Governance of Wetlands in Italy-Croatia cross border region

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Italy-Croatia

Date of latest update: 2025-12-09

Description

Description (EN):

Coastal wetlands of Italy-Croatia cross-border region are acknowledged as an high-value natural capital, screens of biodiversity, providing relevant ecosystem services for both local communities and visitors/users from a wider area. Climate Change (CC) is severely affecting the ecological condition of these important but fragile ecosystems, even threatening their existence itself, as deepened in the Interreg IT-HR 2014-2020 “Adriaclim” project (expected end by June 2023) and confirmed by recently released IPCC report (March, 2023). Wetland managers and relevant stakeholders are facing at local scale a wide array of challenges in terms of CC adaptation approaches, strategies and commitments. In spite of all efforts currently lavished, both Italian and Croatian coastal wetlands have not achieved a satisfying level of resilience to CC impacts. Different socio-economic business models and environmental management approaches are still carried on as usual, thus exposing wetland communities to unprecedented crisis. Engaging local communities in active participation processes, raising awareness amongst all relevant stakeholders, sharing knowledge and responsibilities, adopting an integrated approach and taking action with Nature Based Solutions wherever possible is a CC adaptation strategy that can no longer be delayed. Thanks to Interreg IT-HR 2014-2020 “Crew” project (ended up in 2021), a new governance tool – the Wetland Contract (WC) – has been tested in seven Italy-Croatia cross border wetlands in order to set up a robust and effective multistakeholder agreement for the integrated management of those key ecosystems. Starting from that experience, GREW project aims at achieving a joint advanced governance for Italy-Croatia cross-border wetlands, capable of providing an added value to place-based management approaches in terms of CC adaptation. GREW will enhance and upgrade the WC experience carried out in some of the most advanced CREW pilots (five out of seven, three in Italy and two in Croatia), capitalizing the lesson learnt (reinforcing strengths and overcoming weaknesses) and transferring it to three additional new pilots (one in Italy and two in Croatia). Thus eight pilot WCs will be signed by the end of GREW project (expected in 2026) as voluntary-based negotiated agreements for the CC adaptation of eight Italy-Croatia cross-border coastal wetlands (WP1). In order to proof the added value of WC governance model when implemented for achieving a CC adaptation strategy and building trust on it, one common CC adaptation measure and eight demonstrative site-specific CC adaptation measures will be implemented along with each WC process (totally sixteen solutions), engaging all relevant stakeholders and the broader community at local scale (WP2). Last but not least, a capacity building activity will be offered to managers and experts of other Italy-Croatia cross-border wetlands, together with the undersigning of a cross-border joint MoU for committing all parties to take action beyond GREW end up, in order to disseminate GREW outputs and facilitate the dissemination and transferring of the overall lesson learnt (WP3). Establishing permanent multistakeholder decision-making arena, sharing a common knowledge and vision, interweaving responsibilities and commitments from both public and private sectors can be considered the basis for copying with CC challenges, providing a corner stone for effective and long-lasting place-based adaptation strategies. By implementing the foreseen actions, GREW will also promote the implementation of EU policies among Italy and Croatia. WCs particularly help to achieve the goals of Environmental Directives such as Habitats Directive, Birds Directive, Flood Directive and Water Framework Directive. A joint initiative is needed, in order to take into proper account the geographical features of Italy-Croatia cross-border wetlands, both environmental and socio-economic, and get to a robust approach to common challenges. Management responses to CC impacts cannot be designed with a recipe-book approach, but require tailor-made in initiatives that an Italy-Croatia cross-border “community of practice” can inspire and feed. GREW is candidate to be the first project at Mediterranean scale in which WCs will be tested as CC adaptation tools for coastal wetlands, thus providing a relevant benchmark and reference both at cross-border and inter-regional scale.

