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Information on national adaptation actions reported under the Governance Regulation

Reporting updated until: 2023-03-15

Item Status Links
Climate Law (including adaptation)
  • actual adaptation policy (adopted)
National Adaptation Strategy (NAS)
  • actual adaptation policy (adopted)
Meteorological observations
  • Established
Climate projections and services
  • Established
Adaptation portals and platforms
  • Established
Monitoring, reporting and evaluation (MRE) indicators and methodologies
Key reports and publications
National communication to the UNFCCC
Governance regulation adaptation reporting
Croatia belongs to the Central European, Adriatic-Mediterranean and Pannonia-Danube group of countries. Total area of Croatia amounts 87.661 km2. The inland area amounts 56.594 km2, while the area of territorial sea and internal sea waters amounts 31.067 km2. Croatia has four biogeographic areas, Mediterranean, Alpine, Continental and Pannonian which influence its climate.

The Adriatic Sea is the northernmost part of the Mediterranean Sea. The total length of Croatian coast is 6.278 km, out of which 1.800 km belongs to the mainland and 4.200 km to the island coastline. The highest measured depth is 1.233 m. The Croatian islands include almost all islands of the Adriatic eastern coast and its central part making the second Mediterranean archipelago by size. There are 1.244 islands which are geographically distinguished as 79 islands, 525 islets, 640 cliffs (top above sea-level) and reefs (top below sea-level).

The state sea border is 948 km long and extended at outer boundary of territorial sea. The Ecological and Fisheries Protection Zone of 23.870 km2 reaches the epicontinental border between Croatia and Italy.

There are three large geomorphological natural units in Croatia: the Pannonian basin, mountain system of Dinarides and Adriatic basin. Lowland areas of up to 200 m a.s.l. represent 53% of area of Croatia, hillies and sub-mountains from 200 up to 500 m represent 26%, while there is 21% of mountain areas exceeding 500 m. The highest mountaintop in Croatia is Dinara (1.831 m a.s.l.). Carstic area is relief particularity occupying about 54% of Croatia territory. Karstic forms are developed particularly in limestones in mountainous and coastal area of Croatia and as separated form in Sava-Drava area.

According to the average water balance, Croatia abounds with water but the interannual distribution of water quantities is not favourable due to the significant spatial and time unequality in water resources distribution. I addition, Croatia has a large share of karst structures and large spatial-temporal heterogeneity of runoffs. The karst areas occupy about half of the territory and have a small capacity of water accumulation for longer dry periods.

All surface and ground waters are part of either Black Sea or Adriatic catchment area with the watershed running along the mountain and alpine area. Large watercourses dominate the Black Sea catchment area. In the Adriatic catchment area, the abundance and the length of surface watercourses are significantly lower. The majority of large watercourses of the Black Sea catchment area is of interstate significance (boundary or cross-border). The river Danube is the largest and richest in water, flowing through the eastern borderland of Croatia, while the rivers of Sava and Drava have the longest courses in Croatia.

There are not many natural lakes in Croatia. The largest natural lakes are Vrana Lake near Pakoštane, Prokljan Lake, Visovac Lake and Vrana Lake on the island of Cres. Croatia also characterises significant areas with wetland, which are included in the Ramsar wetland protection list: Kopacki rit in the Drava and Danube cathments, Lonjsko and Mokro polje and Crna Mlaka in the Sava catchment, lower Neretva part in the Adriatic catchment and Vrana Lake near Pakoštane.

In 2016 from the total agriculture area (2.7 mil. ha) intensively used agricultural land was 1.546.019 ha which represents 27,31 % of the total land area of the Republic of Croatia. In the period from 2007 until today, there is a positive trend in the use of agricultural land. In 2016, the biggest share of 56,4 % take category of oranges and gardens and permanent grassland with 38,8 % which also shows an increase in the trend of use since 2007.

Pursuant to the Forest Management Plan for the period 2016-2025, total forest and forestland area in Croatia amounted 2.759.039 ha in 2016, which as regarding total inland area of Croatia represents forest cover of 49%. Out of total forest area, productive forest land with tree cover amounts 2.492.676 ha (90%) and the rest is productive forestland without tree cover (productive, non-productive and unfertile land). 76% of forests is owned by the state, managed by the company Hrvatske šume Ltd., while the rest is privately owned. The Forest Management Plan determines growing stock of about 418.618.277 m3 while its yearly increment amounts about 10,1 millions of m3. Species' abundance in the total growing stock is as follows: Common beech 37,2%, Pedunculate oak 11,6%, Sessile oak 9,4%. The most representative conifers are: Silver fir 7,9 %, Spruce 2,3 %, Black alder 2%, Black pine 1,4 %.
The Croatian territory is administratively divided into 20 counties and the City of Zagreb, as well as 128 cities, 428 municipalities and 6.755 settlements. The spatial distribution of the population is extremely uneven. The north-west is the most populated part of Croatia, where 15% of the total population is situated in 15% of the territory. Eastern Slavonia, Istria, Croatian Littoral and Southern Dalmatia have an above-average and average population. Croatia consist predominately of smaller settlements with an average number of 657 inhabitants per settlement. Larger and more densely populated settlements are characteristic for eastern Croatia, Medimurje and the Split macro-region. Four large cities stand out in Croatia that are at the centre of development for their regions. These cities are Zagreb with 767.131 inhabitants, Split with 162.873 inhabitants, Rijeka with 108.622 inhabitants and Osijek with 96.848 inhabitants, and together they account for a quarter of the Croatian population. According to the 2021 Census, the Republic of Croatia has 3,871,833 inhabitants, which is a decrease of 9.64% compared to the 2011 Census.
In terms of quality, number and diversity, the fund of cultural monuments in Croatia is extremely important. According to the data from 2018, a total of 6.832 immovable cultural goods and 2.458 movable cultural goods were entered in the Register of Immovable Cultural Monuments. Of the immovable cultural assets, 388 urban and rural cultural and historical units, 5.054 individual cultural assets of architectural heritage, 42 cultural assets are on the list of cultural assets of national importance, and 8 assets on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Protected areas in Croatia cover 11,32% of the land area, while forests cover 47% of the territory. The total area of agricultural land is 3.137 million ha and with 0,71 ha of agricultural and 0,45 ha of arable land per capita, Croatia enters the group of countries that are relatively rich in agricultural land. The roads are divided into two groups: public and unclassified. According to the Roads Act (OG 84/11, 22/13, 54/13, 148/13 and 92/14), the legal entities that manage public roads are the Hrvatske autoceste d.o.o. and concessionaires, the company Hrvatske ceste d.o.o. and the County Road Administration. The company Hrvatske autoceste d.o.o. and concessionaires manage motorways, the company Hrvatske ceste d.o.o. state roads, and the County Road Administration county and local roads. Local authorities manage unclassified roads. According to the Decision on the Classification of Public Roads (OG 103/18), the total length of public (categorized) roads is 26.722,35 km, of which AC 1.419,52 km, DC 7.175,65 km, WC 9.483,05 km and LC 8.644,13 km. The total construction length of all railways in Croatia is 2.722,54 km, of which 2.468,54 km are single-track and 254 km are double-track. There are seven large seaports in Croatia. The main port with the highest traffic is Rijeka, which is insufficiently connected to the hinterland. Depending on the importance and position, inland waterways in Croatia are classified as international, interstate and national. The total length of waterways in Croatia is 804,10 km (from I to VIc class). Croatia has eight international airports open to public traffic.

