Action 10.3 - Develop a regional adaptation framework which sets out the regional response to projected climate change impacts and capitalises on opportunities for implementation and demonstration, taking into account; The regional assessment of the risks, opportunities and priorities for green infrastructure in adapting and mitigating for climate change.

Description: This action is being delivered through the green infrastructure and natural economy stakeholders in the region, alongside the GRaBS Interreg IVC programme with partners from across Europe, The University of Manchester and the Town & Country Planning Association. The GRaBS project aims;

1. To raise awareness and increase the expertise of key bodies responsible for spatial planning and development as to how green and blue infrastructure can help new and existing mixed use urban development adapt to projected climate scenarios.
2. To assess the delivery mechanisms that exist for new urban mixed use development and urban regeneration in each partner country and to develop good practice adaptation action plans to co-ordinate the delivery of urban greening and adaptation strategies, as well as cooperation amongst: Planners, Policy-makers, Stakeholders and Local communities.
3. To develop an innovative, cost effective and user friendly risk and vulnerability assessment tool, to aid the strategic planning of climate change adaptation responses
4. To improve stakeholder and community understanding and involvement in planning, delivering and managing green infrastructure in new and existing urban mixed use development, based on positive community involvement techniques.

The project will run through to December 2011, producing a robust evidence base, on-line assessment tool, and an action plan to incorporate green infrastructure considerations into planning for climate change across the region. All documents are available on the dedicated GRaBS website.

The GRaBS project complements the work already being carried out on green infrastructure across the region. For more information and publication downloads, please visit our dedicated 'Green Infrastructure to Combat Climate Change' website.

In addition, the EcoCities Project has been set up to help Greater Manchester adapt to projected changes in its climate. Drawing on the expertise of the Manchester Architecture Research Centre, Centre for Urban Regional Ecology and Brooks World Poverty Institute, Eco Cities focuses on how urban areas best respond to the challenges and opportunities that a changing climate presents. By the end of 2011, Eco Cities seeks to provide Manchester with its first blueprint for an integrated climate change adaptation strategy.

Latest Updates.

March 2009 - Publication - 'Green Infrastructure Solutions to Pinch Point Issues in NW England'.

March 2010 - Publication - GRaBS SWOT analysis of climate change and green infrastructure

June 2010 - Publication - 'Green infrastructure: How and where can it help the Northwest mitigate and adapt to climate change?'