Durata del progetto: 02/2024 - 07/2026
Budget totale: 1.402.920,00 €
Finanziamento EU: 1.122.336,00 €
Sito web: https://www.italy-croatia.eu/web/mapa
Rationale
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are crucial for safeguarding marine biodiversity and ecosystem services. Yet, in the Adriatic Sea, many MPAs are ineffective and lack ecological connectivity. Overfishing and exploitation threaten the Adriatic's rich biodiversity. Croatia and Italy, with their extensive coastlines, must address these common challenges collaboratively. Our project focuses on three key areas within the Natura 2000 network, representing diverse habitats like rocky reefs, estuaries, and seagrass meadows. By implementing effective solutions, we aim to create true MPAs that benefit both the region and the EU.
The goal is to strengthen the protection status of existing Natura 2000 sites in Croatia around Island of Silba and in Italy at marine area around Parco del Conero and Foce Trigno. Higher protection status, achieved in active collaboration with local communities, will enhance protection and preservation of nature and biodiversity that supports regeneration of marine resources with the preservation of local livelihoods.
Capacity-building and awareness-raising activities conducted through joint workshops and trainings will encourage active citizenship and make them ambassadors of MAPAs. Through establishments of Local Cooperation Councils (LCCs) the local community will promote the preservation of biodiversity. The promotion of economic activities that have a minimal negative impact on the environment will be organized through a pilot action. Joint interactive MAPA platform will be established to assess the status of marine habitats and species and involve local communities in conducting monitoring activities.
Project specific objectives:
1. Higher efficiency of monitoring and research on marine habitats and effective management of MAPAs
2. Build the capacity of the members of the target groups in supporting effective management and to conduct citizen science programmes and be ambassadors for marine nature protection
3. Build the capacity of local key-players and promote community-based initiatives that combine the regeneration of marine resources with the preservation of local livelihoods
DISVA activities:
Joint strategy on MPAs capitalization
Testing of underwater monitoring practices and assessement health status MPAS
Capacity building and awareness activities
Citizen Science to engage tourists and local communities
Ocean literacy educational tools
Main outcome: Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution.