Adriatic SPEcies and Habitats of coastal areas

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Italy-Croatia

Date of latest update: 2026-01-21

Description

Description (EN):

ASPEH aims to face the loss of biodiversity by defining common tools and strategy to preserve the natural heritage and the landscape in the Adriatic Area, with priority for common species and habitats protected by the 92/43/EEC and 79/409/EEC Directives. For each species and habitat identified, that are important for their ecological value, extinction concerns or endemic aspects in the Adriatic Sea, project partners will jointly develop a common conservation measures, a training activities, a concrete actions, an awareness campaign and a joint strategy. The common three species and their pilot areas are: Aythya nyroca (Natural Reserve of the State/ Protected Marine Area of Torre Guaceto), Charadrius alexandrinus (Natura 2000 site“Duna costiera nel litorale di Metaurilia – Torrette and the ZSC “Litorale della Baia del Re”) and Caretta caretta (Po Delta Veneto Regional Park); the common three habitat (with their pilot areas) are: Code 8330 Submerged or partially submerged sea caves (Natura 2000 site Vis archipelago), Code 1120 Posidonion oceanicae – Code 1140 Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide (two Natura2000 sites of Jadranska Hrvatska). Transnational cooperation is necessary to define a coordinated and shared strategy for the better management of the Natura2000 sites, to create the synergies on conservation measures between the countries of the Adriatic to preserve the ecological integrity of the "South Adriatic Ionian Strait" that is an Ecologically or Biologically Significant Areas between Italy and Croatia, identified by Conference of the parties (COP) during the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which was held on 2014 in Pyeongchang (Republic of Korea), and to define the further development of marine protected areas to reach the target to place 30% of EU sea and terrestrial area under protection by 2030 as planned by the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, with particular emphasis on transboundary marine protected areas.

Actual Achievements (EN):

