Which parts of Blagoevgrad are most vulnerable to extreme heat, and where is the risk to people highest?

These are the questions answered by the new vulnerability map developed under the HEATSAFE project. As Partner No. 5 in the project, the Association of South-Western Municipalities (ASWM) is providing the map to its associated partners - the Municipality of Blagoevgrad and the Blagoevgrad Regional Administration - to support future planning of adaptation measures.

Building on the earlier analysis of the pilot municipalities' readiness (see the previous publication), the project's international consortium developed a heat vulnerability map for each of the six pilot territories, including Blagoevgrad. While the analysis showed what tools and practices the country has in place overall, the map answers a more specific question - exactly which parts of the municipality, and which groups of residents, face the greatest risk when temperatures rise.

To produce the map, two types of information were combined. On one hand, the air temperature across different parts of the municipality was simulated during a real heatwave in July 2023. On the other, an analysis was carried out of which areas are home to more vulnerable residents, taking into account the age structure of the population, the condition of buildings, access to green spaces and air conditioning, distance to hospitals, and income levels.

The result shows not simply where it gets hottest, but where heat poses the greatest real danger to residents. For Blagoevgrad, the map highlights the central urban area as the highest-risk zone, where intense heat and higher social vulnerability overlap. The municipality's outskirts and rural areas turn out to be less at risk overall, though temperatures there vary far more widely, since the territory spans everything from the urban core to sparsely populated peri-urban settlements.

A distinctive feature of Blagoevgrad, unlike some of the other pilot municipalities in the project, is that both the intensity of the heat and the vulnerability of the population contribute almost equally to overall risk. This means future measures need to address both factors together, rather than one alone.

The map now gives the Municipality of Blagoevgrad and its partner institutions a concrete starting point - it is known which areas need climate shelters and shaded spaces, where emergency teams should be directed during extreme heat, and where health and social services should focus their attention. Building on the analysis and the map, a catalogue of specific measures has also been developed, which municipalities can apply according to the needs identified in their territory, and which is now available HERE.

The full map and its methodology are available here (in English).

This publication was prepared within the framework of the HEATSAFE project, implemented under the Interreg VI-B Euro-Mediterranean (EURO-MED) Programme 2021–2027, co-funded by the European Union.

The Association of South-Western Municipalities (ASWM), as Partner No. 5 in the HEATSAFE project, is working with its associated partners - the Municipality of Blagoevgrad and the Blagoevgrad Regional Administration - to introduce modern approaches to heatwave preparedness and response.

Within the project, ASWM provides its associated partners with the analyses, methodologies and practical tools developed by the international consortium, which will support the planning and implementation of effective measures at local and regional level. The Municipality of Blagoevgrad is the pilot territory where these solutions will be tested and applied in practice.

One of the project's first key results is an analytical report assessing the readiness of the pilot municipalities to address the challenges posed by extreme heat. The report lays the foundation for the development of the project's subsequent tools and practical solutions.

The analysis compares practices in the pilot municipalities against the recommendations of the World Health Organization and examines how well local and national policies are prepared to meet the growing risks associated with high temperatures.

For Bulgaria, the report finds that there is still no dedicated national heat action plan, although the issue is addressed within broader public health and climate adaptation policies. At local level, municipalities such as Blagoevgrad are already taking steps to limit the effects of high temperatures by expanding green infrastructure and improving the urban environment, but a dedicated local heatwave action plan is still lacking.

The analysis also highlights good practices in inter-institutional cooperation. When high temperatures are forecast, information is exchanged between meteorological services, health authorities and municipalities, and guidance is issued as needed for at-risk groups and outdoor workers. The health impact of heat is monitored through a combination of weather data and information on emergency calls, hospital admissions and other health indicators.

At the same time, the report identifies areas where further action is needed. Blagoevgrad currently has no network of climate shelters or designated cool public spaces where people can seek protection during extreme heat. The findings will serve as the basis for developing the first Local Action Plan against heatwaves for the Municipality of Blagoevgrad - the next important step in implementing the HEATSAFE project.

The full report is available here (in English).

This publication was prepared within the framework of the HEATSAFE project, implemented under the Interreg VI-B Euro-Mediterranean (EURO-MED) Programme 2021–2027, co-funded by the European Union.

HEATSAFE helps municipalities in South-West Bulgaria prepare for extreme heat

On 30 June 2026, the Association of South-Western Municipalities (ASWM) held the third meeting of the Stakeholder Network under the HEATSAFE – Holistic Framework for Environmental and Social Adaptation to Extreme Heat project, co-funded by the Interreg Euro-MED Programme 2021–2027. The meeting took place at the Municipality of Blagoevgrad. It brought together representatives of public authorities and key stakeholders involved in developing local measures to address the impacts of extreme heat.

The meeting focused on the draft Local Action Plan, including response protocols for heatwaves, the identification of urban climate shelters, and the communication campaign planned for the summer of 2026. Participants underlined that the proposed protocols are designed to complement, rather than replace, the existing emergency and disaster response mechanisms.

Participants agreed that the HEATSAFE approach is both timely and necessary, as increasingly frequent and prolonged heatwaves require dedicated local planning and stronger institutional coordination. The Local Action Plan aims to improve preparedness, enhance cooperation among responsible authorities, and strengthen the protection of vulnerable population groups during extreme heat events.

As a practical demonstration, ASWM presented real-time temperature data collected from sensors installed on the roof of the Municipality of Blagoevgrad building. The live monitoring illustrated the impact of urban heat and reinforced the need for evidence-based adaptation measures.