Croatia has been exposed to the negative effects of climate change for a long time resulting in significant economic losses. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA) report, Croatia belongs to a group of three countries, together with the Czech Republic and Hungary, with the highest share of the damage from extreme weather and climate events in relation to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It is estimated that these losses, in the period from 1980 to 2013, amounted about 2,25 billion EUR or an average of 68 million EUR per year. These losses have increased significantly during 2014 and 2015 (to 2.83 billion EUR in 2015). Some economic sectors were significantly affected in that period. According to some estimates, between 2000 and 2007 extreme weather conditions caused damage to the agricultural sector of 173 million EUR, while the drought in 2003 caused damage of between 63 and 96 million EUR to the energy sector. It is also estimated that in August 2003 the mortality rate was 4% higher due to a heat stroke.
Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) performs meteorological and hydrological activities of interest to the Republic of Croatia, which also include activities of importance for climate monitoring and model development:
- continuous monitoring and systematic collection of data on atmospheric and hydrological phenomena, and
- providing reliable and timely data and information on weather, climate, climatic variations and changes, water, sea, soil and air (Law on Meteorological and Hydrological Activity, NN 66/19).

DHMZ conducts operational monitoring of climate and climate change, which is regularly published on the official website, in professional and scientific papers of domestic and international journals, in reports and studies ordered by the f Ministry responsible for environmental protection. In addition, climatological information layers are an integral part of weather warnings (related to rain, heat waves, wind and snow) and depend on the climatic conditions of a particular area.

The key national project whose results will, among other things, be the support of climate change adaptation systems and warning of dangerous weather conditions is the "Modernisation of the National Weather Observation Network in Croatia" (METMONIC).

At DHMZ, the regional climate model RegCM has been used for many years in research and applied climate activities, and the results of simulations of regional climate models available through international initiatives and projects (ENSEMBLES, EURO-CORDEX, CORDEX FPS Convection). Recent activities include:
- development of climate simulations for the area of Europe and Croatia on the 12.5 km × 12.5 km model grid for the needs of development of the "Climate Change Adaptation Strategy in the Republic of Croatia for the period to 2040 with a view to 2070" and
- participation in the development of a regional climate model for the wider Alpine region and Croatia at the 4 km × 4 km model grid (initial results published as a part of the international efforts: Coppola et al. 2020 and Ban et al. 2021).

In these activities, atmospheric reanalysis of ERA-Interim for the current climate and the results of CMIP5 global climate models for the historical climate and projections for the 21st century were applied as boundary conditions for regional climate models. Assumed future GHG concentration scenarios used in the same activities include RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 and to a lesser extent RCP2.6.
Monitoring of the climate and climate change are carried out in accordance with national and international professional standards. The basis is the data measured at meteorological stations and the results of climate models. The methods are based on selected statistical and dynamical models that may be a source of uncertainty in the estimates obtained. Therefore, the methods used are regularly evaluated and extended according to new knowledge, and the results are updated.

In the application of regional climate models as a methodology for studying the properties of past, present and future climate, we find three groups of uncertainties and challenges:

1. Systemic errors of regional climate models

Dynamical climate models (regional and global) numerically solve systems of differential equations describing the laws of conservation of mass, energy, and momentum. Additionally, for processes that are not directly discernible on the numerical model grid, the same models include physical parameterizations that include the effects of unresolved processes on resolved processes. Limitations of the applied algorithms and non-inclusion of processes for which there is a lower degree of understanding lead to deviations of the solution of climate models with respect to the observations, i.e. to systematic errors if we consider longer periods of time. This type of problem is the subject of model development, where by increasing the spatial resolution and more comprehensive physical parameterizations, one can expect progress in the quality of climate models, i.e. reduction of system errors.

