European projects
Project name: GREW - Governance of Wetlands in Italy-Croatia cross border region
- Programme: Interreg VI-A Italy - Croatia 2021.-2027.
- Programme priority: Green and resilient shared environment
- Specific objective: 2.1 Promoting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention, resilience, taking into account eco-system-based approaches
- Lead partner: IUAV University of Venice (Italy)
- Project duration: 01/03/2024 - 31/08/2026
- Project budget: 2.619.620,00 €
- EU co-financing: 2.095.696,00 €
- Budget of Brijuni National Park: 294.100,00 € (self-financing 58.820,50 € )
Project website: https://www.italy-croatia.eu/web/grew
The GREW project brings together 8 organizations from 2 Programme countries, including:
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:
- 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. - 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. - 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: [email protected]
Tel: +385 52 525 817
Address: Public Institution Brijuni National Park, Brionska 10, 52212 Fažana, Croatia
