Taking advantage of the presence in the territory of a very wide network of academic and professional expertise, the University of Aix-Marseille (AMU), the Development Research Institute (IRD) and the French Development Agency (AFD) began an ambitious programme of summer schools on the role of scientists and the contribution of science to achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2016, the first summer school attracted an audience of around 200 people: Ph.D. students; researchers; and professionals from public institutions, UN agencies and NGOs.

The second summer school, held in Marseille from 8 to 13 July 2018, focused on SDG 13 relating to climate action and its links with the other SDGs, especially public health (SDG 3) and water resources (SDG 6). A third module, entitled “Climate change in the Mediterranean region at the interface between science and society”, looked at the Mediterranean area and the problems of the various levels of governance in the face of changing climate risks and natural hazards, as well as the challenge of sustainable urbanization.

At the invitation of the IRD, Geres took part in this third module co-ordinated by CEREGE (Labex OT-Med) in collaboration with the Blue Plan and UN Environment. A territorially-based practical exercise was developed in the form of role-play inspired by the experience of Chefchaouen municipality in Morocco regarding the local energy transition.

Participants simulated a scoping meeting for members of the city’s participatory Climate and Energy Council and researchers from a research institute to debate the proposal to become a laboratory city for the observation of climate change and adaptation solutions. A roadmap for collaboration between the research institute and the municipality was prepared in the presence of the vice-president of the municipal council.