2. Sources of uncertainty in climate projections for the 21st century

Greenhouse gas emissions as a result of human activities are the result of overall extraction and use of fossil fuels and changes in surface type and land use. The actual trajectory of annual emissions during the 21st century of the same gases and their concentrations will be the result of different socio-economic processes (changes in population, speed and extent of transition to a low-carbon society, maintaining the climate system's ability to absorb part of the anthropogenic emissions, etc.). A methodological approach taking into account these sources of uncertainty the application of several representative scenarios of greenhouse gas emissions and / or concentrations. Other sources of uncertainty / uncertainty in 21st century climate projections include the sensitivity of numerical solutions of climate models to a given increase in emissions / concentrations, which depends on the internal structure and settings of the model and, especially for closer periods, the dependence on initial conditions in climate model simulations. In practice, in addition to the model development described in the previous point, different research groups perform simulations with regional climate models using several global climate simulations in separate calculations and several scenarios of greenhouse gas concentrations. For example, as part of the development of the simulation database contained in the repozitorij.meteo.hr, one regional climate model (RegCM4) was forced in separate simulations with four global climate models (CMIP5) using two scenarios of greenhouse gas concentrations (RCP4.5 and RCP8). 5) and in versions on two model grid spacing (50 km and 12.5 km). The current topic of systematic research is the inclusion of scenarios of aerosol concentrations and changes in the land use in an ensemble of different regional climate models and the first organized international experiments are performed as part of the so-called, CORDEX FPS projects.

3. Use and availability of regional climate simulation results

Development and application of regional climate model requires in addition to technically and professionally trained climatologists also the availability of appropriate computing capacity (number and speed of processors, archiving system, presence of software environment allowing simulations) and support IT professionals. After performing a set of simulations according to previously defined protocols, it is necessary to ensure the availability of solutions for research and applied activities. The results of DHMZ simulations are thus available in the internal archive of DHMZ and part in the external databases of ESGF and repozitorij.meteo.hr. In the future, DHMZ projects plan to invest more resources in developing technical and professional solutions to make the results of climate simulations more accessible to as many interested users as possible, without the need for intervention by DHMZ experts in e.g. extraction and visualization of basic simulation results.
The Adaptation strategy conveys the results of the analysis of observed trends in changes in several climate variables (acute) and projections of expected changes for those climate variables (chronic). It is mentioned that concrete numerical assessments outlined in the modelling results should be considered only as an approximation due to all the uncertainties in climate modelling, although they generally agree with similar European studies. The climate modelling results (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenario) for the most commonly used climatological variables are as follows.

Air temperature the trends of mean, mean minimum, and mean maximum air temperatures show warming throughout Croatia. Trends in annual air temperature are positive and statistically significant, and changes are greater in the continental part of the country than on the coast and in the Dalmatian hinterland. Projections show further increase including frequency of a number of extreme temperature conditions.

The number of dry periods could increase in autumn in almost the whole country and in northern areas in spring and summer. The number of dry periods in winter would decrease in central Croatia, as well as in certain locations in the coastal area in spring and summer. An increase in the number of dry periods is expected in practically all seasons by the end of 2070. The most prominent increase would be in spring and summer, and slightly less in winter and autumn.

Annual precipitation levels in the Republic of Croatia showed prevalent statistically insignificant trends, which are positive in eastern lowlands (increase) and negative in other areas of Croatia (decrease). Projections show increase in the total winter and spring precipitation in relation to the reference climate in most of the country.

Mean sea level rise is observed and projections show that it will continue to increase. In relation to that, saline intrusion is observed in some coastal aquifers and in the delta of Neretva River.
Hazard type Acute/Chronic Observed climate hazards
WaterAcuteDrought
Flood
Heavy precipitation
Snow and ice load
ChronicChanging precipitation patterns and types
Ocean acidification
Precipitation hydrological variability
Saline intrusion
Sea level rise
Solid massAcuteLandslide
ChronicSol degradation
TemperatureAcuteHeat wave
Wildfire
ChronicChanging temperature
Temperature variability
WindAcuteStorm
Chronic
Hazard type Acute/Chronic Future climate hazards Qualitative trend
WaterAcuteDroughtsignificantly increasing
Floodsignificantly increasing
Heavy precipitationsignificantly increasing
Snow and ice loadsignificantly decreasing
ChronicChanging precipitation patterns and typessignificantly increasing
Ocean acidificationevolution uncertain or unknown
Precipitation hydrological variabilitysignificantly increasing
Saline intrusionevolution uncertain or unknown
Sea level risesignificantly increasing
Solid massAcuteLandslide Futureevolution uncertain or unknown
ChronicSol degradationsignificantly increasing
TemperatureAcuteHeat wavesignificantly increasing
Wildfiresignificantly increasing
ChronicChanging temperaturesignificantly increasing
Temperature variabilitysignificantly increasing
WindAcuteStormevolution uncertain or unknown
ChronicChanging wind patternsevolution uncertain or unknown
A warming trend is being recorded in Croatia over the past 60 years, consistent warming was observed with significant increase in mean, mean minimum and mean maximum air temperature and projections of warming in the future climate show that we can expect more frequent occurrence of hot days and heat waves and consequently negative impacts on people's health, especially vulnerable groups, increased consumption of electricity for cooling, lack of water, dry periods and increased fire hazard.

Temperature conditions in June 2022 were extremely warm in the entire territory with temperatures of 3.0 - 4.3 °C higher than the average for the period 1981 - 2010, and a historical record was recorded at several stations.

Heat waves (continuous unusually high temperatures) are also recorded, which are known to have an impact on health and increase mortality. The State Hydrometeorological Institute sends warnings about this to citizens, and a trend of increasing days with warning conditions has been observed, which is most pronounced in July and August 2022.

In the recent period, the average number of dry periods has systematically increased throughout Croatia for all time scales (ranging from 6 to 60%), and in the area of the northern and central Adriatic, the number of dry periods on a 12-month scale has doubled. There is a pronounced increase in the number of dry periods on longer time scales, especially in the Adriatic. For example, on time scales of 9 and 12 months, in the recent period the number of dry periods in the Adriatic almost doubled compared to the earlier 30-year period, and on an even longer scale (18 months) up to three times as many dry periods were recorded periods. This situation contributed to the July tips for reducing water consumption, especially in Istria.

