Exploitation of AI for the protection of the natural resources in the ADRION region

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B IPA Adriatic-Ionian

Date of latest update: 2025-06-23

Description

Description (EN):

The monitoring and management of natural and man-made disasters has been a great issue in the Adriatic-Ionian region, as justified in the programme document and also underlined in the relevant policies addressed (EUSAIR, Green Deal, S3, etc). More specifically, AINATURE will focus on the use of AI tools (and contemporary technologies) for the early detection and monitoring of two major challenges faced by ADRION countries: - Pollution of open surface water resources and warning/monitoring of floods: through the adjustment of the AI tool developed in aqua3S and Pathocert projects (H2020), the partners will be able to detect pollution and alterations in the water surface. - Wildfires and floods: through the adjustment of the AI tools developed in projects TREEADS and Silvanus (H2020, Horizon Europe). The AI tools will be based on images available through the free sources identified in the aforementioned projects, along with crowdsourced data that we will collect through the dedicated mobile app. Up to now, the projects implemented in the ADRION, covering the specific issues, were based on the information collected by sensors, drones, or other types of equipment, making the process costly and prone to the updates of technology, risking being outdated and, in many cases, not properly operated. AINATURE will offer AI tools that will exploit the free satellite images, thus also capitalising on already existing sources of data and ensuring the project’s sustainability supported by the long-term availability of data. These tools are developed through machine learning or deep learning approaches, during which they are trained on the normal/default values and the changes that may occur based on real data, to set the limits for event identification and warning. The project's main action will be the implementation of pilot actions for the use of a joint AI system based on existing tools and software, which have been already elaborated and tested in previous projects (H2020, Horizon Europe), allowing for early detection and effective management of natural crises. The technologies exploited in this effort will be based on: - AI tools, - BIG data extraction and analysis - Mobile application In this regard, the main outputs include: - The development of an AI early warning and monitoring system that consists of: 1. An AI tool for the detection of pollution and other alterations in the surface of open water sources, including seawater, lakes, and streams. 2. Two AI tools for the early detection and monitoring of floods and wildfires. 3. A mobile app, through which the citizens will be able to support the real time monitoring of a natural crisis. 4. A Platform that will include all tools, available for all partners to be informed, to compare conditions, to increase preparedness, and to improve the management of a crisis. - The adjustment of existing AI tools to the data and information (available and requested) of the ADRION partners - 6 Pilot cases on 3 different types of crises (fires, floods, and water pollution) - a Joint Action Plan on the exploitation of the project’s outputs supported by nature-based solutions, aiming to facilitate the inclusion of/replicability of other interested bodies. AINATURE aims to activate the 4Helix stakeholders' involvement through the inclusion of academic/research organisations, local authorities, NGOs, and private companies in tackling the problems faced in each of the pilot areas. The partners have a common focus on several transnational territorial challenges related to water pollution, forest fires and floods, as a natural crisis in one of these countries will directly affect the neighbouring countries as well. Additionally, developing a joint system will mean that the criteria for the identification of a crisis will be common in the areas involved, covering almost 80% of the eligible countries. The envisaged joint action plan will, then, contribute to a common management process based on the support of nature-based actions the partners will agree upon. AINATURE is also in line with the Green Deal’s goals of climate action, eliminating pollution, and research and development, as well as the approaches related to environmental sustainability and DNSH principle, as the solution proposed will be based solely on freely available images and data.

Expected Achievements (EN):

