International Workshop “Water and Climate Change in Southeastern Europe: Understanding Impacts & Planning for Adaptation”

The World Bank, in cooperation with the Albanian Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Water Administration and the Global Water Partnership Mediterranean, is organizing the "International Workshop "Water and Climate Change in Southeastern Europe: Understanding Impacts & Planning for Adaptation" in Tirana, Albania, 24-25 June 2008.
 
The workshop contributes to the Mediterranean Component of the EU Water Initiative (MED EUWI), as well as collaborative efforts by the Bank, client countries, and other partners on current and emerging water issues. The event is another milestone on transboundary water collaboration across SE Europe under the Petersberg Phase II/Athens Declaration Process.
 
The Workshop will be focused primarily on the countries of the Western Balkans. It will bring together national, regional and international water sector experts and decision makers to discuss experiences, capabilities and needs for climate trends analysis, climate projections, vulnerability and impact assessments and adaptation strategies over the coming decades. The Workshop will also provide the opportunity for participants to reflect on the implications for applied scientific
research and infrastructure planning on water resources.
 
The Workshop will provide an informal venue for participants to:
 
(i) learn about and reflect on the most recent analysis of climate trends, projections and implications by national, regional and international organizations,
(ii) review potential impacts on vulnerable sub-regions most notably the Drini-Mati Basin, Sava River Basin and Adriatic Coast,
(iii) examine what additional analytical work is needed to assess impacts and adaptation options for specific water sector investments in these sensitive locales,
(iv) reflect on national and international adaptation planning to advance "climate-proofing" of infrastructure and water sector investments,
(v) consider linkages to the analytical services and investment programs of EU-based and United Nations Institutions, as well as those of the World Bank and other multilateral investment banks, and
(vi) suggest additional activities that could be advanced under the Petersberg Process Phase II/Athens Declaration Process, World Water Forum, MED EUWI and other professional collaborative fora.

Travel and accommodation expenses only for participants coming from the Southeastern Europe countries may be covered by the organizers.
 
Confirmation of attendance until 2 June 2008 by returning the registration form by
email (dimitris@gwpmed.com) or fax (+30 210 33 17 127).