GREW - Governance of Wetlands in Italy-Croatia cross border region

The GREW project brings together 8 organizations from 2 Programme countries, including:

• IUAV University of Venice (Italy) – Lead partner
  

• Riviera Friulana Community (IT)
  

• Ferrara Plain Reclamation Consortium (IT)
  

• Agency for Employment and Development of the North Barese / Ofantina area Soc.Cons. limited liability (IT)
  

• Public institution Natura Histrica (HR)
  

• Public Institution for the Management of Protected Natural Areas of Dubrovnik-Neretva County (HR)
  

• Zadar County Rural Development Agency - AGRRA (HR)
  

• Public Institution Brijuni National Park (HR)
  

The Adriatic Sea and its coasts are recognized as a priority eco-region, home to major biodiversity hotspots. Wetlands are complex ecosystems of immense importance. They are among the most productive environments in the world, providing essential resources for countless species of plants and animals, and performing critical environmental and economic functions. Wetlands reduce flooding, improve water quality, and represent valuable cultural and natural heritage. Beyond their ecological significance, the economic value of their biodiversity and the services they provide is well acknowledged.

However, the coastal wetlands of the Italy-Croatia cross-border region are facing severe challenges due to the impacts of climate change, leading to significant environmental changes. Addressing these challenges requires a joint cross-border effort, as a "community of practice" offers a stronger response than isolated approaches. Exchanging and comparing strategies and solutions is crucial for adapting to the complexities posed by climate change impacts in this area.

Given these threats, effective wetland management and biodiversity protection must move beyond the sectoral and localized approaches previously used. Instead, an ecosystem-based and integrated approach is needed to tackle these challenges comprehensively.

Project Objectives:

1. Developing Collaborative Climate Change Adaptation Strategies
   Formulate joint strategies for climate change adaptation in coastal wetlands, utilizing an ecosystem-based approach that actively involves local stakeholders and administrations.
2. Implementing Site-Specific Adaptation Measures
   Create and implement tailored adaptation measures for coastal wetlands through the direct participation of local stakeholders and citizens. This initiative aims to showcase the added value of actions taken within the framework of a Wetland Contract, fostering trust in this governance model.
3. Promoting Wetland Contracts for Climate Adaptation
   Raise awareness and promote the effectiveness of Wetland Contracts as tools for climate change adaptation through public events and capacity-building initiatives at both local and cross-border levels.

Primary Activity of the Public Institution Brijuni National Park:

• Implementing Pilot Climate Change Adaptation Activities
  Focus on pilot projects within the wetland habitat of Saline and the surrounding protected marine area to develop and test strategies for adapting to climate change.

Specific Activities Include:

• Data Collection and Monitoring:
  Utilize multipurpose probes and various measuring instruments, such as an automatic meteorological station, groundwater level sensors, and hydrological monitoring tools, to gather essential data on the wetland ecosystem.
• Developing a Climate-Resilient Management Model:
  Create a management model for wetlands vulnerable to climate change, incorporating public involvement through citizen science initiatives. This will be supported by signing cooperation agreements with key stakeholders to strengthen the protection of marine and coastal areas from pollution.

Brijuni NP Coordinator: Martina Hervat

E-mail: martina.hervat@np-brijuni.hr

Tel: +385 52 525 817

Address: Public Institution Brijuni National Park, Brionska 10, 52212 Fažana, Croatia