Actual Achievements (EN):

Since its launch in March 2024, the GREW project has made substantial progress toward its goal of advancing climate adaptation strategies for cross-border wetlands through the innovative Wetland Contract (WC) model. Building on the successful foundation of the Interreg IT-HR “Crew” project, GREW is extending the WC model to address specific climate challenges across Italy and Croatia’s coastal wetland areas. By August 2024, the project has initiated the development of eight pilot WC agreements, engaging local stakeholders in shared governance frameworks to implement tailored climate adaptation measures. This phase has seen significant steps toward collaborative governance, including community engagement activities and workshops designed to foster stakeholder involvement in wetland management. Progress highlights include preparatory work for climate adaptation activities across the pilot sites, with certain site-specific adaptation measures already underway. Capacity building sessions have also been initiated, providing training and knowledge exchange for managers and environmental experts to strengthen regional expertise. Although a few activities are slightly behind schedule due to initial logistical adjustments, the project team is actively working to realign timelines to ensure that all objectives are achieved as planned. The cross-border memorandum of understanding (MoU) is also in development, marking a commitment to long-term collaboration beyond the project’s duration. Through these activities, GREW is already demonstrating the added value of cross-border cooperation, particularly through Italy-Croatia’s “community of practice” approach. This cooperation not only promotes knowledge sharing but also sets a precedent for the integration of EU environmental policies at a local level, showcasing the potential of the WC model as a pioneering climate adaptation tool for Mediterranean wetlands. The GREW project is well-positioned to achieve its objectives, setting a benchmark for innovative and collaborative climate action in sensitive coastal ecosystems. Overall, partners are making progress in defining and implementing Wetland Contracts and in environmental monitoring and awareness-raising activities, with an increasing commitment to stakeholder collaboration and shared management to address climate change challenges. Wetland Contracts: Almost all partners have initiated or updated Wetland Contracts involving strategic stakeholders and opening the discussion to the public. Stakeholder Engagement: Over 300 stakeholders (public authorities, NGOs, schools, citizens, businesses) were involved across Italy and Croatia, reflecting strong community commitment to wetland protection. Climate Monitoring: Multiple pilot sites are now equipped with meteorological stations, data loggers, and environmental sensors to monitor the impact of climate change in real time. Pilot Actions: Specific climate adaptation actions have begun, such as studies on saltwater intrusion, vegetation restoration, and plans for mechanical water control systems. Citizen Science App: Partners collaborated on designing the multi-language app to allow the public to report environmental changes in wetland areas, increasing awareness and local data collection. The main outputs delivered are: - Reports on stakeholder analysis and regulatory frameworks in each pilot area - Technical studies on environmental conditions and climate risks - Communication materials: roll-ups, posters, infographics, and local media coverage - Public events and workshops, including over 20 participatory meetings across pilot areas - Joint SharePoint platform and steering meetings for continuous partner collaboration We can also highlight at least three main achievements, relevant for the ovealla project: Shared Methods: Partners exchanged tools and experiences, especially building on Croatia’s previous CREW project successes. Joint Learning: Institutions from different regions co-designed solutions, making the approach more flexible, replicable, and effective. Stronger Voice: Cooperation across borders helps coastal wetland protection gain more visibility at national and EU levels. During this reporting period, GREW made important progress in protecting and adapting the coastal wetlands of Italy and Croatia to climate change. The project entered its most visible phase, moving from planning to concrete action in all eight pilot sites. Partners worked together to improve local Wetland Contracts (WCs), test new climate adaptation measures, and engage communities through education and communication. Under Work Package 1, each partner updated or drafted its local Wetland Contract with a stronger focus on climate change. Local meetings, workshops, and consultations across both countries have been organised. These events brought together local authorities, farmers, tourism operators, and schools, building a shared understanding of how wetlands can act as natural buffers against floods, droughts, and rising sea levels. A particularly relevant result was achieved in Ferrara, where the Po di Volano Wetland Contract was officially signed by 28 local organisations, setting an example of collective action for climate resilience. Under Work Package 2, partners focused on two practical achievements. First, the GREW Citizen Science App reached its complete functional version. Developed jointly by all partners, the app enables citizens, students, and visitors to observe and report simple environmental indicators such as water levels, vegetation, and biodiversity. This tool will help connect scientific monitoring with community awareness and participation. Second, all eight pilot sites advanced their local climate adaptation measures, addressing concrete challenges such as coastal erosion, water salinity, habitat loss, and waste reduction. For example: - In the Venice and Marano lagoons, studies and stewardship actions involved local associations and SMEs to preserve the lagoon environment. - In Palud Reserve and Neretva Delta, equipment was purchased and installed to monitor water conditions and improve accessibility. - In Brijuni National Park, a “Zero Plastic Island” campaign was launched to reduce waste and promote environmental care among visitors. These efforts demonstrate how the project translates plans into visible improvements for local ecosystems and communities. Under Work Package 3, GREW partners continued to raise awareness on the importance of wetlands in climate adaptation. Communication actions included public exhibitions, educational events, and online campaigns reaching thousands of people. IUAV presented GREW at major international and national events such as the Venice Biennale and the COLOURS Summer School, while all partners produced local materials—videos, roll-ups, and leaflets—to promote the project in their territories. The project’s added value lies in showing that climate adaptation can succeed only through cooperation. By linking science, governance, and community engagement, GREW has turned wetlands into living laboratories of resilience—places where nature and people work together to face the challenges of a changing climate. GREW laid the foundations for the project’s capitalisation phase, focusing on consolidating the methodologies generated under WP1 and WP2 as transferable models for other wetland areas in the Adriatic and beyond. Partners worked to ensure that outputs such as the common methodology for Wetland Contracts, the Citizen Science App, and the pilot adaptation measures are documented and ready for uptake by external stakeholders. IUAV coordinated the collection of materials and experiences to feed into the forthcoming Open Marketplace on Wetland Governance (A.3.1), which will serve as the main transnational platform for knowledge exchange and policy dialogue in the next reporting period. Although no WP3 deliverables were formally finalised in PR3, several preparatory actions strengthened GREW’s capitalisation potential. The Ferrara project meeting (May 2025) gathered institutions, technical experts, and practitioners from both Italy and Croatia, showcasing the Wetland Contract as an adaptable governance tool. Croatian partners, including NPB and PI DNC, extended cooperation with local municipalities, schools, and NGOs, building networks that will support replication of the approach at regional level. ANBO and IUAV worked jointly to link GREW results with other EU initiatives on coastal management and climate adaptation, ensuring alignment with the Interreg Italy–Croatia Programme’s thematic priorities. In the next reporting period, capitalisation will progress through three main steps: 1. Organisation of the Open Marketplace (A.3.1) to present and exchange transferable outputs among wetland managers, policy institutions, and research bodies; 2. Preparation of training and dissemination materials (A.3.2) targeted at regional and local authorities, NGOs, and educational institutions; 3. Drafting of the cross-border Memorandum of Understanding (A.3.3) to formalise post-project cooperation on wetland governance and climate adaptation.