The objective of WP1 is to analyse the available tools, and define the changes and the updates that need be done along with the KPIs and the respective measurements. The partners will be involved, in order to describe the available data for each area per pilot case, so that the technical partner can then identify the common elements and prepare the guidelines for the next stage of the project implementation. At the end of this WP, the structure of the system will be available, together with the information and data required by the partners, for the technical work to be initiated. The aim of this WP is to specify the entire architecture of the platform, and to integrate the tools mentioned in WP3 comprising the overall AINATURE platform under a common and user-friendly and intuitive graphical interface. The development of the interactive user interfaces will follow a User-Centred approach in order to ensure that the development and set up of the platform captures the user requirements and needs. This WP concerns the adjustment and preparation of the AI tools for the early detection and warning of natural disasters. It includes 4 types of tools: - the wildfires tool that will be adjusted to the partners' needs - the flood tool and the similarly operating tool on floods - the water pollution tool - the dedicated mobile app CERTH will be responsible for this WP and for the technical preparation of the respective tools. All partners will be involved in order to provide input related to the areas of interest and the functionalities that they should/ could / must have and get acquainted with the tools and their operation. By the end of this WP, the tools will be ready for the pilot application. The aim of this WP is to pilot test the application of the AINATURE system (platform and tools) in real conditions, based on the real data provided by the pilot partners. At the end of this project, the pilot partners will have a fully operational system for the early detection of environmental hazards, allowing for improved preparedness and efficient management. The partners will be able to collect information and outcomes for a period of 7 months, which will then be reported and included in the Joint Action Plan. The aim of this WP is to create a Joint Action Plan, which will include the following: - Presentation and evaluation of AINATURE platform and tools - Actions that need to be taken over for the permanent operation of the AINATURE platform and tools - Actions required for organisations outside the consortium to benefit from the project results - Analysis of nature-based support actions, that could be forwarded to policy-makers as proposals. In order to efficiently implement this WP, the partners will activate the 4helix in their local/regional area, so that the Joint Action Plan bears the support of all related actors.

Project outputs: Establishment of AINATURE Network and signature of MoU(EN)
AINAture Platform(EN)
AINature Tool on wildfires/floods(EN)
AINature tool on water pollution(EN)
AINature Crowdsourcing Mobile app (EN)
Pilot actions on the application of AI tools for the detection and monitoring of wildfires, floods and water pollution.(EN)
Joint Action Plan for the use and exploitation of AINATURE toolkit(EN)

Thematic information

Managing natural and man-made threats, risk management ICT and digital society

Priority: (VI-B_IPA-A_2) Supporting a greener and climate resilient Adriatic-Ionian region

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

Partners (8)

Lead Partner: ΠΕΡΙΦΕΡΕΙΑ ΣΤΕΡΕΑΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΑΣ

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 929489794

Partner’s ID if not PIC: EL997947718

Department: Environment and Spatial Planning Directorate

Address: L. KALYVIWN, 35131 Lamia, Greece

Department address: L. KALYVIWN, 35131 Lamia, Greece

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://pste.gov.gr

Total budget: EUR 302 960.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 257 516.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 45 444.00

Opština Budva

Name: Opština Budva

Department: EU integration and cooperation office

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 936413654

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 2005409

Address: Trg Sunca, 85310 Budva, Montenegro

Department address: Mediteranska ulica/TQ Plaza , 85310 Budva, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://budva.me

Total budget: EUR 115 986.26

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 98 588.32

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 17 397.94

Grad Gračanica

Name: Grad Gračanica

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 209387060007

Address: Mula Mustafe Bašeskije , 75320 Gracanica, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://gracanica.gov.ba/

Total budget: EUR 117 694.66

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 100 040.46

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 17 654.20

Privredno društvo za sport, rekreaciju, rehabilitaciju i biznis Eko zona Ada Huja d.o.o Beograd

Name: Privredno društvo za sport, rekreaciju, rehabilitaciju i biznis Eko zona Ada Huja d.o.o Beograd

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 100246305

Address: Ruzveltova, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.ekozonaadahuja.rs

Total budget: EUR 109 040.02

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 92 684.01

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 16 356.01

Agencija za ruralni razvoj Zadarske županije

Name: Agencija za ruralni razvoj Zadarske županije

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 939978695

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR40310883418

Address: Ivana Mažuranića, 23000 Zadar, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.agrra.hr/

Total budget: EUR 117 068.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 99 507.80

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 17 560.20

Agenzia per l’Innovazione nel Settore Agroalimentare e della Pesca "Marche Agricoltura Pesca

Name: Agenzia per l’Innovazione nel Settore Agroalimentare e della Pesca "Marche Agricoltura Pesca

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 951755271

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 1491360424

Address: Via dell'Industria , 60129 Osimo (Ancona), Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.amap.marche.it

Total budget: EUR 112 931.25

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 95 991.56

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 16 939.69

Università Politecnica delle Marche

Name: Università Politecnica delle Marche

Department: Dipartimento di Ingegneria Industriale e Scienze Matematiche

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999866689

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 00382520427

Address: Piazza Roma, 60121 Ancona, Italy

Department address: Via Brecce Bianche , 60131 Ancona, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://diism.univpm.it/

Total budget: EUR 191 975.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 163 178.75

