The objective calibration method originally performed on regional climate models is applied to a fine horizontal resolution Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) model over a mainly continental domain covering the Alpine Arc. The method was implemented on the MeteoSwiss COSMO (consortium for a small-scale modeling) model with a resolution of 0.01° (approximately 1 km). For the model calibration, five tuning parameters of the parameterization schemes affecting turbulence, soil-surface exchange and radiation were chosen. A full year was simulated, with the history of the soil included (hindcast) to find the optimal parameter value. A different year has been used to give an independent assessment of the impact of the optimization process. Although the operational MeteoSwiss model is already a well-tuned configuration, the results showed that a slight model performance gain is obtained by using the Calibration of COSMO (CALMO) methodology.

Effective implementation of the new Greek governance system for Natura 2000 site protection and conservation relies on adopting innovative local participation methods. The remote and transboundary nature of Prespa Lakes presents unique challenges to environmental protection and efficient management of this protected area. Within the framework of the Horizon 2020 ARSINOE project, NECCA supervised three national workshops in the Greek part of the Prespa Lakes watershed, bringing together stakeholders from all relevant sectors that were selected based on their interest in and influence on the challenge of water management. These stakeholders mapped the complex interconnections between climate change; water management; and local issues like vegetation changes, population decline, and economic activities, revealing synergies as well as conflicts, eventually identifying innovation pathways for future climate resilience in Prespa and highlighting the importance of participatory governance for freshwater ecosystems. This paper explores the application of the System Innovation Approach and Living Labs methodology that produced mental maps, future visions, and identified innovations, thus fostering a comprehensive, multistakeholder approach to climate adaptation in water resources management. The future goal is to examine the transferability of experience and insights gained in Prespa to other Greek Protected Areas with similar ecosystem characteristics and challenges.

Climate change is inducing new and increasing existing hazards that can cascade from one system or region to another affecting communities, ecosystems and various sectors of the economy. In 2022 Greece has incorporated the national climate law describing climate actions on mitigation and adaptation, introducing strategies and outlining key priorities and commitments of the country. Moreover, under article 20 of the national climate law, it is declared that it is mandatory for enterprises and public bodies to calculate their carbon footprint and publish a carbon footprint report in which mitigation actions and measures are also summarized. Reports collected within the first 2 years of the implementation of the law have been reviewed and data extracted are discussed in this work. A clear reduction of the total carbon footprint is evident in most sectors of Greek economy. Policy recommendations to enhance not only regulatory but also voluntary compliance and ensure progress towards the 2050 net-zero carbon emissions target are also outlined.

Constructive local participation is crucial for the effective governance of protected areas (PAs) in Greece, for which NECCA is the competent authority. In the framework of the H2020 ARSINOE project, NECCA has conducted workshops in the area of Prespa Lakes, focusing on climate adaptation challenges in water resources management, attended by stakeholders representing all environmental, economic and social sectors related to water use. Common mental mappings of the issues discussed led to drafting innovation pathways that generated important insights into the complex interconnections between various domains, the areas where intervention is required, as well as local community equilibria. Although current work focuses on the Prespa Lakes case, its scope can be extended to address the needs of “the next day” for NECCA. Successful transfer of gained experience and knowledge can enhance the management of protected areas with similar ecosystem characteristics and challenges. These methods could be used both for the Local Management Committees (LMCs) as well as the informal engagement of local stakeholders, ensuring regular monitoring and input to common expectations for shaping climate resilience.