On 17 July, the Applied Research and Communications Fund team, in partnership with the Municipality of Gabrovo, co-organised a citizen discussion panel on the topic “How Can We Effectively Adapt to Climate Change?”
Held as part of the MountResilience initiative, the event brought together citizens and local stakeholders to discuss practical approaches to strengthening climate resilience at the local level.
The discussion explored how climate change is perceived by different members of the community, its immediate impacts on everyday life, and the actions that citizens, civil society organisations, businesses, and local authorities can take to support effective climate adaptation. Participants also learned about the technological solutions implemented by the Municipality of Gabrovo to improve climate resilience and strengthen disaster prevention.
The panel generated valuable insights on several key topics:
Municipal climate commitments
The Municipality of Gabrovo presented its ambitious climate objectives, including an 80.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and the long-term goal of achieving climate neutrality. Progress to date has been driven primarily by energy efficiency measures. The perspectives shared during the citizens’ panel will contribute to the development of the Municipality’s new Green Infrastructure Strategy.
Climate in a single word
As an opening exercise, participants were invited to describe climate in a single word. Responses such as life, responsibility, connectedness, clean air, forest, deforestation, global warming, change, future, livelihood, development, risk, prevention and industrial agriculture reflected the strong connection citizens make between climate, quality of life, and long-term community resilience.
Local seed varieties and agrobiodiversity
The discussion highlighted concerns about the limited cultivation and use of Bulgarian local seed varieties. Participants noted the need for greater research into native seed stock, stronger support for local food production, and targeted subsidies for producers cultivating traditional varities. They also emphasised the importance of protecting endangered local varieties and increasing public awareness of the value of agrobiodiversity.
Regenerative agriculture
Participants identified regenerative agricultural practices as an effective approach to improving soil health, increasing moisture retention, preserving topsoil, and enhancing resilience to pests. The discussion also highlighted the growing adoption of regenerative methods among Bulgarian saffron producers, with an estimated 80% already applying such practices.
The citizen panel demonstrated the importance of inclusive dialogue in shaping effective local climate policies. The contributiions and perspectives shared by participants will help inform future climate adaptation measures and strengthen community resilience.