The long-term lack of precipitation during 2022 in Croatia, but also in Europe, left negative consequences in agriculture and the drought caused EUR 300 million in damage to agriculture.

The warming trend in Croatia also affects the increased risk of fire. Comparing 2022 with the previous fire season, not only a higher number of fires were recorded, but also a higher number of injured and fatal persons. In the coastal area, comparing the data from 2022 in relation to the five-year average, the number of fires in the whole year is 24.68% higher, and the total burnt area is 5.82% smaller, while in relation to the even more relevant ten-year period, the number of fires in coastal 7 counties in 2022 was higher than the average by 44.16%, and the burned area is higher by 19.26%.

Climate change is causing increasing economic losses from weather and climate-related extremes. The annual average share of loss in GDP for Croatia (2005-2014) is > 0.25% (EEA).
A warming trend is being recorded in Croatia, and projections of warming in the future climate show that we can expect more frequent occurrence of hot days and heat waves and consequently negative impacts on people's health, especially vulnerable groups, increased consumption of electricity for cooling, lack of water, dry periods and increased fire hazard.

Rising temperatures are expected to have direct and indirect effects on human health and to increase the number of heat-related illnesses and deaths, and outbreaks of various vector-borne and water-borne diseases have already been reported. Therefore, a national working group was established to create a new document that will link climate change and human health.

In general, the availability of water in the Mediterranean basin will decrease significantly, and the length and severity of droughts are expected to increase significantly also in Croatia. Due to high temperatures, low relative humidity and wind, evapotranspiration from plants is increased. With the additional lack of water in the soil, it is very difficult for plants to maintain their full potential and they are forced to reduce their leaf mass and discard fruits.

Aquifers in the karst (Adriatic basin) are more dependent on precipitation, and if the period of reduced or no precipitation continues, it is more likely to expect problems in these areas, and this can be a problem especially when it is the tourist season when water consumption is increased. The aforementioned will affect water levels and the operation of hydroelectric power plants and oscillations in electricity production.

An increase in the frequency and intensity of precipitation is expected, which will affect floods and runoff with a multiplier effect on soil erosion and landslides, which has all been observed in Croatia so far.

