On 10 and 11 June 2026, the Association of South-Western Municipalities (ASWM) organised and hosted a partnership meeting for the European project HEATSAFE – "Holistic Environmental and Social Adaptation Framework for Extreme Heat".
The two-day meeting brought together representatives of all project partners from six Mediterranean countries, united by the shared goal of adapting cities to the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves.
During the meeting, partners worked on common methodologies for the prevention, mitigation and management of heatwave risks, made progress on the development of local action plans, and exchanged good practices in the field of urban adaptation to climate change.
As part of the visit, the hosts organised a guided tour of Blagoevgrad's identified climate shelters and air-conditioned public spaces. These sites will be included in the project's heat vulnerability map - one of HEATSAFE's key tools to support local authorities in decision-making.
The project has a three-year timeframe. The following results have been achieved to date under ASWM's activities:
- A heat vulnerability mapping methodology has been developed, applied by all partners and used as the foundation for building climate shelter networks.
- The first two meetings of the stakeholder network have been held in Blagoevgrad.
- A Local Action Plan on Extreme Heat is currently being drafted and will be presented to the wider public for consultation and adoption.
- ASWM is procuring mobile shading structures as an immediate measure to protect public spaces during the summer of 2026.
- Weather monitoring sensors have been installed on the roof of the Blagoevgrad Municipality building, with four additional sensors to be mounted at the pilot site.
The Municipality of Blagoevgrad and the Regional Administration of Blagoevgrad are associated partners of ASWM within the project.
