The Clima-Med SEACAP Preparation Manual is the final deliverable of the EU-funded Clima-Med project, marking a significant milestone in its mission to empower local authorities across the Southern Mediterranean to engage in bold, data-driven climate action. It is the culmination of over a decade of dedicated efforts by experts involved in the CES-Med project (2013-2018) and the ongoing Clima-Med project (2016-2025). Together, these two initiatives have supported more than 100 municipalities in preparing their Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plans (SEACAPs), in close collaboration with their mayors and dedicated staff.

The purpose of this Manual is to share Clima-Med’s insights and experiences with the many local authorities currently designing their Plans. It offers comprehensive, action-oriented strategic steps that will guide them toward sustainable, low-emission, and climate-resilient futures, while motivating others to follow suit. It provides a step-by-step “recipe” for local governments seeking to prepare and implement their own SEACAPs, in line with the requirements of the EU Joint Research Centre (JRC) and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM).

Beyond methodology, a SEACAP is not only a highly effective tool for designing projects but also a strategic tool for securing their funding and implementation, mobilising stakeholders, and institutionalising local climate governance. With this Manual, Clima-Med leaves a lasting legacy: a practical, open-access toolkit for every municipality ready to act. It ensures that local authorities are not starting from scratch but can instead build on proven methods and collective Mediterranean experiences, working towards a resilient and sustainable future for their citizens.