Key affected sectors

Key affected sector(s)water management
Rating of the observed impacts of key hazards, including changes in frequency and magnitudemedium
Different rating of the observed impacts of key hazardsdifferent geographical regions within the country; different key hazards
AssessmentThe observed impacts in the sector of water management: - reduction of water levels in lakes and other lake-type natural or built-up systems - salinization of coastal aquifers and aquatic systems - increased frequency and intensity of flooding in vulnerable areas - increasing the frequency and intensity of rainwater flooding in urban areas - risk of flooding at the mouths of watercourses due to sea level rise - on coastal infrastructure
Rating of the key hazards' likelihood of occurrence and exposure to them under future climatemedium
Different rating of the likelihood of the occurrence of key hazards and exposure to them under future climatedifferent climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards
Rating of the vulnerability, including adaptive capacityhigh
Different rating of the vulnerability and/or adaptive capacitydifferent geographical regions within the country; different key hazards
AssessmentThe National Adaptation Strategy identified water management sector and infrastructure related to the water management vulnerable to extreme weather events and climate-related extremes. Water-related hazards are already causing large economic losses, and it is necessary to invest considerable resources to adapt to climate change and strengthen resilience in water management sector.
Rating for the risk of potential future impactshigh
Different rating of the risk of potential future impactsdifferent climate change scenarios; different geographical regions within the country; different key hazards
AssessmentThe potential future impacts may cause high risks in different areas: - reduction of water levels in watercourses and in springs - reduction of underground water resources and lowering groundwater levels - reduction of water levels in lakes and other lake-type natural or built-up systems - salinization of coastal aquifers and aquatic systems - water temperature rise followed by reduction of reception capability of aquatic receivers - increased frequency and intensity of flooding in vulnerable areas - increasing the frequency and intensity of torrents - increasing the frequency and intensity of rainwater flooding in urban areas - risk of flooding at the mouths of watercourses due to sea level rise - on coastal infrastructure Adverse climate changes will especially threaten sensitive coastal karst aquifers and other aquatic phenomena in coastal areas (lakes, watercourses and springs) due to the following cumulative effects: - reduced groundwater flows and levels - intense penetration of the sea into karst coastal aquifers and lakes - salt water intrusion into river courses
Key affected sector(s)agriculture and food
Rating of the observed impacts of key hazards, including changes in frequency and magnitudemedium
Different rating of the observed impacts of key hazardsdifferent geographical regions within the country; different key hazards
AssessmentThe main observed impacts of climate change in the agricultural sector are: - shortening of the vegetative period of corn with lower yields - lower yields of all cultures and higher water demand - more frequent flooding and stagnation of surface water will reduce or completely destroy yields - degradation of soil
Rating of the key hazards' likelihood of occurrence and exposure to them under future climatehigh
Different rating of the likelihood of the occurrence of key hazards and exposure to them under future climate
Rating of the vulnerability, including adaptive capacityhigh
Different rating of the vulnerability and/or adaptive capacity
AssessmentThe National Adaptation Strategy identified agricultural sector as highly vulnerable and under the risk of climate change and that has low adaptive capacity.
Rating for the risk of potential future impactshigh
Different rating of the risk of potential future impacts
AssessmentThe potential future impacts may cause high risks in different areas: - shortening of the vegetative period of corn with lower yields - lower yields of all cultures and higher water demand - a longer vegetation period will enable the cultivation of some new cultures and cultivars - more frequent flooding and stagnation of surface water will reduce or completely destroy yields According to some predictions, agriculture is the sector that will suffer the highest damage from the consequences of climate change. It is expected that, due to climate change, the yield of agricultural crops in Croatia will be reduced by 3 – 8% by 2050. Without increased investments, a satisfactory percentage of surfaces under irrigation and indoor production cannot be achieved, nor can the level of organic matter in the soil be significantly increased, which will result in a reduction in agricultural production compared to the existing situation. It has been observed that climate change already affects the phenological phases of apple, grapevine, olive and corn, so that the vegetation period begins earlier, lasts less time, and ultimately yield drops. The lack of ground water (drought) and higher air temperatures in the upcoming period will be two key issues in the struggle of agriculture with climate change. At the same time, climate change will also have some positive effects in the agricultural sector, such as enabling the cultivation of some new crops and cultivars in areas where that has not been possible so far.
Key affected sector(s)forestry
Rating of the observed impacts of key hazards, including changes in frequency and magnitudehigh
Different rating of the observed impacts of key hazards
AssessmentIn the forestry sector, there are several major observed impacts : - Increased incidence of forest fires - Decreased productivity of some forest ecosystems - Damage to forest ecosystems due to the frequency of extreme weather events
Rating of the key hazards' likelihood of occurrence and exposure to them under future climatehigh
Different rating of the likelihood of the occurrence of key hazards and exposure to them under future climate
Rating of the vulnerability, including adaptive capacityhigh
Different rating of the vulnerability and/or adaptive capacity
AssessmentThe National Adaptation Strategy identified forestry sector is highly vulnerable to climate change and has low adaptive capacity.
Rating for the risk of potential future impactshigh
Different rating of the risk of potential future impacts
AssessmentIn the forestry sector, there are several major expected impacts that cause high vulnerability. This is primarily related to a higher frequency and length of the forest fire season, including fires on the continent. The current trend in the number of forest fires shows that there were significantly more fires in the dry years in the Mediterranean area, while projections show that the risk of forest fires in the future will be higher for the entire country. Furthermore, the phenological phases of trees are expected to move in the sense of earlier start of vegetation and the extension of the vegetation season depending on species and habitats. Due to change in habitat conditions, migration of species and pests, including invasive species, could occur. The productivity of some forest ecosystems, such as oak-tree forests, could be reduced, although it should be emphasized that it depends not only on atmospheric change but also on the ways of management and other impacts. Due to the increased frequency of forest fires and the occurrence of strong winds, icing events that cause damage, floods, pest attacks and the like, higher damages to forest ecosystems are expected, such as a reduction in the value of wood varieties and the loss of generally beneficial forest functions.
Key affected sector(s)marine and fisheries
Rating of the observed impacts of key hazards, including changes in frequency and magnitudemedium
Different rating of the observed impacts of key hazards
AssessmentThe major observed impacts on the marine ecosystem that is already under the influence of numerous anthropogenic factors, in particular overfishing, habitat destruction and pollution: - Increase in the number of alien species and the influence on domestic species due to rising sea temperatures - Decrease of primary production - Weaker growth and higher mortality of shellfish
Rating of the key hazards' likelihood of occurrence and exposure to them under future climatemedium
Different rating of the likelihood of the occurrence of key hazards and exposure to them under future climate
Rating of the vulnerability, including adaptive capacitynot applicable
Different rating of the vulnerability and/or adaptive capacity
AssessmentThe National Adaptation Strategy identified fisheries and aquaculture as vulnerable to climate change and has low adaptive capacity.
