Building climate resilient infrastructure: GIB delivers targeted training in Zagreb

Last week, the Global Infrastructure Basel Foundation (GIB) successfully delivered an in‑depth training on climate‑proofing infrastructure, including using Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for adaptation, to the North‑West Croatia Regional Energy and Climate Agency (REGEA) and Ecorys - a research-based consultancy, in Zagreb. The session formed part of GIB’s ongoing work to strengthen local capacities on hazard assessment, climate risk modelling, and adaptation planning for infrastructure assets. Drawing on methodologies developed and led by staff Beatrice Cassottana and Chengchen Qian, together with expert associate Lawrence Tseng, participants explored how climate scenarios, hazard mapping, damage functions, and cost–benefit analysis can be integrated into a robust decision‑support framework. The expanded training—delivered as a full 7‑hour session in Croatia—provided REGEA with tools to apply risk screening and adaptation modelling, spanning hazards such as flooding, heat, and wind.

At the core of the training was GIB’s integrated physical risk and financial analysis approach, designed to help infrastructure owners and planners quantify climate impacts and evaluate adaptation measures, including NbS. Using the newly developed Excel‑ and web‑based tools, participants learned how to estimate Expected Annual Damage (EAD), apply hazard‑agnostic frameworks, and model adaptation strategies ranging from structural retrofits to NbS. Through practical examples—including depth‑damage modelling, systemic risk assessments, and the economic appraisal of measures like rain gardens or improved cooling efficiency—the training offered a concrete pathway for local agencies to embed long‑term resilience into investment planning.

Importantly, the training followed a train-the-trainers approach, with the objective of enabling REGEA to independently apply the tools and methodology in its future work. By building internal capacity, the programme equips REGEA to support and train key stakeholders, including the City of Zagreb, other municipalities, and relevant national ministries, in applying climate-proofing and adaptation analysis to real investment decisions.
 
“This training strengthened our internal capacity to apply climate-proofing tools and to support other public institutions. It provides a strong basis for transferring knowledge to cities, counties, and national authorities.” — Jelena Marković, Senior Project Manager, REGEA
 
GIB extends warm thanks to everyone involved in preparing and delivering the programme. The collaboration with REGEA demonstrates how practical tools, scientific rigor, and local engagement can together accelerate the shift toward infrastructure that not only withstands today’s risks but is prepared for tomorrow’s climate realities. Looking ahead, GIB also intends to apply and tailor this training approach to other regions in Europe and beyond, supporting wider uptake of practical, decision-oriented tools for climate-resilient infrastructure planning.
 
For more information, please see the project webpage: https://www.gib-foundation.org/projects/climate-proofing-croatia
 
Get in touch with GIB for more information: https://www.gib-foundation.org/get-in-touch