Project outputs: Climate Change adaptation strategy for coastal wetlands, jointly developed amongst project partners through technical
meetings, stakeholder engagement and monitoring/assessment of pilot activities(EN)
Climate Change adaptation measures (Citizen Science app) implemented in no. 8 pilot coastal wetlands with an active involvement of local stakeholders/visitors.(EN)
Wetland Contract in action for Climate Change adaptation(EN)

Thematic information

Climate change and biodiversity Community integration and common identity

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

Priority specific objective: RSO2.4. Promoting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention and resilience, taking into account eco-system based approaches

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: 058 Adaptation to climate change measures and prevention and management of climate related risks: floods and landslides (including awareness raising, civil protection and disaster management systems, infrastructures and ecosystem based approaches)

Partners (8)

Lead Partner: Istituto Universitario di Architettura di Venezia

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998948283

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 00708670278 | 80009280274 | ufficio.protocollo@pec.iuav.it (EN)

Department: Dipartimento di culture del Progetto (ITA) - Department of Architecture and Arts (ENG)

Address: Santa Croce , 30135 Venezia, Italy

Department address: Santa Croce, 30135 Venezia, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.iuav.it

Total budget: EUR 413 780.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 413 780.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 100.00%

Contractors:

Name: Paolo Carlucci
VAT registration or tax identification number: 04274450271
Name: Giancarlo Gusmaroli
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT01043420270

Javna ustanova Nacionalni park Brijuni

Name: Javna ustanova Nacionalni park Brijuni

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 891525837

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 79193158584 | 79193158584 | brijuni@np-brijuni.hr (EN)