During the first period, the project has made substantial progress, with all partners actively contributing to key objectives and activities. In Work Package 1, partners collaborated to develop conservation plans and initiate transnational awareness campaign focused on selected species and habitats. The first draft structure of the conservation plan was completed in July 2024 by LP, followed by further refinements through partner discussions. The final version was presented during the Kick-off Meeting held in Brindisi on 11/09/2024, which outlined tasks, deadlines, and future steps. A cross-border workshop to present the plans to stakeholders is scheduled for March 2025, with PP3 responsible for its organization. Specific efforts in WP1 include drafting conservation plans for species such as Aythya nyroca (LP), Charadrius alexandrinus (PP2), and Caretta caretta (PP4), as well as habitats like 8330 (submerged or partially submerged sea caves, PP5). The work involves a thorough assessment of the species' conservation status, including an analysis of existing management practices within Natura 2000 sites, a review of relevant legislation, and an examination of available technical and analytical documentation. PP2 and PP5 also conducted stakeholder consultations, while other partners will do it in the Period 2 to inform the plan’s development, and the first version of the conservation plan is expected to be completed by March 2025. The PP6 is yet to begin with the work on conservation plans. The transnational awareness campaign, led by PP3 with contributions from all partners, also began during this period. Activities include gathering photographs, videos, and informational materials, developing quizzes and games for the campaign, and creating a visual identity designed by a young graphic designer. Promotional materials are being produced, and regular updates are posted on the project’s Facebook page. Collaboration among partners ensures that the campaign is tailored to regional contexts, targeting local audiences effectively. During the reporting period, PP3 with support of all PPs, has been actively engaged in gathering photographs, videos, and information, all of which will be used throughout the campaign. Additionally, PP3 has developed quizzes and games for the online campaign, which will be enhanced in the coming months as the project evolves. PP3 presented the updated proposal of the campaign and its associated activities to the project partners during the meeting held in July and Kick-off meeting. Through discussions in these meetings and email correspondence, partners collaboratively decided on the campaign's name and slogan, as well as the associated activities. Furthermore, PP3 has contracted a young graphic designer to create a visually appealing identity for the campaign that resonates with the broader public, especially the youth. This visual identity developed during this reporting period is already in use and will be used throughout the project's duration. PP3 is also in the process of designing and producing promotional materials that will be distributed during both the campaign and the project. For the online campaign, the PP3 regularly posts updates according to the detailed campaign plan on the project Facebook page. All partners continue to collaborate on implementing the awareness campaign ensuring the campaign effectively addresses the local context and target audiences in each participating region. This collaborative approach strengthens the overall campaign strategy and promotes a cohesive message across all project partner regions. During the Kick-off meeting, all project partners, agreed on the concept for the cross-border workshop to present the conservation plans to the main stakeholders that is scheduled for March 2025. In this initial phase, PP5 also started the planning stakeholder participation by identifying five key representatives from its area. These representatives will attend the workshop, which will focus on sharing the conservation plans and results of the awareness campaign with other protected areas along the Adriatic coast. In addition to these thematic activities, partners demonstrated strong engagement in project management and communication tasks. LP developed key management documents, such as the risk management plan and evaluation/monitoring plan, etc., while all partners ensured visibility of the project by publishing information on institutional websites and displaying project posters in public spaces. The collective efforts of all partners highlight the value of cross-border cooperation, enabling the exchange of expertise and resources to achieve shared objectives in species and habitat conservation. In the second reporting period, the ASPEH project marked important progress in the protection of marine and coastal biodiversity across the Adriatic region. The main achievements centered around the finalization of key conservation tools, increased stakeholder cooperation, and enhanced public awareness—laying a strong foundation for the upcoming implementation phase. The most significant progress was made under Work Package 1, where all partners completed the first versions of their conservation plans for priority species and habitats, including the Ferruginous Duck, Kentish Plover, Loggerhead Sea Turtle, sea caves, Posidonia oceanica meadows, and intertidal flats. These scientifically grounded and context-specific plans were developed collaboratively and are ready for refinement following pilot actions. Their joint presentation and validation during a major cross-border workshop in Split on 27 March 2025, attended by over 50 stakeholders from across the region, marked another major milestone. The event not only showcased the conservation strategies but also enabled a vibrant exchange of ideas, identification of barriers, and co-design of solutions. Alongside this, the transnational awareness campaign “Adriatic Treasures” was actively launched. Coordinated by PP3, it included engaging social media content, educational games for children, and the production of over 80,000 communication materials. These efforts significantly enhanced the visibility of the project and fostered public interest in coastal biodiversity. Under