperation among government ministries, municipalities, NGOs, and scientific institutions. - The execution of 14 pilot projects across Slovenia will demonstrate how local communities can concretely adapt to climate impacts. Economic and social benefits - Reducing damage from extreme weather will lead to long-term savings in public spending and improved economic stability. - It includes educational programs for teachers, students, experts, and public administration, boosting awareness and knowledge in society. Connecting with European initiatives - LIFE4ADAPT links Slovenia to the EU Mission on Climate Adaptation, opening doors to additional funding and sharing of good practices. - The Samo1planet portal will become a central hub for climate resilience information, tools, and knowledge exchange. So it's more than an environmental initiative—it's an investment in a safer, adaptive, and sustainable future for Slovenia.