The JUST4CARE consortium members conducted a tour of the pilot area, starting in Gornji Grad – Medveščak, where they observed the limitations of the compact urban morphology and the lack of green spaces, which exacerbate heat stress. The tour included a stop at Dolac Market, a historic site that once served as a social and commercial hub for older residents but is now closed, leaving a void in community life. Finally, the group visited Ribnjak Park, a key example of urban green infrastructure that mitigates heat by providing shade, natural cooling, and social gathering spaces. This contrast highlighted the importance of public investment in accessible green areas to strengthen urban resilience and reduce climate-related risks, particularly for older populations.
The Zagreb pilot faces unique challenges:
- Ageing Population: With a high number of pensioners, climate improvements in housing and public spaces depend on public investment and incentives, as residents cannot afford private upgrades.
- Historic Heritage: Adaptation of public spaces and buildings is constrained by heritage status, requiring innovative solutions that respect the district’s historical character.
- Displacement Risk: Although not a poor area, the lack of services and gentrification could lead to unwanted displacement of residents to peripheral neighborhoods.
- Neighborhood Coordination: High private ownership in Croatia provides economic stability but makes it difficult for neighbors to coordinate building renovations.
Despite these challenges, the pilot explores adaptation strategies to protect health and service access, such as:
- Protecting local networks to prevent isolation.
- Urban management adjustments during heatwaves: improving accessibility, maintenance, signage, and coordination.
- Investing in green infrastructure, like Ribnjak Park, to mitigate the urban heat island effect.
The case study visit allowed the consortium to firsthand understand Zagreb’s specific challenges and explore how climate adaptation solutions can be integrated into a complex historical and social context. The lessons learned will contribute to developing replicable strategies in other European cities with similar characteristics.