Work Package 2, partners began planning two cross-border training courses, one focused on habitat conservation and the other on species, designed to build institutional capacity for implementing the conservation measures. The planning of pilot conservation actions also began, which will translate the conservation plans into tangible restoration and monitoring efforts in the coming periods. In terms of project management and communication, the Lead Partner ensured timely coordination of reporting activities, including the submission of all Partner Reports and the Project Report, and addressed clarifications from the Programme. Reimbursement funds were successfully received and transferred to the partners who had certified expenditures in Period 1. The LP also supported PP3 in organizing the second SC meeting in Split and continued to assist all partners with communication efforts, i.e., publishing content on the project’s Facebook page and Programme website, and actively participating in monthly communication coordination meetings organized by the Programme’s Communication Unit. This period confirms the added value of cross-border cooperation: through shared knowledge, joint planning, and mutual support, the project has moved from planning to action with strong institutional and public engagement across Italy and Croatia. The ASPEH project has now reached a stage where the foundations built in the first phases are transforming into concrete action, stronger community engagement, and deeper cooperation between Italy and Croatia. Across the reporting periods, partners have worked together to protect some of the Adriatic’s most sensitive species and habitats—such as sea turtles, sea caves, intertidal flats, Posidonia meadows, Kentish Plovers, and the Ferruginous Duck—while building a shared vision for the future of coastal conservation in the region. A major achievement so far has been the development of conservation plans for each species and habitat. These plans, represent the operational backbone of the project. Their presentation at a large cross-border event in Split brought together more than 50 institutions and stakeholders, demonstrating how countries facing similar ecological challenges can benefit from shared knowledge, common methodologies, and coordinated action. Public awareness has grown steadily thanks to the transnational campaign “Adriatic Treasures,” led by PP3 and enriched by contributions from all partners. The campaign combined attractive visuals, educational messages, short videos, a maritime quiz, and a cross-border photo contest that received 48 submissions. Thousands of residents, students, and visitors were reached through social media, community events, children’s workshops, marine awareness days, and school programmes. Local initiatives—such as open days in protected areas, outdoor lessons, and hands-on activities—helped people understand how everyday behaviour affects ecosystems and how simple actions can support biodiversity. Another important line of progress has been the preparation of two international training sessions, one in Croatia focused on marine habitats and one in Italy focused on target species. These trainings, developed jointly by the partners, will strengthen the skills of protected-area managers, researchers, and technicians, ensuring that conservation measures are applied effectively and consistently across the Adriatic. This shared learning process is one of the clearest examples of the added value of cross-border cooperation: experts from both countries will learn from each other, work with the same methodologies, and build long-lasting professional links. Partners have also advanced the preparatory steps for concrete environmental actions, which will be carried out in the next periods. These include monitoring of species and habitats, technical studies, planning of restoration measures, procurement of specialised services, and early interventions such as ranger presence, ecological monitoring of sea caves, and the collection of long-term data on sea turtles. Once fully implemented, these actions will directly improve the conditions of priority habitats and species in several Natura 2000 sites. In parallel, the team has begun working on the thematic focus of joint strategy for better coordination of Italian and Croatian protected areas along the Adriatic coast. By aligning this strategy with the new EU Restoration Law, the project is ensuring that its long-term vision reflects Europe’s most ambitious environmental goals. Preparations have also started for an international event in 2026 that will bring together national and European institutions to share experiences, discuss challenges, and reinforce cooperation in the Adriatic–Ionian region. The project’s capitalisation progressed through several concrete actions carried out by the partners. PP2 aligned its Kentish Plover Conservation Plan with existing regional and provincial management frameworks, and applied engagement methods inspired by successful past campaigns when implementing the Transnational Awareness Campaign. PP3 ensured wider reuse of project outputs by disseminating the educational games developed within ASPEH to libraries and schoolteachers, and by preparing the upcoming BIONET network meeting where ASPEH methodologies and results will be presented to a broader professional audience. PP6 transferred knowledge gained from the Split workshop to both students—through an educational activity at the Dubrovnik Gymnasium—and to professionals, by presenting the workshop’s conclusions and their relevance for improving Conservation Plans at the annual meeting of the Croatian MPA Network. These actions supported the broader uptake and practical application of ASPEH results beyond the immediate partnership. Project coordination and communication have remained strong throughout. Reporting activities were completed on time, partners were supported continuously, and the project gained visibility through its website, social media channels, public events, and institutional networks. Regular exchanges among partners—both online and in person—have strengthened trust, clarified roles, and ensured that all activities progress in a coherent and harmonised way.