The project's associated partners – the Municipality of Blagoevgrad and the Regional Administration of Blagoevgrad – reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the development of the Local Action Plan. Representatives of the Regional Administration also presented the national BG-ALERT early warning system, whose functionality will be considered in developing local protocols for responding to extreme heat.

Particular attention was given to the analysis of information submitted in advance by members of the Stakeholder Network, including the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water, the Regional Health Inspectorate, and the Centre for Emergency Medical Care in Blagoevgrad. Based on these contributions, participants reviewed the proposed measures, identified opportunities for further improvement, and provided recommendations that will be incorporated into the final version of the Local Action Plan.

The project will continue with two additional Stakeholder Network meetings and a capacity-building training programme for local institutions and organisations. The continued engagement of all stakeholders remains essential for delivering an effective and practical Local Action Plan for Blagoevgrad.

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.

The HEATSAFE project is co-funded by the Interreg Euro-MED programme and coordinated by the Federation of Municipalities of the Region of Murcia, Spain.

ASWM Presented the HEATSAFE Project

ASWM Hosts Second HEATSAFE Working Meeting with Local Stakeholders in Blagoevgrad

Two-day meeting focuses on heatwave response strategies and climate resilience solutions.

The project HEATSAFE (Holistic EnvironmenTAl and Social Adaptation Framework for Extreme heat) directly tackles the need to adapt against climate change adverse effects in the whole Mediterranean area. The intensity of heatwaves is amplified in urban areas by factors such as the configuration of the city, the lack of vegetation or the materials of urbanized surfaces, so the strategy to mitigate their effects must be designed specifically for each territory.

Sociodemographic conditions must also be considered, as significant correlation between exposure to extreme heat and socioeconomic vulnerability has been shown, leading to nearly double the mortality risk in some deprived districts. This local complex planning cannot be addressed without a clear methodology. 

In this sense, HEATSAFE will address the most suitable ways to adapt these territories to these effects by developing key activities in Spain, Italy. Albania, Bulgaria and Greece, and with the aim of replicating project approach in the whole Mediterranean area. HEATSAFE will improve the prevention, mitigation and management of risks arising from increased frequency and intensity of extreme heat and heatwaves in the Mediterranean basin through the co-development of local action plans and the implementation of demonstrative pilot actions; complemented by a long-term strategy and open-source tools to establish heat vulnerability maps across the MED area.

The project will produce several outputs to achieve project objectives:

• Decision-making tool for policymakers to evaluate and prioritize heatwaves measures based on impact, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness.
• Governance structures for effective heatwaves management, including stakeholder mapping and engagement strategies, benefiting six Mediterranean regions.
• Local Action Plans in six pilot partners and five EU countries for heatwaves preparedness, response, communication, and recovery, aiding local authorities and communities.
• Testing activities in six Mediterranean areas will implement and evaluate solutions, resulting in a protocol for best practices to mitigate heatwaves which will benefit not only project partners, but the whole MED area through transferring and replication activities.
• Аn improved heatwaves planning and management strategy for the Mediterranean basin so the project approach can be adopted by other areas.

HEATSAFE will adopt a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach that integrates urban planning, public health, social equity, and environmental sustainability to develop and test methodologies and solutions for preventing heatwave risks in the Mediterranean urban context. The methodology is built upon 4 main ideas:

• Develop a heat vulnerability map for each project area, incorporating both physical and socioeconomic indicators, to inform action planning.
• Create new multi-level governance structures to ensure community engagement and participatory decision-making for contextually appropriate solutions.
• Test interventions based on cutting-edge research and best practices, focusing on climate shelters, immediate response solutions, and awareness-raising measures.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to build capacity, foster innovation, and facilitate knowledge exchange.

The proposed methodology will be tested in various European municipalities to validate its effectiveness and suggest improvements transferable to other Mediterranean areas. Implementing pilot actions in different countries will be crucial for comparing results and understanding local circumstances, enabling the sharing of findings and methodologies to maximise impact. The project will pool resources, share expertise among various actors, and align policies. Collaboration will help regions address challenges more effectively, enabling project results to be upscaled across the entire Mediterranean basin.

HEATSAFE's innovation lies in its direct approach to the complex, interconnected challenges that climate change presents in the Mediterranean region, utilising a comprehensive and interdisciplinary strategy. By incorporating socioeconomic factors into heat vulnerability maps, it exceeds current practices to deliver tailored solutions that address heatwave impacts and prioritise the most at-risk groups. HEATSAFE emphasises community engagement and participatory decision-making, establishing new governance structures that integrate urban planning, public health, social equity, and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, HEATSAFE utilises cutting-edge research and best practices in its interventions while encouraging collaboration among diverse stakeholders to enhance capacity and facilitate knowledge exchange. This multi-faceted strategy not only effectively mitigates heatwave risks but also creates a replicable and scalable model for the entire Mediterranean region.

Partners: LP: Federation of Municipalities of the Region of Murcia, Spain  PP2: EuroVértice Consultants, Spain  PP3: Barcelona Metropolitan Area, Spain PP4: Municipality of Agii Anargiri – Kamatero, PP5: Association of South-Western Municipalities, PP6: Regional Council Durres, Albania PP7: Municipality of Arezzo,Italy PP8: National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece PP9:Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change Foundation, Italy 

Associated partners to ASWM: 1) Municipality of Blagoevgrad 2) Regional Administration Blagoevgrad

Donor: Interreg Euro Mediterranean VI B 2021-2027

Programme priority: 2 - Greener MED

Specific objective: RSO2.4 - Promoting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention, resilience, taking into account eco-system based approaches

Budget: 2.413.791,40 EURO

Duration: 33 months (01-04-2025 - 23-12-2027)

Project website: https://heatsafe.interreg-euro-med.eu/