Address: Brijuni, 52100 Pula, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.np-brijuni.hr

Total budget: EUR 294 100.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 235 280.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 58 820.00

Contractors:

Name: Geogrupa d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR77967127694
Name: Geo-5 d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR35006071705
Name: Alexanor, obrt vl. Toni Koren
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR16431593275
Name: Jana Nature Company
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR44786008885
Name: NIX
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR26334246997
Name: Udruga Sunce
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR17644269011
Name: Grasa Projekt d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR69626060306
Name: MEGRA d.o.o
VAT registration or tax identification number: 100124484

Sub-Contractors:

Name: Fakultet za fiziku Sveučilišta u Rijeci
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR64218323816

Agencija za ruralni razvoj Zadarske županije - AGRRA

Name: Agencija za ruralni razvoj Zadarske županije - AGRRA

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 40310483418 | 40310483418 | matej.mikulic@agrra.hr (EN)

Address: Ivana Mažuranica, 23000 Zadar, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.agrra.hr

Total budget: EUR 295 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 236 640.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 59 160.00

Contractors:

Name: Andiva j.d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 31774002546
Name: Eko-Zadar
VAT registration or tax identification number: 36247318879
Name: Elytron
VAT registration or tax identification number: 88481919954
Name: Info Turist d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 30165276059
Name: CISSA d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 47128897883

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: http://www.zastita-prirode-dnz.hr

Total budget: EUR 308 820.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 247 056.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 61 764.00

Contractors:

Name: Kain Građenje d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 70677462000
Name: Crystal consult
VAT registration or tax identification number: 47457997719
Name: MULTIVISION MEDIA d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR81914141069

Sub-Contractors:

Name: GEO SOLUM d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 26829827062

Javna ustanova Natura Histrica

Name: Javna ustanova Natura Histrica

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 45370781471 | 45370781471 | info@natura-histrica.hr (EN)

Address: Riva, 52100 Pula, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://www.natura-histrica.hr/

Total budget: EUR 314 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 251 840.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 62 960.00

Contractors:

Name: EKO - ADRIA d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 05956562208
Name: Proton d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR22852624735
Name: Narava Narave
VAT registration or tax identification number: SI37908448
Name: AGD reklame
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR20829194234
Name: Arena Hospitality Group
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR47625429199
Name: Obrt za ug. Mofardin
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR75769520670
Name: Bocca Porta
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR50250493859

AGENZIA PER L'OCCUPAZIONE E LO SVILUPPO DELL'AREA NORD BARESE-OFANTINA - SOCIETA' CONSORTILE A RESPONSABILITA' LIMITATA

Name: AGENZIA PER L'OCCUPAZIONE E LO SVILUPPO DELL'AREA NORD BARESE-OFANTINA - SOCIETA' CONSORTILE A RESPONSABILITA' LIMITATA

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 950219470

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 05215080721 | 05215080721 | pattonbo@legalmail.it (EN)

Address: Via Guglielmo Marconi, 76121 Barletta, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.pattonordbareseofantino.it/

Total budget: EUR 338 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 338 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 100.00%

Contractors:

Name: GEOSEA SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 08871600725
Name: MER MEC ENGINEERING S.R.L.
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT04597250721
Name: Agostino Ciciriello
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT07695610720
Name: Vincenzo Misuriello
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT08356020720
Name: Otello Segni
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT00862880119

Consorzio di Bonifica Pianura di Ferrara

Name: Consorzio di Bonifica Pianura di Ferrara

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 954553624

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 01834660381 | 93076450381 | posta.certificata@pec.bonificaferrara.it (EN)

Address: Via Borgo dei Leoni, 44121 Ferrara, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: http://www.bonificaferrara.it

Total budget: EUR 322 300.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 322 300.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 100.00%

Contractors:

Name: Autoservizi Vezzali S.n.c.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 01759540386
Name: Hotel Europa G.A. S.r.l.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 01411170382
Name: Nena s.a.s.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 01921820385
Name: RTI Città della Cultura/Punto3
VAT registration or tax identification number: CC:01938110382 -P3:01601660382
Name: Eco Stampe di Baraldi Daniele
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02077580385
Name: Ipros Ingegneria Ambientale
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT02514150289
Name: Arcangelo Bicchieri
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02289620730

