Priority project aimed at further developing NAGiS, identification number KEHOP-1.1.0-15-2016-00007

Continuous development is needed to improve the usability and transparency of NAGiS, to add new topics, and increase its visibility. Thus, building on the basic infrastructure developed during the first development phase of NAGiS (2013-2016), preparations for the further development of NAGiS have begun.

The priority project entitled "Further development of NAGiS" was specified in Government Decree No. 1084/2016 (II. 29.) “On the establishment of the annual development framework for the Environmental and Energy Efficiency Operational Program (EEEOP) for 2016”. In accordance with the government resolution, the beneficiary was awarded a non-repayable grant of HUF 0,4 billion with 100% aid intensity. The project implementation began in December 2016, with the deadline for physical completion set for August 29, 2020. The maintenance obligation is 5 years.

KEHOP-1.1.0-15-2016-00007 "IT development activities to support adaptation to climate change, as well as information and decision-making related to adaptation to climate change, and the further development of NAGiS" serves the objectives of priority axis 1.1.0 "Water management and adaptation to climate change" of EEEOP 1. "Adaptation to the effects of climate change" priority axis in connection with the 1.1.0 "Water management and planning, IT and monitoring development related to climate change impacts" priority call.

Goal of the "Further Development of NAGiS" priority project

The main goal of the further development of NAGiS was to support Hungary's strategic adaptation goals set out in the National Climate Change Strategy (NCCS), climate policy planning and decision-making at national, regional and local level, as well as to strengthen municipal adaptation potential in line with EU commitments and recommendations.

The operational objective of NAGiS was to function as an information and decision support system, as well as a technical climate adaptation portal, providing local governments and policy planners with the opportunity to establish, plan, and implement their adaptation measures, and to strengthen the technical content of their related public awareness and information dissemination activities.

The development also aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of NAGiS and improve its visibility among national and international target audiences through education, awareness raising, an interactive website, professional consultations, and training programs.

Results of the "Further Development of NAGiS" priority project

In line with its objectives, the project—concluded in late summer 2020—focused on expanding the climate adaptation knowledge base, enhancing the IT toolkit, developing decision-support applications, and increasing public visibility.

Accordingly, an evaluation and analysis methodology for climate impacts assessments was developed, and new, accessible climate models — extended to cover the Danube River basin — were identified and their relevant results incorporated. Several research reports and studies were produced to expand the climate adaptation knowledge base, including the climatic assessment of certain domestic natural resources and critical infrastructure, mapping of their climate vulnerability, an examination of the socio-political and economic development impacts of climate change, and the integration of new thematic areas and data layers into the system.  Professional decision-support modules underpinning adaptation policy and municipal measures — the Executive Information System, the Municipal Adaptation Barometer, the Municipal Decision-support Application, and the Municipal Building Stock Vulnerability Assessment Module —were developed.

As part of the project, hardware was procured, specialized software and network development tasks were carried out, and the information database and map services supporting the system were modernized. An additional important aspect of the project was the broad dissemination of results through international and national presentations, technical articles, events organized within the framework of the project, and various adaptation guides and publications; a final publication briefly summarizing the project results was also produced.

The further development of NAGiS was carried out in 20 work packages, focusing on the following five overarching development themes:

•    Development of tools to support sectoral policy and development planning

•    Development of tools to support municipal, district, and county-level planning

•    Comprehensive, horizontal analyses for social policy and economic development purposes

•    Background methodological developments, dissemination, education, and training

•    Information technology developments

During the project’s implementation, the project team collaborated with numerous partners in generating scientific results, implementing IT developments, organizing events, and utilizing other services (such as legal, public procurement, and printing services).

The project results will provide a basis for climate policy and sectoral planning, the development of policy decision-supporting studies, strategic climate protection planning at the municipal and regional levels, and the establishment of a professional foundation for adaptation objectives. Furthermore, they can contribute to the dissemination of knowledge on climate adaptation and improving climate awareness.