Rating for the risk of potential future impactsmedium
Different rating of the risk of potential future impacts
AssessmentThe major expected impacts of climate change in the fisheries sector will be additional pressure on the marine ecosystem that is already under the influence of numerous anthropogenic factors, in particular overfishing, habitat destruction and pollution. The estimated increase in the Adriatic Sea’s temperature by 1.6 to 2.4 °C by 2070 will result in the migration of fish (especially shrimp and hake) to deeper waters and towards the north, a higher number of invasive species and the reduction or disappearance of domestic species and change in choice of breeding species. Reducing of primary production is expected to result in the number of pelagic fish dropping due to changes in water circulation caused by thermohaline causes. Increasing temperatures and reduced fresh water quantities will limit the availability of water for freshwater aquaculture. The positive effects of rising water temperatures will be accelerated growth and shorter breeding cycle of fish. The acidity of the Adriatic Sea is estimated to increase by 0.1 to 0.2 degree of pH, which will prevent shellfish breeding in certain areas. Future climate change will jeopardize the economic viability of fishing, especially coastal and demersal. In the cultivation of marine organisms, the impact will be twofold: positive for breeding tuna and sea bream, and negative for the cultivation of sea bass and oysters. The fisheries sector will be particularly vulnerable to global trends in supply and price of fish flour and fish oil as a result of climate change.
Key affected sector(s)biodiversity (including ecosystembased approaches)
Rating of the observed impacts of key hazards, including changes in frequency and magnitudehigh
Different rating of the observed impacts of key hazards
AssessmentThe most important climate impacts on biodiversity is: • Changes in structure, processes, functions and services • Changes in the composition of species communities • Changes in phenology • Termination of flowering of cryophilic and stenothermal plant species with shortening of vegetation and reduction of vigour • Damage, degradation and extinction due to climate extremes (long-lasting droughts, excessive short time precipitation, stormy winds, excessive sunlight, etc.) • Changes in abundance and distribution of species • Loss of species adapted to life in a narrow range of environmental conditions (particularly endemic species with limited distribution) • Appearance and spreading of invasive alien species and species adapted to life in a wide range of environmental conditions and suppression of native species • Changes in inter-species interactions (positive and negative) • Changes in life cycles • Changes in migration periods • Reduction in populations of forest species due to frequent fires caused by increased average air temperature and reduced and unevenly distributed precipitation • Reduction and disappearance of freshwater species in the Adriatic basin due to the salinisation of coastal habitats caused by rising sea levels • Spreading of marine species to the north and appearance of thermophilic (tropical) invasive alien marine species due to sea temperature rise
Rating of the key hazards' likelihood of occurrence and exposure to them under future climatehigh
Different rating of the likelihood of the occurrence of key hazards and exposure to them under future climate
Rating of the vulnerability, including adaptive capacitynot applicable
Different rating of the vulnerability and/or adaptive capacity
AssessmentIt is necessary to make a more thorough analysis that would show the degree of vulnerability and risk of climate change for biodiversity.
Rating for the risk of potential future impactsnot applicable
Different rating of the risk of potential future impacts
AssessmentIt is necessary to make a more thorough analysis that would show the degree of vulnerability and risk of climate change for biodiversity.
Key affected sector(s)energy
Rating of the observed impacts of key hazards, including changes in frequency and magnitudehigh
Different rating of the observed impacts of key hazards
AssessmentThe main observed impacts that cause vulnerability in the energy sector are: • Decrease in the production of electricity in hydropower plants due to reduced precipitation in all seasons except winter, and consequentially lowered flow rate, numerous dry periods and increased evapotranspiration • Increase in the consumption of electricity for cooling purposes (higher number of cooling degree days) due to increased average air temperature • Reduction of thermal energy production in thermal power plants due to increased average air temperature in winter months • Decrease in the production of electric and thermal energy in thermal power plants due to insufficient cooling of the plants due to flow reduction • Damage to power plants and infrastructure due to extreme weather events – ice breaking and floods
Rating of the key hazards' likelihood of occurrence and exposure to them under future climatehigh
Different rating of the likelihood of the occurrence of key hazards and exposure to them under future climate
Rating of the vulnerability, including adaptive capacityhigh
Different rating of the vulnerability and/or adaptive capacity
AssessmentThe energy sector is in National Adaptatio Strategy recognised as highly vulnerable sector to climate change.
Rating for the risk of potential future impactshigh
Different rating of the risk of potential future impacts
AssessmentIn the case of not taking adaptation measures on time vulnerability and risks for energy sector to rising climate change will stay high. - Decrease in the production of electricity in hydropower plants due to reduced precipitation by up to 10% in all seasons except winter and consequentially lowered flow rate, numerous dry periods and increased evapotranspiration - Increase in the consumption of electricity for cooling purposes (higher number of cooling degree days) due to increased average air temperature - Reduction of thermal energy production in thermal power plants due to increased average air temperature in the winter months - Decrease in the production of electric and thermal energy in thermal power plants due to insufficient cooling of the plants due to flow reduction - Damage to power plants and infrastructure due to extreme weather events – ice breaking and floods Climate parameters directly affect the energy sector in the form of increased or reduced energy resource needs at certain periods. Climate extremes and natural disasters will significantly disrupt the safe supply of energy. The global rise of temperature in all seasons will increase the cooling energy consumption in the summer and reduce the energy needed for heating in winter. Extreme climate events will negatively affect the production, transmission and distribution of energy. Decreasing of precipitation in the summer period will lead to a reduction in the hydroelectric power plant contribution, while increasing the need for electricity in the summer months. By reducing the amount of precipitation, there will be a problem with the thermal power plant cooling flow system, which will also negatively affect the generation.
Key affected sector(s)tourism
Rating of the observed impacts of key hazards, including changes in frequency and magnitudehigh
Different rating of the observed impacts of key hazards
AssessmentIn the tourism sector, the main expected impacts of climate change are: reduction of tourism demand in the summer months due to high temperatures, increased UV radiation, higher frequency and severity of extreme weather events; reduction or loss of attractiveness of ecosystems and biodiversity as elements of attraction in tourism; reduction of water availability and damage to different infrastructure systems (wastewater drainage, solid waste disposal, beach infrastructure, accommodation infrastructure, horticulture of hotel complexes, etc.) and/or their reduced functionality. In the tourism sector, the main observed impacts of climate change are: • Misalignment between the tourist offer and projected climate change (high temperatures, increased solar irradiance, frequency of extreme weather events, etc.) • Changing attractiveness of the coastal parts and inland areas of the Republic of Croatia • Damage to and/or reduced functionality of various infrastructure systems (water supply, drainage, beach infrastructure, horticulture, etc.) • Deterioration of ecosystems, biodiversity and cultural heritage important for tourism due to indirect and direct effects of climate change
Rating of the key hazards' likelihood of occurrence and exposure to them under future climatehigh
Different rating of the likelihood of the occurrence of key hazards and exposure to them under future climate
Rating of the vulnerability, including adaptive capacityhigh
Different rating of the vulnerability and/or adaptive capacity