Comunità Riviera Friulana

Name: Comunità Riviera Friulana

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 02863780306 | 02863780306 | comunita.rivierafriulana@certgov.fvg.it (EN)

Address: Piazza Indipendenza, 33053 Latisana, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.rivierafriulana.comunitafvg.it

Total budget: EUR 332 020.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 332 020.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 100.00%

Contractors:

Name: T&B e Asssociati S.r.l.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 00965560329

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Public Institution Brijuni National Park

Governance of Wetlands in Italy-Croatia cross border region

Partners and Projects info

Zadar County Rural Development Agency - AGRRA

Governance of Wetlands in Italy-Croatia cross border region

Partners and Projects info

Public Institution for the Management of Protected Natural Areas of Dubrovnik-Neretva County

Governance of Wetlands in Italy-Croatia cross border region

Partners and Projects info

Public Institution Natura Histrica

Governance of Wetlands in Italy-Croatia cross border region

Partners and Projects info

AGENCY FOR OCCUPABILITY AND DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH BARESE OFANTINA AREA

Governance of Wetlands in Italy-Croatia cross border region

Partners and Projects info

Ferrara Plain Reclamation Consortium

Governance of Wetlands in Italy-Croatia cross border region

Partners and Projects info

Riviera Friulana Community

Governance of Wetlands in Italy-Croatia cross border region

Partners and Projects info

IUAV UNIVERSITY OF VENICE

Governance of Wetlands in Italy-Croatia cross border region

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Governance of Wetlands in Italy-Croatia cross border region

Project acronym: GREW

Project ID: ITHR0200439

Project start date: 2024-03-01

Project end date: 2026-08-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

CREW (Interreg IT-HR 2014-20) (EN) | Developing coordinated wetland management in Italy-Croatia cross border region and constructing an wetland observatory. (EN), TUNE UP (Interreg MED 2014-20) (EN) | Promoting multilevel governance for tuning up biodiversity protection in marine areas. (EN), WATERinCORE (Interreg MED 2007-13) (EN) | Increasing knowledge on water management and implementing appropriate analysis and action methodologies for the River Contract. (EN), WETNET (Interreg MED 2014-20) (EN) | Defining and testing Wetland Contracts in pilot areas. (EN), PEGASO (FP7 2009) (EN) | Developing Integrated Coastal Zone Management in the Mediterranean sea and constructing an ICZM governance platform. (EN), BEWATER (FP7 2013) (EN) | Involving society in discussions on water uses and their related problems, raising public awareness of the importance of sustainable water management, with particular focus on the expected climate change impacts. (EN), SEE River (SOUTH EAST EUROPE 2012-14) (EN) | Empowering the multi-sectoral stakeholders sharing the territory of an international river corridor to gain knowledge on planning and implementing processes for integration of existing sectoral policies, plans and programmes in order to reach consensus on integrative management of international river corridors, taking into account both the development and the conservation interests. (EN), CRO-NEN (LIFE III 2002) (EN) | Collecting, structuring and digitising information about Croatian Natura 2000 sites on GIS database system (Croatian National Ecological Network); (EN), WATER AGENDA (LIFE 2004) (EN) | Developing integrated water resources management policy, through the application of a social wide local agreement, based on the principles of Agenda 21 and the provisions of WDF. (EN), REWETLAND (LIFE+ 2008) (EN) | developing instruments of negotiated governance for the protection of wetlands. GIS database monitoring layers. (EN), RESTORE (LIFE+ 2009) (EN) | Collecting best practices and policies explanations about River restoration on RiverWiki platform. (EN), VIMINE (LIFE+ 2012) (EN) | Implementing an integrated approach to the protection of salt marshes from erosion and landscape management in the northern part of the Venice Lagoon. (EN), SERESTO (LIFE+ 2012) (EN) | Triggering a process of aquatic angiosperm recolonization in SIC IT3250031 “Northern Lagoon of Venice”, mainly through the transplantation of Zostera marina and Zostera noltei to small sites distributed throughout the area. (EN), LAGOON REFRESH (LIFE+ 2016) (EN) | Restoring the salt gradient increasing freshwater input from the Sile River to the Venice Lagoon to restore the salt gradient, recreate reed bed habitat, and improve the lagoon environment and its biodiversity (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 619 620.00