Project outputs: Cross-border workshop to present the conservation measures of the developed plans(EN)
To strengthen the skills in the management of the Natura2000 sites on conservation measures.(EN)
Testing and implementation of concrete actions(EN)
Guidelines for the transfer of pilot actions to other potential protected areas in the program area(EN)
Transnational joint strategy for the management plan of priority species/habitats in N2K(EN)

Thematic information

Climate change and biodiversity

Priority: (VI-A_I-Hr_2) Green and resilient shared environment

Priority specific objective: RSO2.7. Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 078 Protection, restoration and sustainable use of Natura 2000 sites

Partners (6)

Lead Partner: Consorzio di Gestione di Torre Guaceto

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 891963792

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 01918280742 | 01918280742 | segreteria@pec.riservaditorreguaceto.it (EN)

Address: VIA VERDI , 72012 Carovigno (BR), Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.riservaditorreguaceto.it/

Total budget: EUR 371 320.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 371 320.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 100.00%

Contractors:

Name: Orange Public Management Srl
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02336400748
Name: Beccarisi Leonardo
VAT registration or tax identification number: 04434760759
Name: Marzano Giacomo
VAT registration or tax identification number: 03046150755

Javna ustanova za upravljanje zaštićenim dijelovima prirode Dubrovačko-neretvanske županije

Name: Javna ustanova za upravljanje zaštićenim dijelovima prirode Dubrovačko-neretvanske županije

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 897512774

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 77404345702 | 77404345702 | info@zastita-prirode-dnz.hr (EN)

Address: Branitelja Dubrovnika, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://www.zastita-prirode-dnz.hr/

Total budget: EUR 305 440.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 244 352.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 61 088.00

Contractors:

Name: JANOLUS D.O.O.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 78869001163
Name: SVEUČILIŠTE U ZAGREBU, PMF
VAT registration or tax identification number: 28163265527
Name: Hrvatsko botaničko društvo
VAT registration or tax identification number: 74668827935
Name: EURODOM TRGOVINA d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR22809411811

Javna ustanova za upravljanje zaštićenim dijelovima prirode na području Splitsko-Dalmatinske županije "MORE I KRŠ"

Name: Javna ustanova za upravljanje zaštićenim dijelovima prirode na području Splitsko-Dalmatinske županije "MORE I KRŠ"

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 888449385

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 43599729956 | 43599729956 | info@moreikrs.hr (EN)

Address: Prilaz braće Kaliterna, 21000 Split, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://moreikrs.hr/

Total budget: EUR 319 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 255 840.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 63 960.00

Contractors:

Name: D.I.I.V. d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 37355466870
Name: Correlate d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 45899669265
Name: Nautički centar Komiža d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 80069446180
Name: PLAVI SAFIR d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 26556073445
Name: LM KOMUNIKACIJE d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 82454880852
Name: RIVA SUNCA d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 94337362035
Name: Modra špilja d.d.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 30953977438
Name: LIBOR MARKETING MANAGEMENT
VAT registration or tax identification number: 21314052876

