A new international agency for sharing expertise on adapting to climate change will be split between Groningen and Rotterdam, junior environment minister Sharon Dijksma has announced.

The Global Centre of Excellence on Climate Adaptation (GCECA), which is being set up by the Netherlands with backing from Japan and the United Nations’ environment programme, will be launched next year. The Netherlands is investing €1m in the project.

With a workforce of several dozen, the agency will develop an international network of universities and institutes, companies, government and financial sector firms to support organisations working on climate adaptation.

In Rotterdam, the agency’s staff will be housed in a floating, climate neutral office complex, while in Groningen they will be part of the Energy Academy Europe.

Announcing the launch of the project in February, Dijksma said: ‘Failure to deal adequately with climate change will increase a multitude of risks such as natural disasters, social and economic disruption and increasing political tensions.

Many people are looking for good practices and guidance with regard to climate change adaptation. I am convinced the Global Centre of Excellence on Climate Adaptation can help address these challenges.’