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 2 095 696.00

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 89.62%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 2 095 696.00. Co-financing rate, 89.62%.
Others: Amount, EUR 281 220.00.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

technical guideline explaining Wetland Contract technical methodology and monitoring protocol
reports with technical advices and recommendation
stakeholder analysis reports
regulatory framework reports
scientific description reports (including gap analysis and logical framework)
strategic scenario reports
action plans, monitoring protocols and agreements
reports on outputs and outcomes of pilot WCs' monitoring
report on comparative assessment of pilot WCs' output and outcomes
infographics
roll-ups
App development for citizen science on CC impact on pilot wetlands
technical digital factsheet on pilot CC adaptation measure
divulgative digital factsheet on pilot CC adaptation measure
technical digital factsheet on pilot CC adaptation measure
divulgative digital factsheet on pilot CC adaptation measure
technical digital factsheet on pilot CC adaptation measure
divulgative digital factsheet on pilot CC adaptation measure
technical digital factsheet on pilot CC adaptation measure
divulgative digital factsheet on pilot CC adaptation measure
technical digital factsheet on pilot CC adaptation measure
divulgative digital factsheet on pilot CC adaptation measure
technical digital factsheet on pilot CC adaptation measure
divulgative technical digital factsheet on pilot CC adaptation measure
technical digital factsheet on pilot CC adaptation measure
divulgative digital factsheet on pilot CC adaptation measure
technical digital factsheet on pilot CC adaptation measure
divulgative digital factsheet on pilot CC adaptation measure
reports on outputs and outcomes of pilot CC adaptation measures
report on comparative assessment of pilot CC adaptation measures output and outcomes
infographics
roll-ups
report on governance needs for CC adaptation arises by cross border wetland manager community
scientific papers
cross-border MoU for commitment on follow-ups
divulgative papers
video podcasts
infographics