AssessmentIn the National Adaptation Strategy it is already identified that tourism sector iz highly vulnerable to climate change.
Rating for the risk of potential future impactshigh
Different rating of the risk of potential future impacts
AssessmentThe main observed impacts of climate change on tourism sector will increase if adaptation measures are not implemented: - The tourist offer is not tailored to projected climate change (high temperatures, increased solar irradiance, frequency of extreme weather events, etc.) - Changing attractiveness of the coastal parts areas and inland areas of the Republic of Croatia - Damage to and/or reduced functionality of various infrastructure systems (water supply, drainage, beach infrastructure, horticulture etc.) - Deterioration of the status of ecosystems important for tourism and biodiversity due to the indirect and direct effects of climate change
Key affected sector(s)health
Rating of the observed impacts of key hazards, including changes in frequency and magnitudehigh
Different rating of the observed impacts of key hazards
AssessmentThe main expected impacts that cause high vulnerability in the health sector due to increased frequency and duration of extreme weather conditions as well as the impacts of other important climate parameters are: increased mortality; change in the epidemiology of chronic non-infectious diseases; change in the epidemiology of acute infectious diseases and reduction of air quality, water and food health safety and the level of possibly damaging factors in the environment. Climate change will have a significant impact on food security, i.e. availability, distribution and consumption of food. The reduced level of food safety due to microbiological or chemical contamination as a result of changed macro- and microclimate conditions presents a significant vulnerability and future burden on the health system. High temperatures have negative impacts on health. It is estimated that in August 2003 the mortality rate was 4% higher due to a heat waves.
Rating of the key hazards' likelihood of occurrence and exposure to them under future climatehigh
Different rating of the likelihood of the occurrence of key hazards and exposure to them under future climate
Rating of the vulnerability, including adaptive capacityhigh
Different rating of the vulnerability and/or adaptive capacity
AssessmentThe National Adaptation Strategy is based on an analysis of those sectors and cross-sectoral areas that are highly exposed to climate change and vulnerable and are of socio-economic importance for Croatia. The health sector is highly vulnerable and has low adaptive capacity.
Rating for the risk of potential future impactshigh
Different rating of the risk of potential future impacts
AssessmentThe main expected impacts that cause high vulnerability in the health sector due to increased frequency and duration of extreme weather conditions, as well as the impacts of other important climate parameters are: - Increased mortality of the population - Change in epidemiology of chronic non-infectious diseases - Change in epidemiology of acute infectious diseases - Reduced quality of outdoor and indoor air due to extremely high and low temperatures and precipitation - More frequent and longer periods of unavailability of safe (health safe and compliant) water for human consumption - Increased levels of contaminants in the environment - Impact on epidemiology of diseases related to climatological factors
Key affected sector(s)land use planning
Rating of the observed impacts of key hazards, including changes in frequency and magnitudehigh
Different rating of the observed impacts of key hazards
AssessmentLand use and spatial planning has an integrative function in the planning of spatial development and use of land and marine areas, and climate change represents a threat to the management of spatial development. Spatial planning also has a function in environmental protection and climate change adaptation which, in the context of intensifying climate change, should be further enhanced. At the same time, spatial planning plays an extremely important role in reducing the impacts of climate change, as changes in land use. The vulnerability of the built environment to climate change impacts includes flooding in settlements due to a rise in sea levels and extreme sea levels as a result of extreme weather conditions and a general rise in the mean sea level (high vulnerability); the occurrence of heat islands in settlements due to the influence of extreme temperatures, in particular the increase in hot days and days with temperatures above 35 °C (medium vulnerability) and flooding in settlements as a consequence of the higher incidence and intensity of extreme weather conditions characterised by large amounts of precipitation in the short term (medium vulnerability). Observed impacts are: - Sea floods caused by rising sea levels - Floods in settlements due to heavy precipitation - Urban heat islands in settlements due to increased average temperatures in the summer months
Rating of the key hazards' likelihood of occurrence and exposure to them under future climatehigh
Different rating of the likelihood of the occurrence of key hazards and exposure to them under future climate
Rating of the vulnerability, including adaptive capacityhigh
Different rating of the vulnerability and/or adaptive capacity
AssessmentTaking into account climate change projections, it is very likely that climate change related hazards will affect land use and spatial planning: - Flooding in settlements due to rise and extreme sea levels as a result of extreme weather conditions and general rise of the mean sea level (high vulnerability) - Occurrence of heat islands in settlements due to the influence of extreme temperatures, in particular the increase of hot days and days with temperatures above 35 °c (medium vulnerability) - Flooding in settlements as a consequence of the higher incidence and intensity of extreme weather conditions that characterize large amounts of precipitation in the short term (medium vulnerability)
Rating for the risk of potential future impactshigh
Different rating of the risk of potential future impacts
AssessmentTaking into account climate change projections, it is very likely that climate change related hazards will affect land use and spatial planning if climate change considerations are not integrated in land management.
Key affected sector(s)civil protection and emergency management
Rating of the observed impacts of key hazards, including changes in frequency and magnitudehigh
Different rating of the observed impacts of key hazards
AssessmentDisaster risk management is defined as the implementation of preventive and planning activities aimed at reducing vulnerability and mitigating the adverse effects of disaster risks. Climate change can increase the likelihood of disaster events and exacerbate their intensity. The main expected impacts that cause high or medium vulnerability in this sector are: landslides; floods; open type fires due to extended periods of high solar irradiance and extended periods of high air temperatures; extreme temperatures due to extended periods of high solar irradiance and extended periods of high air temperatures; pandemics due to the impact on diseases transmission pathways or pathogen characteristics resulting from changes in precipitation, humidity and evaporation rates; and complex risks, particularly in urban areas. The current preparedness of the civil protection system in the area of response was assessed as high, while preparedness in the area of prevention was assessed as low, which is in line with the actual situation given the insufficient scope of investment. In the Disaster Risk Assessment for the Republic of Croatia 2019 each individual risk has been assessed in relation to climate change. Negative impacts of climate change have been reported for nine out of the eleven identified risks.
Rating of the key hazards' likelihood of occurrence and exposure to them under future climatehigh
Different rating of the likelihood of the occurrence of key hazards and exposure to them under future climate
Rating of the vulnerability, including adaptive capacityhigh
Different rating of the vulnerability and/or adaptive capacity
AssessmentThe National Adaptation Strategy is based on an analysis of those sectors and cross-sectoral areas that are highly exposed to climate change and vulnerable and are of socio-economic importance for Croatia. The cross-sectoral area of civil protection and emergency management is highly vulnerable and has low adaptive capacity.
Rating for the risk of potential future impactshigh
Different rating of the risk of potential future impacts
AssessmentDue to the expected increase in climate change, the risks of disasters will also increase, therefore it is necessary to undertake coordinated adaptation and risk reduction measures that will adequately mitigate the risks of disasters and strengthen the system's readiness to react.

