20. 8. 2026
CLMAGINE
The European Union’s current Climate Adaptation Strategy (Forging a climate-resilient Europe) and the latest reports of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) clearly demonstrate that the impacts of climate change are unavoidable: the frequency and intensity of extreme weather conditions are increasing radically on a global scale. Central Europe and the Carpathian Basin are particularly vulnerable to the so-called “water paradox”: due to disruptions in the hydrological cycle, the same areas are affected by sudden flash floods and by prolonged droughts.
Recent events in the project area (Zala, Vas, Pomurje) reflect these risks. In 2013, third-degree flood protection alert was declared along the lower part of Zala River and Kis-Balaton region. In Vas County, significant flood defence measures were implemented along Rába River in 2014, while in August 2023, near-record water levels and levee breaks occurred along Mura River by Letenye and Gornja Radgona. At the same time, drought conditions have intensified: during the summer of 2022, Western Transdanubia had exceptional water shortage, and in the summer of 2025, prolonged drought in the Pomurje region caused water source yields fall to critical levels, resulting in official restrictions on non-essential use of drinking water.
This process does not only threaten the ecosystems and the economy. The WHO and recent psychological researches indicate that this also triggers a severe mental health crisis - the so-called climate anxiety - among younger generations who often perceive the future as a threat. The EU Climate Adaptation Strategy also emphasises the need to understand the effects of climate change on human health. Climate risks in the region represent a significant mental burden. Preparatory research shows that local communities - especially Generation Z and Generation Alpha, who will become future decision-makers - lack the competencies and coping strategies required for effective climate adaptation. This deficit is further reinforced by a sense of helplessness, which impedes proactive prevention.
The overall objective of the CLIMAGINE project is to enhance the climate adaptation capacity of the project area by developing a complex, adaptable roll-out package. Through an innovative, VR-simulation-based intervention, the project aims to shift passive attitudes towards active, problem-solving behaviour. During the pilot phase, teachers and students will acquire modern flood protection and drought management protocols in risk-free simulated environment, and the application of Nature-based Solutions. The expected outcome is a measurable increase in the adaptive potential of the region: a coordinated ‘human protection line’ will be established, while by the integration of ecopsychological methodologies climate anxiety reduces and youngsters’ orientation towards green careers strengthens.
Key output indicators and target groups:
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Joint strategies, methodology and protocol (RCO83):A professionally validated, bilingual roll-out package will be prepared to ensure the wide-scale accessibility of the pilot methodology.
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Organisations cooperating across borders (RCO87):A Climate Risk Expert Network will be established to support the development of the roll-out package and to ensure professional quality.
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Pilot actions (RCO84):The jointly developed roll-out will be tested through pilot implementation in three Hungarian (Vas and Zala) and three Slovenian educational institutions within the framework of “Integrated Climate Days”.
Since the Mura and Drava river basins form an indivisible, cross-border ecological unit, responses also should be coordinated. Cross-border cooperation is essential for the establishment of a joint prevention and adaptation culture. The project applies a learning-by-doing approach, emphasising practical experience. The partnership among Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Zala County (LP), Pomurje Chamber of Commerce (PP1), and Vas County Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PP2) ensures economic relevance, while professional credibility is guaranteed by the supporting partners (educational and water management authorities).
The innovative value of the CLIMAGINE project is based on three pillars:
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Technological innovation:The use of VR enables experiential learning in hazard scenarios that cannot be practiced safely in real life. VR, as a psychological catalyst, strengthens the sense of competence, transforming anxiety into constructive action.
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Mental health innovation:Climate adaptation is grounded on ecopsychological principles, treating climate anxiety as a driver of resilience. The impact of the methodology is immediately measurable, and produces instant effects.
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Economic innovation:Prevention interconnects with career guidance, shifting focus towards ‘green professions’ (e.g. precision water management). The adaptable roll-out package ensures the long-term sustainability and transferability of the project results.
Project financing
The CLIMAGINE project is co-financed by the European Union within the Interreg program Slovenia-Hungary 2021-2027.