Local Action Plan for Urban Heat Island Mitigation Adopted in Niš

On April 9, 2026, the Regional Development Agency South hosted an event dedicated to the adoption of the Local Action Plan for the Prevention and Mitigation of Risks and Vulnerabilities Related to Urban Heat Islands. The plan was developed by experts from the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture at the University of Niš as part of the project “Urban Heat Islands, Resilience, Readiness and Mitigation Strategies – Be Ready.”

The event gathered 29 participants representing the public, scientific, business, and civil sectors, including institutions such as the City Administration for Local Economic Development and Investments, the Science and Technology Park Niš, the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, and several civil society organizations.

Opening remarks were delivered by Ivana Miljanović, Project Coordinator from the City Administration for Local Economic Development and Investments, who presented the project’s progress, key activities, and achieved results. She highlighted the importance of innovative tools such as the Greennis web GIS portal and the upgraded EkoLovac application, as well as future initiatives focused on citizen participation and environmental sustainability.

The Local Action Plan was presented by PhD Ljiljana Vasilevska from the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture. Covering the period 2026–2028, the plan represents the first systematic effort by the City of Niš to address urban heat islands through an integrated and participatory approach. The document outlines strategic goals focused on reducing heat stress, strengthening institutional capacities, and raising public awareness.

Planned measures include pilot interventions in urban “hotspot” zones, the creation of shaded public spaces, implementation of green roofs and walls, installation of blue-green infrastructure, and the use of reflective materials to improve the urban microclimate. The plan also foresees staff training, development of monitoring systems, integration of climate resilience measures into planning documents, and broad citizen engagement through educational campaigns and participatory activities.

During the discussion, representatives emphasized the significance of the Action Plan for the future climate resilience of Niš and praised the collaborative approach taken throughout the project. The contribution of scientific institutions and the adoption of European standards in planning processes were particularly highlighted.

Following the discussion, all 29 participants unanimously voted in support of the adoption of the Local Action Plan, marking an important step toward building a more climate-resilient and sustainable urban environment in the City of Niš.