Ente Parco Regionale Veneto del Delta del Po

Name: Ente Parco Regionale Veneto del Delta del Po

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 919597249

Partner’s ID if not PIC: - | 90008170293 | parcodeltapo@pecveneto.it (EN)

Address: Via Marconi, 45012 Ariano nel Polesine, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.parcodeltapo.org

Total budget: EUR 323 300.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 323 300.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 100.00%

Contractors:

Name: Università di Padova, Dip. BCA
VAT registration or tax identification number: 80006480281
Name: Co.Se.Del.Po. scarl
VAT registration or tax identification number: 01222290296
Name: Fulvia Tour srl
VAT registration or tax identification number: 00968020297
Name: Massimiliano Rosignoli
VAT registration or tax identification number: 00655650554

Udruga za prirodu, okoliš i održivi razvoj Sunce

Name: Udruga za prirodu, okoliš i održivi razvoj Sunce

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999810526

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 17644269011 | 17644269011 | info@sunce-st.org (EN)

Address: Obala hrvatskog narodnog preporoda , 21000 Split, Croatia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.sunce-st.org

Total budget: EUR 311 580.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 249 264.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 62 316.00

Contractors:

Name: Kopiring d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 5056683188
Name: DIFFERENT VISUALS
VAT registration or tax identification number: 69653784774
Name: SEAFAN
VAT registration or tax identification number: 9953674571
Name: Hrvatski Telekom d.d.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 81793146560
Name: FHR d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 86768378957
Name: Facebook/Meta
VAT registration or tax identification number: IE9692928F
Name: 24sata d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 78093047651
Name: Petrel Group d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 22390778229
Name: Dalmacija Danas d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 07705972299
Name: Natura Histrica
VAT registration or tax identification number: 79193158584
Name: NP Brijuni
VAT registration or tax identification number: 45370781471
Name: Hotel Ambasador (Retoi d.o.o.)
VAT registration or tax identification number: 76399721037
Name: Carolus prevoditeljski obrt
VAT registration or tax identification number: 76550751388
Name: Expert
VAT registration or tax identification number: 06926852907
Name: Planinarski trofej j.d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 92589515239
Name: Grafis d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 83993960985
Name: CCNet Europe e.V.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 25477658052
Name: Lucija Stipičić
VAT registration or tax identification number: 12612774833

Comune di Fano

Name: Comune di Fano

Department: U.O.C. Ufficio Europa - Turismo

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 926900476

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 00127440410 | 00127440410 | comune.fano@emarche.it (EN)

Address: Via San Francesco, 61032 Fano, Italy

Department address: Via De Cuppis, 61032 Fano, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://www.comune.fano.pu.it/

Total budget: EUR 291 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 291 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 100.00%

Contractors:

Name: ARGO SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2495720399
Name: LEGAMBIENTE MARCHE APS
VAT registration or tax identification number: 1538320423
Name: CHRISTIAN GORI
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2759730415
Name: Studio Dott. Giuseppe Loiacono
VAT registration or tax identification number: 1838080503
Name: HYSTRIX SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 1132840412
Name: REEF CHECK
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2481240428
Name: EUROTRAVEL SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2455100418
Name: CAROUSEL SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 00865350425

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Public Institution for the management of protected natural areas of Dubrovnik-Neretva County

Adriatic SPEcies and Habitats of coastal areas

Partners and Projects info

Public institution for the management of protected areas in Split-Dalmatia County - SEA AND KARST

Adriatic SPEcies and Habitats of coastal areas

Partners and Projects info

Po Delta Veneto Regional Park

Adriatic SPEcies and Habitats of coastal areas

Partners and Projects info

Association for Nature, Environment and Sustainable Development Sunce

Adriatic SPEcies and Habitats of coastal areas

Partners and Projects info

City of Fano

Adriatic SPEcies and Habitats of coastal areas

Partners and Projects info

Management Consortium of Torre Guaceto

Adriatic SPEcies and Habitats of coastal areas

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Adriatic SPEcies and Habitats of coastal areas

