What we are doing
Dual challenges of flooding and heatwave events present significant threats to community well-being and infrastructure, encompassing property damage, displacement, health risks, and disruptions to daily life. The primary objective of this activity is to mitigate the impact of these events, enhance community resilience, and contribute to the overall safety and sustainability of Izmir's communities.
This activity directly influences local governments by bolstering their preparedness and capacity to support communities in the aftermath of flooding and heatwaves. The Municipality of Izmir, with improved readiness, can allocate political, social, and economic resources efficiently. This not only ensures a more effective short-term response but also contributes to the long-term development and resilience of the region. Collaborating with local stakeholders, the government leverages existing partnerships and capacities, fostering a collaborative and inclusive approach for more robust project implementation.
Through this initiative, the Municipality of Izmir and further local stakeholders like the Z Zurich Business Unit and local NGOs actively engage in providing support to communities impacted by flooding and heatwaves. Their proactive approach involves better preparedness, facilitating the efficient allocation of resources to address the damage caused by these natural disasters. Moreover, by providing access to local stakeholders already involved in the project, the municipality fosters collaboration, leveraging existing resources and capacities. This collaborative effort ensures a more streamlined implementation of measures that positively impact the community, addressing the challenges posed by flooding and heatwaves in Izmir comprehensively and inclusively.
Read more
Read less
How we are tracking
Percentage of local public policies new or adjusted with a climate resilience lens.
Percentage of existing or new organizations working with the community under the UCRP framework.
Percentage of people empowered and co-responsible.
Percentage of households with neighborhood belonging.
Percentage of people better prepared to plan and act.
Percentage of households with income from alternative sources.
Percentage of households with access to safe green areas and environmental quality public space.
Percentage of territory with critical services coverage.
Percentage of LG and related NGOs personnel know and participate in the design and roll-out of the UCRP program.
Percentage of posts and articles produced, posted and read.
An Operation Manual is produced.
Read more
Read less
What we are achieving
The program focuses on participatory research using the Climate Resilience Measurement for Communities (CRMC) framework. This framework, proven successful in North and Latin America, will be customized for Izmir, emphasizing local context and culture. Two vulnerable communities will be selected based on climate risk and socio-economic criteria, ensuring inclusivity and positive impact. The program involves community-level work, best practice evaluation, and citywide scaling for long-term systemic change. Collaboration with local partners, including academic institutions, community organizations, and the Zurich Foundation, ensures comprehensive support.
The CRMC methodology integrates with existing community initiatives, making interventions more targeted and effective. It emphasizes youth-oriented NGOs, providing capacity building and training for enhanced resilience practices, income generation, and increased access to resources. We aims to create a robust, inclusive, and sustainable framework by fostering commitment from city leadership, building capacity, engaging diverse community groups, and aligning with existing initiatives, ultimately innovating Izmir's approach to climate risk management.
Read more
Read less