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 28 796.25

ΕΘΝΙΚΟ ΚΕΝΤΡΟ ΕΡΕΥΝΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΕΧΝΟΛΟΓΙΚΗΣ ΑΝΑΠΤΥΞΗΣ

Name: ΕΘΝΙΚΟ ΚΕΝΤΡΟ ΕΡΕΥΝΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΤΕΧΝΟΛΟΓΙΚΗΣ ΑΝΑΠΤΥΞΗΣ

Department: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES INSTITUTE/ MULTIMEDIA, NETWORKS AND E-SERVICES SECTOR /MULTIMEDIA, KNOWLEDGE AND SOCIAL MEDIA ANALYTICS LAB

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998802502

Partner’s ID if not PIC: EL099785242

Address: 6th Km Thessaloniki-Thermi , 57001 THERMI-THESSALONIKI, Greece

Department address: 6th Km Thessaloniki-Thermi , 57001 Thermi-Thessaloniki, Greece

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.certh.gr

Total budget: EUR 275 500.02

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 234 175.01

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 41 325.01

Partners map

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Exploitation of AI for the protection of the natural resources in the ADRION region

Project acronym: AINATURE

Project ID: IPA-ADRION00288

Project start date: 2024-09-01

Project end date: 2027-08-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

aqua3S (H2020) (EN) | AINATURE will exploit the tool developed in this project for the water pollution pilot cases. (EN), TREEADS (H2020) (EN) | AINATURE will adjust and recreate the tools developed under this project for the platform and fire detection tools (EN), SILVANUS (H2020) (EN) | AINATURE will exploit the knowledge on the platform and the approach for enhancing the ability of regional and national authorities to monitor forest resources, evaluate biodiversity, generate more accurate fire risk indicators, and promote safety regulations among citizens. PSTE as a partner in this project, will provide input on the validation and outcomes from the initial testing of the tools. (EN), PathoCERT (H2020) (EN) | CERTH will exploit the knowledge, experience and tools to apply them in the pilot cases of AINATURE system. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 343 155.21

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 141 681.91

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 85.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Data Requirements
Definition and analysis of KPIs
Report on the collection of data
Project Management Plan
Communication Strategy and Plan
Knowledge Management and Policy Relation report
AINATURE MoU
Kick-off meeting
2nd PCS meeting
3rd PSC meeting
4th PSC meeting
5th Plenary meeting
6th PSC meeting
AINATURE Platform 1st Draft
AINATURE Platform - 2nd Draft
Evaluation Report - AINATURE Platform
AINATURE Platform - Final
AINATURE tools on wildfires/floods
AINATURE tool for water pollution
AINATURE mobile app
Report on primary testing
AINATURE tool for wildfires/floods -final
AINATURE tool for water pollution -final
AINATURE mobile app
Evaluation and results of Pilot Action for PSTE
Evaluation and results of Pilot Action for AGRRA
Evaluation and results of Pilot Action for ECOZONA
Evaluation and results of Pilot Action for Gracanica
Evaluation and results of Pilot Action for Budva
Evaluation and results of Pilot Action for AMAP
Report from Local Workshops
Report from Transnational Workshop
Report on the nature-based solutions that could be applied in the ADRION area.
Joint AINATURE Action Plan
Report on the implementation of the final event

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EuropeanGreenDeal The tools created under AINATURE are in line with the goals projected through the European Green Deal. The aim of the project is to safeguard all areas, especially those of higher risk, against fires, floods or pollution, achieving a positive impact on the protection of the environmental resources in the participating areas. Moreover, the distant and digitised monitoring of the aforementioned areas through mobile apps and satellite images and data will reduce the unnecessary physical visits to those required when the monitored are is in alarm.
EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion AINATURE tool on water pollution is designed for open water resources, such as maritime and coastal environments, addressing, thus, the issues covered by Pillar 3 of EUSAIR on environmental quality. The early detection of pollution and the ability to monitor it through live feedback, either by the citizens or the satellite images can be applied in any open water source (lakes included) will lead to better evaluation of the condition and then to better management of the crisis.
AINATURE tools in general cover both the water and land surfaces, addressing both topics on 3rd Pillar.

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 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up 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-B IPA Adriatic-Ionian

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

2025-06-23

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

70 / 70 (100%)

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

638 / 638 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Exploitation of AI for the protection of the natural resources in the ADRION region

Description

Thematic information

Partners (8)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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

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