Project acronym: ASPEH

Project ID: ITHR0200362

Project start date: 2024-04-01

Project end date: 2026-09-30

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

PEPSEA (EN) | PEPSEA - Protecting the Enclosed Parts of the Sea in Adriatic from pollution 2014 - 2020 Interreg V-A - Italy - Croatia CBC Programm
Relatively enclosed parts of sea (bays/channels/lagoons) [EPS] in Adriatic are often places of frequent sea traffic and consequently increased risk of sea pollution by oils and hazardous substances. Beside risk of pollution, those are places of increased danger for marine ecosystems being also characterized by decreased water dynamics. Concentration of pollution can jeopardize sensitive natural (geo/biodiversity), cultural and economic resources, and downgrade environment quality. Response system is not adequate in terms of equipment and time. Problem is two-folded.
Overall objective of project is to develop an adequate and timely response system for cases of incidental sea pollution in EPSs. System have included approaches and equipment in three different phases: before (prevention, mitigation, detection, early warning), during (interventions) and after incident (remediation, monitoring). It is expected that risk of sea pollution in EPSs in Adriatic will be decreased and system will be designed to prevent major incidents, efficiently and timely respond to incidents. To achieve overall objective both planning and technological solutions have to be produced. Although planning solution can be developed separately, knowledge and experience can be beneficial in designing approach to address the common need.
(EN), LIFEEL (EN) | The project based on the conservation measures for critically endangered population of European Eel (Anguilla Anguilla) in Po river basin. The Po Delta, with its lagoons, its natural environment, its culture and history, represent a strategic hot spot for the project and also for raising awareness actions. In the delta, we will be managing: a direct conservation action, i.e. the release of silver eels for natural to increase reproductive migration and indirect actions, through the involvement of stakeholders, like farmers and fishermen, in order to improve the sustainability of the fishery. The actions of the delta will be accompanied by those in the upper portions of the po basin, as habitat defragmentation; information and communication activities in order to sensitize and involve local population, in particular stakeholders and younger generation, to the problem of the species conservation. (EN), LIFE - TRANSFER (EN) | LIFE19 NAT/IT/000264 (LIFE 2019 - period 01/01/2020 - 30/11/2025)
Seagrass transplantation for transitional Ecosystem Recovery
The project targets the priority habitat 1150* Coastal lagoons, the habitat can be free of vegetation, on the other hand the SPA-BIO Protocol (Relini & Giaccone, 2009) identifies marine phanerogame associations as priorities for the conservation status of habitat 1150 *. The sites targeted originally had part of the area covered by seagrass. The project aims to solve the drastic regression of submerged seagrass in habitat and the slowness with which this vegetation is able to colonize area. Whenever the seed banks are absent and/or hydrodynamic circulation is poor even residual meadows cannot recolonize the lagoon. LIFE SeResto (LIFE12 NAT/IT/000331) proved the feasibility and good results of transplantation techniques.
In Italy, inside the site IT4060002 the disappearance of aquatic angiosperm started in the ’80, and
currently seagrass meadows are reduced to small limited, and sometime enclosed, areas. A previous conservation projected (LIFE09NATIT000110) improved the water circulation and resulted in a first colonization of seagrass in southern part. Anyhow the colonization did not extended in other areas potentially suitable. Similarly in the site IT4060005 water circulation has been restored but in this case seagrass meadows are totally absent. The site IT3270017 includes eight main lagoons and related habitat, two lagoons will be targeted. The lagoons suffer of lack of water circulation at different level, in the site seagrass are still present in the enclosed wetlands in the inner part which could be used as donor sites
(EN), ECOSS (EN) | Aspeh proposal is in line with measures proposed by the Long-term strategy and roadmap of the Ecological Observing System in the Adriatic Sea (ECOAdS) delivered through EU project ECOSS. Through preparation of common conservation plans for certain targeted Natura 2000 habitat or specie, Aspeh will furthermore harmonize approached from both side of the border (measure 1.). It will also improve monitoring of climate change impact especially on sandy habitats that are susceptible to erosion processes (measure 2.). Aspeh will also contribute to fostering collaborations between scientists, managers and policy-makers (measure 8). (EN), Interreg MED COASTANCE (EN) | Its main aim was to develop practical tools (technical/administrative) to manage the coastal zone adaptation to climate change, according to the sectoral foremost European policies such as the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), the Integrated Maritime Policy, the Maritime Spatial Planning, the Adaptation to climate change., etc. The project focused on those constituents of coastal protection action, such as coastal risks, submersion and erosion, territorial action plans for coastal protection management and guidelines for environmental impacts studies focused on coastal protection works and plans. Part of the project was creation of Guidelines for Integrated Coastal Zone Management for Dubrovnik-Neretva County, which will be used as data input for our project. (EN), Interreg MED COASTING and COASTING PLUS (EN) | COASTING is a capitalisation project based on the ICZM principles application, aiming at enhancing the effectiveness of a multilevel governance tool like Coast Contract (Contrat de Baie), transferring a shared methodology mostly centred on the stakeholders’ involvement, and focusing tools and actions more deeply on the tourism sector sustainability and qualification. In accordance with the ICZM protocol, COASTING aims to apply its principles to enhance qualification and use of natural resources, to create social accountability through a participation process so to develop a coherent framework for coastal recovery and management, increasing coordination for actions related to sustainable and responsible coastal and maritime tourism in the MED area. The capitalisation process aims to build the coherent methodology and framework for institutional uptake of procedures and policies related to coastal governance in the partner’s regions and in the EU.
Coast Contract governance tool will be used as a tool in building our stakeholder network and defining pressures and activities in the pilot areas.
(EN), Interreg ITA-CRO CREW (EN) | CREW project aimed at achieving the following objectives: set up a cross border Observatory to monitor best practices and data on Italian and Croatian coastal wetlands; protect the biodiversity in Italian and Croatian coastal wetlands by the implementation of a coordinated methodology for wetlands management (Wetland Contract); share a cross border strategy and strengthen synergies among Italian and Croatian coastal wetlands; improve the public awareness about the value of the wetlands ecosystems among policy makers, managers, professionals, and general public and strengthen their active engagement in territorial governance. Alongside the COASTING governance tool, this Wetland Contract methodology and process has already been used by Dubrovnik-Neretva Public Institution, therefore an uptake of the experience gained will be beneficial for the project. (EN), LASPEH (EN) | The LASPEH project “Low Adriatic Species and Habitats” has been financed under Priority Axis 3 (Environment protection, risk management and low carbon strategy) of the INTERREG IPA CBC Italy-Albania-Montenegro Programme 2014/2020. LASPEH project has been selected by the Italian Agency for Territorial Cohesion as a “flagship” project for having had a powerful territorial impact and having enhanced the European Territorial Cooperation and the policies of territorial cooperation. The logic methodology of this flagship project was composed by Conservation Plan, Awareness campaign and jointly strategy. The ASPEH will develop in new way, territories and partner this methodology. (EN), SASPAS (EN) | The SASPAS project “Safe Anchoring and Seagrass Protection in the Adriatic Sea” has been financed under Priority Axis 3 Specific objective "Contribute to protect and restore biodiversity" of the INTERREG Italy-Croatia Programme 2014/2020. SASPAS project has been selected by the Italian Agency for Territorial Cohesion as a “flagship” project for having had a powerful territorial impact and having enhanced the European Territorial Cooperation and the policies of territorial cooperation. With the ASPEH proposal, Project Partners would capitalized the SASPAS Project experience in the frame of the methodology used during the campaign “Become a Posidonia Keeper” in cooperation with partner institutions from Italy and Croatia, through the direct involvement of the younger generations and in line with the New European Bauhaus Initiative. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 923 240.00

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 538 592.00

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 89.14%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 1 538 592.00. Co-financing rate, 89.14%.
Others: Amount, EUR 197 284.00.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Jointly report on conservation plans on a priority species and habitats.
Report on awareness activities implemented.
Report on Cross-border workshop with stakeholders.
Report on training
Report on the concrete actions
Jointly report of the testing phase
Report of the cross-border event on EUSAIR Strategy
TSJ for the better management of priority species/habitats in Natura 2000 sites
Report on Final conference

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion ASPEH will contribute to the TSG3 “Environmental quality” of EUSAIR strategy, considering that it is totally consistent with flagship projects “Protection and enhancement of natural terrestrial habitats and ecosystems” and “Promotion of sustainable growth of the ai region by implementing ICZM and MPS also to contribute CRF on ICZM of Barcelona convention and the monitoring and management of marine protected area”, through the development of common conservation measures, the testing of it, and the involvement of key stakeholders for the implementation of the action plan. These contributions will be also ensured thanks to the participation as AO1 - JZP Izola Public agency for promotion of entrepreneurship and developing projects of Municipality of Izola that is the EUSAIR Facility Point for TSG3, that will support PPs to addressed the actions of the plan to the cross-border cooperation to preserve the ecological integrity of the "South Adriatic Ionian Strait" EBSA site between Italy and Croatia, identified by Conference of the parties (COP) during the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which was held on 2014 in Pyeongchang (Republic of Korea) and to define the further development of marine protected areas, with particular emphasis on transboundary marine protected areas. Furthermore LP participated at the workshop dedicated to the enhancement and recognition of marine protected areas and spatial planning at sea in the EUSAIR Region held in Sarajevo on 21st February 2023 to present the good practices and analysis carried out and to discuss about the issue to establish marine protected areas in the Ionian and Adriatic Sea. LP planned a cross-border workshop involving PPs, AO 1 JPZ Izola and experts to open a debate on the wider construction of cooperation networks between all the Adriatic regions for the establishment and further development of marine protected areas, with particular emphasis on transboundary marine protected areas.
EuropeanGreenDeal ASPEH is in line with the objective of the European green deal "Restoring biodiversity and reducing pollution" in detail with the action "Preserving and restoring ecosystem and biodiversity". To reach this action, European Commission developed a specific strategy that is the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030. A special attentions is on the biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse that are indicated as one of the biggest threats facing humanity in the next decade. As emphasized by the Strategy the Member States will be responsible for designating the additional protected and strictly protected areas, this will help to complete the Natura 2000 network. All protected areas will need to have clearly defined conservation objectives and measures. For this, the ASPEH proposal will directly contribute to the objectives and actions foreseen by EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, thanks to the development of specific conservation plans and the concrete actions. The conservation plans will be disseminated during the cross-border events in order to involve other protected areas to reach this goal. The EU Biodiversity Strategy aim is to achieve a significant and measurable improvement in the conservation status of species and habitats protected under the two nature Directives (92/43/EEC and 79/409/EEC directives). In particular, this means reaching a favourable conservation status of all habitats and species of European importance and adequate populations of naturally occurring wild bird species, that is the main objective of ASPEH project.
Other The objectives of the ASPEH project coincide with some of those indicated in the Plan for the inte-grated management of coastal areas (Piano GIZC) approved in 2019, for the Marche Region. This Plan introduce a new vision of how urban plans must take into account environmental protection, protect and enhance the stretches of emerged and submerged coast having landscape, natural-istic and environmental value; the renaturalisation of stretches of coastline.
The possibility to share local and regional ongoing Plans and their Implementinng Technical Stand-ards (Norme Tecniche di Attuazione) at European and cross-border level is an important added value as the different subjects involved can compare their experiences and strategies regardless the different habitat and species selected in the preserved areas of interest.
For example at Marche Regional level two specific prescriptions have been given in 2022 as re-gards two types of intervention named OS “Orientering for Sustainability” for all the coastal munic-ipalities of the Region.
OS2 is related to the regulation of dune areas and protection of nesting sites for the Fratino.
OS6 related to the manual cleaning of waste in the most sensitive areas of free beaches.
The implementation of these two specific prescriptions has strong impact into the local urban plan-ning, in particular: the Municipal Development Urban Plan (Piano Regolatore Comunale) and the local Plan for the Management of beaches (Piano Spiagge).
Other Management plan of Geopark Vis archipelago 2018.-2027. This Plan provides a summary of the most important information on the Vis archipelago Geopark (Geopark), identifies key values and threats and contains vision, themes and general management goals which outline the desired outcome of each management theme. The Plan contains description of threats and obstacles to efficient management and proposes activities which need to be implemented in order to achieve the defined goals. The Plan lists and identifies activities which are a priority, and it also contains cost analysis for implementation of said activities. Conservation of marine caves and sandy habitats (beaches) is part of Theme A: Preservation and protection of geodiversity. ASPEH proposal will contribute to the achievement of conservation actions under the plan.
Other Strategy and Action Plan for Nature Protection of the Republic of Croatia for the period from 2017 to 2025 (Official Gazette No. 72/2017) is the basic document of nature protection in the Republic of Croatia. The Strategy incorporates the guidelines of the Global Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, adopted at the 10th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Nagoya, Japan (Law on Ratification of the Convention on Biological Diversity (Official Gazette - International Agreements, No. 6/96)). The strategy contains five strategic goals that are in line with the aforementioned global strategic plan and the European Union Strategy for Biodiversity until 2020. As required by the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Strategy is an instrument that ensures the implementation of the main objectives of the Convention and ensures the incorporation of biodiversity conservation measures into relevant sectoral and cross-sectoral plans, programs and policies.
