BUILDING CLIMATE RESILIENCE IN MOUNTAIN REGIONS
Creators: name: Xekalakis, Georgios
name: Anastasiou, Christos
name: Bügelmayer-Blaschek, Marianne
name: Molina López, Patricia
name: Gamallo-Paz, Isabel
name: Tötzer, Tanja
name: Pavone, Venera
name: Kazamia, Evi
name: Christou, Petros
name: Havlik, Denis
Publisher: name: Eleventh International Conference on Remote Sensing and Geoinformation of Environment
Year: 2025
Subjects: Climate Resilience
Mountain Regions
Climate Change Adaptation
Troodos Region
Resilience Indicators

description: Mountain regions face distinct climate-related challenges that differ from those encountered in lowland areas. Changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and extreme events impact ecosystems, water resources, and local livelihoods in ways that require targeted adaptation strategies. In this study, resilience-building efforts in the Troodos region are examined, with a focus on available indicators, identified gaps, and the role of Community of Practice (CoP) meetings in fostering collective responses. Through the ClimEmpower initiative, existing resilience indicators have been assessed within a broader conceptual framework encompassing climate risks, socio-economic factors, and governance structures. Although some indicators related to water scarcity, wildfire impact, and temperature fluctuations provide insight into regional vulnerabilities, significant gaps remain in exposure and vulnerability data, hindering the development of effective adaptation policies and resilience measures. The role of participatory approaches in resilience-building has been analyzed, emphasizing how stakeholder engagement contributes to localized climate adaptation strategies by facilitating the rapid identification of key challenges faced by a region. CoP meetings have been identified as an essential platform for knowledge exchange, co-creation of solutions, and policy dialogue. Through qualitative analyses, stakeholders have highlighted the need for policy advocacy, capacity-building initiatives, and interdisciplinary collaboration, which have been underscored as crucial elements for strengthening resilience. The findings hold significance beyond the Troodos region, as mountain areas worldwide share similar vulnerabilities and require tailored adaptation approaches. Compared to lowland areas, mountain communities experience unique challenges, including increased exposure to extreme weather events, heightened water scarcity, and a faster spread of wildfires, resulting in greater burnt areas. The importance of region-specific resilience indicators and participatory decision-making processes is emphasized, with lessons drawn from this study offering valuable insights for other mountainous regions facing climate-related uncertainties. The methodological approach and governance insights presented can inform adaptation strategies in other regions, including those in Central and Northern Europe. As climate change continues to impact mountain environments in distinct ways, addressing resilience gaps through participatory mechanisms remains essential. The findings of this study provide a pathway for strengthening climate adaptation efforts not only in Cyprus but also in other mountain settings where similar challenges are encountered.