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion GREW plays a significant role in promoting synergies with EUSAIR and in increasing the territorial cohesion.
The project is coherent with the EUSAIR Pillar 3 Environmental quality, Topic – 2 Transnational terrestrial habitats and biodiversity, specific objective “to contribute to the goal of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to halt the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services in the EU by 2020, and restore them in so far as feasible, by addressing threats to marine and terrestrial biodiversity”. GREW is also coherent with Pillar 4 Sustainable tourism, Topic 2 – Sustainable and responsible tourism management (innovation and quality), specific objective Improving the quality and innovation of tourism offer and enhancing the sustainable and responsible tourism capacities of the tourism actors across the macro-region.
Moreover, GREW aims at responding to the 3 main challenges highlighted by EUSAIR: (1) heterogeneous governance; (2) lack of coordination between Countries and funds; (3) weak implementation of EU policy. GREW contributes to EUSAIR by developing: (1) cross-border strategy for the protection of coastal wetland ecosystems; (2) Wetlands Contracts; (3) awareness raising activities (local stakeholders, general public, decision makers, interest groups).
EuropeanGreenDeal The ultimate ambition of this policy is to make the European Union the world's first climate-neutral continent, making it resource-efficient and, at the same time, economically competitive.
The European Green Deal aims to improve the well-being of citizens and future generations by implementing actions aimed at: reducing our impact on the climate and the environment; improving the energy efficiency and resilience of our cities and production systems; extending the life of our assets with a view to circularity; and encouraging public and sustainable transportation systems.
The EU actively engages and supports its international partners in climate action, not only by promoting mitigation actions, but also by adopting climate adaptation measures to cope with the unavoidable impacts of climate change.
The aims of GREW and especially the enabling of Wetland Contracts, are in adherence with the objectives of the EU Green Deal, in that they aim to integrate wetland protection and biodiversity conservation and economic, social and urban human activities. In particular, GREW aims to: (i) contain the environmental effects of some human activities; (ii) activate pilot actions capable of promoting innovations in terms of resilience and circularity; (iii) and identify possible new economic outputs compatible with fragile environments such as wetlands.
GREW partners share the idea that the road to adapting territories to climate change must necessarily include and involve the communities that inhabit them.
More specifically, GREW contributes to the objectives of the European Climate Pact, part of the EU green Deal: to raise awareness of climate change issues and actions undertaken by EU; to encourage climate action & catalyse engagement by developing and implementing solutions; to connect citizens and organisations that act on climate change issues and help them to share knowledge and learn from each-other.
Other EU Territorial Agenda 2030 Strategy.
At EU level GREW contributes to the territorial cohesion promoted by the European Territorial Agenda 2030 by testing and capitalizing at transnational level a set of environmental governance measures.
In line with the Territorial Agenda 2030, GREW responds to the increasing pressure concerning sustainable development and climate change, in the fields of Climate change adaptation; Loss of biodiversity; Air, soil and water quality, and nature, landscape and cultural heritage. Specifically, GREW aims to:
- strengthen multi-level governance;
- enhance place-based approaches;
- implement coordinated sector policy territorial impacts and coherence;
- implement cooperation between territories;
- implement territorial cohesion at cross-borders, with contributions from Member States and neighbouring countries
Other GREW is coherent with European Macro Regional strategies in the Alpine Area and in the Danube Area. In regard to the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region, EUSAR, GREW contributes to:
Action Group 1 - Research and Innovation (To develop an effective research and innovation ecosystem);
Action Group 6 - Resources (to preserve and valorise natural resources, including water and cultural resources);
Action Group 7 - Green Infrastructure (To develop ecological connectivity in the whole EUSALP territory).
In regard to EU Strategy for the Danube Region. GREW contributes to:
Priority Area 6. Biodiversity, Landscapes and Air & Soil Quality (to preserve biodiversity, landscapes and the quality of air and soils);
Priority Area 7. Knowledge society;
Priority Area 10. Institutional Capacity & Cooperation (to address institutional capacity-building at local, regional and national level, involvement of civil society in public governance, increasing local development and better spending as well as increasing absorption rates of EU funds).
Other Initiative for the sustainable development of the blue economy in the western Mediterranean Region Strategy.
GREW is coherent with the strategy as it promotes:
-The socially and environmentally sustainable evolution of sea basins and coastal areas, counteracting the existing disparities and ensuring the conservation of cultural and bio-diversity;
- Good communication and an appropriate climate of cooperation between the States involved in it;
- A smart and resilient blue economy and the focus on skills development, research and innovation;
Moreover, GREW includes the progressive evolution of, and trans-national cooperation between vocational and academic education systems as a horizontal area of intervention, enhancing the effectiveness of the other areas of the blue economy.
Other In line with the long-term vision outlined by the EU Adaptation Strategy (2021), Italy approved a National Climate Change Adaptation strategy in 2022.
GREW is coherent with the national strategy in its strategic axes:
- improving current knowledge on Climate Change and its impacts;
- describing the vulnerability of the Italian Territory and identifying adaptation options;
- promoting participation and raising awareness;
- supporting information on adaptation;
- specifying the tools to identify the best adaptation options.
In coherence with the National Adaptation Plan (under development) main objective, GREW works on updating knowledge on adaptation and making it more effective in the design of adaptation actions at different levels of government.
Also, the National strategy recognises that adaptation actions, from identification of measures to monitoring, require an appropriate participatory governance that should be structured through the involvement of different administrative units and stakeholders.
Other Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change in the Republic of Croatia.
GREW is coherent with the main aims of Croatian adaptation strategy. In line with the EU Climate adaptation strategy, core objectives of the Croatian strategy are:
- to raise awareness about importance and threats of climate change and about the need to integrate climate change adaptation into existing and new policies;
- to reduce the vulnerability of the environment, economy and society threatened by climate change.

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

Hrvatska (HR), Pula, Brijuni, n/a, 52100
Hrvatska (HR), metković, Sites Vid and Prud, n/a, 20350

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 115 - Public events across borders jointly organised, Measurement unit:

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:

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

2025-12-09

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

76 / 76 (100%)

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

486 / 486 (100%)

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Governance of Wetlands in Italy-Croatia cross border region

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

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