ASPEH is in line with the strategy due to its aim to produce a common strategy to preserve common Adriatic species and habitats by improving their status and enhancing nature management in the area.
Other ASPEH will contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the areas involved.
In detail, related to the Objective 14 The conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources will be take into account in all technical project activities.
In detail, the proposal is connected with four important objectives of the Biosphere macro-group that are the SDGs n. 6, 13, 14, 15 and also contributing to Objective 17 that concerns the collaboration to reach the goals.
In particular ASPEH will contribute to advance the following targets in both country:
14.1.1 - (a) Coastal eutrophication index; and (b) density of floating plastic debris
14.5.1 - Percentage of marine protected areas
15.5.1 - Red List of endangered species (Red List Index)
13.3.1 - Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) sustainable development education are integrated into (a) national education policies, (b) curricula, (c) teacher training and (d) student assessment (repeated in the refinement to be made of the indicators 4.7.1 and 12.8.1 contained in Annex III).
Other Among the measures envisaged by the PNRR in the field of the environment, with particular reference to protected areas, the investment line for the digitisation of national parks (M2-C4.3-I.3.2), aimed at the implementation of standardised and digitised procedures for the modernisation, efficiency and effectiveness of action of protected areas. To achieve by 2023 the PNRR target of developing digital services for visitors in at least 70% of national parks and marine protected areas, with the D.M. 22 March 2022 (published in the G.U. of 28 June 2022) a directive has been issued to the National Park Authorities and the Marine Protected Areas, aimed at defining the business plan, the timing and the implementing procedures for the implementation of investments.
Mention should also be made of the measure relating to the restoration and protection of the seabed and marine habitats (M2-C4.3-I.3.5) to increase the share of national protected marine.
The activities of ASPEH are in line with the strategy of the PNRR relatively to the promote through the cooperation the establishment of new marine protected areas, with a special attention to the transboundary marine areas.
Other Split-Dalmatia County Circular Economy Strategy
The document Split-Dalmatia County Circular Economy Strategy in Tourism Until 2030 (Strategy) is developed within the INCIRCLE Project, a 3-year Interreg MED project co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund. The project aims to support insular and scarcely inhabited MED areas to meet the increasing environmental challenges caused by tourist activities by promoting the application of circular economy principles in the tourism sector. The main activities of tourists while staying in the destinations are swimming and bathing, city sightseeing, going to restaurants, visits to historical buildings and visits to national parks and protected nature areas. According to the level of satisfaction with the elements of tourism supply in the destination, for the elements: the beauty of nature and landscape and the beauty of the destination, the level of satisfaction is very high. A Swot analysis produced in the Split-Dalamatia County regarding the sustainable tourism noted that in the weaknesses that Insufficiently valorised natural and cultural resources. For this the ASPEH proposal will contribute to the Circular economy strategy of the Dalmatia Split County valorizing the natural resources, in detail the awareness campaign will increasing the protection measures and awareness on the marine caves of the VIS Archipelago and natural beaches.
Other Regulation on Conservation Measures pursuant to Community Directives 2009/147 and 92/43 and DPR 357/97 for Sites of Community Importance (SCI) of Puglia Region.
The Regulation defined the contents and methodology to implement the Conservation Measures. The Regulation aimed at the maintenance and possible restoration, in a state of satisfactory conservation, of the sites, habitats and species of fauna and flora of Community interest, taking into account the needs of economic, social and cultural development, as well as the particularities of each site, with the aim of ensuring the coherence of the ecological network "Natura 2000". The Conservation Measures apply to the 47 Sites of Community Importance (SCI) even if designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and in six marine areas within the meaning of Article 4 of Directive 92/43/EEC. The ASPEH proposal is therefore in line with Puglia Region regulation, and the related conservation plan will be implemented take into account this document.
Other Unite Nations Environment Programme - Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP). The Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP)—Barcelona Convention System works with Contracting Parties, included Croatia and Italy, and partners to fulfill the vision of a healthy Mediterranean Sea and Coast that underpin sustainable development in the region. Through the MAP, these Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols are determined to meet the challenges of protecting the marine and coastal environment while boosting regional and national plans to achieve sustainable development. The objectives of the current MAP Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) 2016-2021 include delivering “knowledge-based assessments of the Mediterranean environment and scenario development for informed decision-making and stakeholder work” including quality status of marine and coastal environment and interactions between environment and development. ASPEH project thanks to the project activities will contribute to the Mediterranean Action Plan with the directly involvement of decision makers and stakeholders, strengthening the management skills of these target groups through training and workshops, and through the implementation of conservation plans.
Other ASPEH is consistent with the Prioritised Action Framework (PAF) for natura 2000 sites. PAF are strategic multiannual planning tools, aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of the measures that are needed to implement the EU-wide Natura 2000 network and its associated green infrastructure. The actions concern safeguarding, regulation, monitoring and training and dissemination activities. As well as actions for the expansion of the regional ecological network and environmental and forestry improvement, the incentives and compensation for agriculture increasingly attentive to biodiversity, promotion of sustainable fisheries, with special attention to the communication activity, that is to make known this important heritage and enhance it also in a tourist key.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 085 - Participations in joint training schemes, Measurement unit:
RCO 115 - Public events across borders jointly organised, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO115) Public events across borders jointly organised: 1.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 081 - Completions of joint training schemes, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Italy-Croatia

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2026-01-21

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

82 / 82 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

556 / 556 (100%)

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Adriatic SPEcies and Habitats of coastal areas

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Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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