Varaždin Presents Be Ready Project Achievements and Local Action for Urban Heat Resilience

On 16 June 2026, the Be Ready Project Multiplier Event was held at the City Hall of Varaždin, Croatia. Organised by Development Agency North – DAN in cooperation with the City of Varaždin, the event took the form of a press conference aimed at presenting the project's achievements and raising public awareness of the importance of adapting cities to increasing heat risks.

The event brought together representatives of Development Agency North – DAN, the City of Varaždin, and 3E Projekti, who presented the main activities implemented throughout the project and the results achieved in understanding and addressing the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon in Varaždin.

Participants learned about the research carried out to assess local UHI vulnerabilities, the methodologies developed within the project, and the practical measures tested to improve urban resilience. Particular attention was given to the pilot intervention at Mali plac, where a canopy structure was installed to provide additional shade and improve thermal comfort for residents using this popular public space. The intervention demonstrates how targeted, small-scale measures can significantly enhance the liveability of urban environments during increasingly frequent heatwaves.

The event also showcased several important outputs developed for the City of Varaždin, including expert analyses, the Be Ready UHI assessment methodology, and the Local Action Plan for Preventing and Mitigating Urban Heat Island Risks and Vulnerabilities. The Action Plan provides a strategic framework for implementing future climate adaptation measures and supports the city's commitment to creating greener, cooler, and more resilient public spaces.

Beyond presenting local achievements, the multiplier event highlighted the broader impact of the Be Ready – UrBan hEat islands REsilience, prepAreDness and mitigation strategY project. Through collaboration among partners across the Danube Region, the project has strengthened local capacities to understand heat-related risks, develop evidence-based adaptation strategies, and implement innovative pilot solutions that can be replicated in other cities.

By engaging local authorities, experts, and the wider public, the event reinforced the importance of integrating climate adaptation into urban planning and demonstrated how practical, community-focused interventions can help cities better prepare for the challenges of a warming climate.