Environment and Climate Change  TRAAP2021 Like the rest of the world, Turkey has been experiencing adverse effects from climate change and environmental degradation. Turkey¿s commitment to economic development makes it critical to coordinate efforts to choose an environmentally friendly development path, while coupling climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts with global efforts. In this respect, this action aims primarily at facilitating Turkey¿s alignment with the EU acquis on Chapter 27 `Environment and Climate Change¿ as well as fostering national strategies and global targets such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This action presents a holistic approach towards this goal and aims to address areas of support, under Thematic Priority 1 ¿ Environment and Climate Change of the IPA III Window 3 ¿ Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity. It will address mainly the thematic areas of climate change, water and civil protection, according to the following areas of support: (i) climate change mitigation and adaptation capacity at local level; (ii) wastewater reuse, and (iii) civil protection against disasters. Those areas of support put local involvement at their centre by targeting development and increased resilience. Acknowledging the crucial role of local actors including civil society organizations (CSOs) in climate change mitigation and adaptation, the action prioritises increasing the institutional capacity of municipalities and the preparation and management of Local Climate Change Action Plans. As a Mediterranean and Black Sea country, sustainable use and protection of water resources is crucial for Turkey and this necessitates emphasis on water treatment and reuse. The activities under the action, including information-based decision-making and monitoring systems, capacity development at national and local level through trainings and other means, increasing implementation capacity, and the development of procedures and databases, etc. will increase Turkey¿s capacity of Turkey in dealing with climate change and environment-related issues and make it better prepared for the reaction to natural disasters. This will also result in better alignment with Chapter 27 of the EU acquis, thus bringing Turkey closer to the EU.