Overview of institutional arrangements and governance at the national level

A comprehensive assessment of climate impacts, vulnerabiliy and risks was carried out in the context of climate projections until 2040 and 2070 for for ten sectors and results are integrated in NAS.

Disaster Risk Assessment is periodically updated by the Ministry of Interior with the support of the Croatian Disaster Risk Reduction Platform. Recent one form 2019 is used to draft national Disaster Reduction Strategy (2022).

Both assessments and strategic documents are publicly available.

In Croatia, there is a practice for integrating the climate change impacts and resilience into environmental assessment procedure supported by EU Guidelines from 2013.
According to the national legislation, there is a general obligation to carry out inter-ministerial coordination before the documents are sent to the Government of the Republic of Croatia, where open issues are additionally considered and a consensus is reached. Laws and strategies are then sent to the Parliament for adoption.

Therefore, the Ministry responsible for climate change adaptation policy regularly receives regulations and other documents for opinion. When giving opinions, care is taken to ensure that national development documents and development documents of individual areas and activities are aligned with the principles, basic goals, priorities and measures established in the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.

The same is prescribed by the Law on Climate Change and Protection of the Ozone Layer (OG 127/19).

This Law also stipulates that public authorities responsible for meteorology, nature protection, environmental protection, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, water management, energy, construction, spatial planning, transport, sea, tourism and human health protection are obliged every two years report to the Ministry on activities related to adaptation to climate change.
The Regulation on the Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Plan and Program (OG 3/17) prescribes the mandatory content, which should, among other things deal with probably significant impacts (secondary, cumulative, synergistic, short-term, medium-term and long-term, permanent and temporary, positive and negative) on the climate. In addition to the above, the strategic study should also address another aspect of climate change, i.e. it should also address the assessment of the impact of climate change in the area of the relevant strategic/planning/program document. This includes an assessment of vulnerability to climate change (analysis of the expected impact, risk and capacity to adapt a region or sector to the effects of climate change). In accordance with the Regulation on Environmental Impact Assessment (OG 61/14, 3/17), which prescribes the content of environmental protection studies in the process of assessing the need for environmental impact assessment of the project, the impact on climate change and adaptation to climate change needs to be taken into account.

In Croatia, there is the practice to include climate change and biodiversity in SEA and EIA process that is supported with the EU Guidelines from 2013.

Following the adoption of the new EU Technical guidance on the climate proofing of infrastructure in the period 2021-2027 (2021/C 373/01), the Ministry responsible for climate change adaptation policy encouraged a stronger and clearer inclusion of climate considerations in the SEA and EIA. A dialogue was initiated with experts working on the studies, and draft national guidelines were drawn up in order to harmonize the approach.
There is mutual cooperation and understanding between the ministry responsible for climate change adaptation policy and the ministry responsible for risk management policy. Both policies need to function in a coordination and supportive way. National climate change adaptation strategy contains the analysis of impact of climate change on the disaster risk management sector and certain measures are proposed. Likewise, climate change impacts and adaptation planning were taken into account when drafting disaster risk assessment and National disaster risk management strategy.
The revised Disaster Risk Assessment for the Republic of Croatia is published in 2019 and can be found at the website of the Directorate of Civil Protection of the Ministry of the Interior.
Adaptation priorities are identified in the National adaptation strategy:

Priority 1. Ensuring sustainable regional and urban development

Priority 2. Ensuring preconditions for the economic development of rural areas, coastal areas and islands

Priority 3. Ensuring sustainable energy development

Priority 4. Strengthening of the management capacities through a networked monitoring and early warning system

Priority 5. Ensuring continuity of research activities
The National Adaptation Strategy identified key measures, which are based on the identified challenges and barriers, such as shortcomings in technology transfer, vulnerability identification and implementation of adaptation measures, capacities and competences of stakeholders.

Therefore, the National Adaptation Strategy apostrophes general measures with high priority:
- KM-01 Strengthening human and technical capacities for implementing research and applied activities in the area of climate modelling, analysis, and interpretation of observed and expected climatic changes
- OM-01 Increase of knowledge and capacity for impact monitoring, risk assessment and adaptation.
The National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy adopted by the Parliament in 2020 has a vision of the Republic of Croatia resistant to climate change. In order to achieve this, the following goals were set:
(a) reduce the vulnerability of natural systems and society to the negative impacts of climate change,
(b) increase the capacity to recover from the effects of climate change and
(c) take advantage of potential positive effects, which may also result from climate change.

The Strategy presents results of climate modeling in two scenarios of expected concentration of greenhouse gases RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, two spatial resolutions of 12.5 km and 50 km and two time periods until 2040 and 2070 with the reference period of the state of the climate from 1971 - in the year 2000. Climate change for Croatia was assessed in 20 climate variables. The impact, vulnerability and risks on the sectors were analyzed and measures were selected, mainly non-structural measures for 10 sectors; agriculture, biodiversity, coastal ares and land planning, disaster risk management, energy, forestry, health, fisheries, water management and tourism. On the basis of multicriteria analysis, the 83 measures are classified according to priorities. Three intersectoral measures are recognised; strengthening of research and development capacities for climate modeling and for monitoring the impact of climate change, risk assessment and adaptation to climate change, and a measure related to the development of indicators for evaluating the implementation of the Adaptation Strategy. The total cost and sources of funds were estimated. It was stated that the Strategy will be implemented through action plans for a five-year period. The role of the Government Commission for Intersectoral Coordination for Policy and Measures for Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change in defining the framework for monitoring the implementation of the Strategy has been determined.
According to the national legislation, there is a general obligation to carry out inter-ministerial coordination before the documents are sent to the Government of the Republic of Croatia, where open issues are additionally considered and a consensus is reached. Laws and strategies are then sent to the Parliament for adoption.

Therefore, the Ministry responsible for climate change adaptation policy regularly receives regulations and other documents for opinion. When giving opinions, care is taken to ensure that national development documents and development documents of individual areas and activities are aligned with the principles, basic goals, priorities and measures established in the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy. The same is prescribed by the Law on Climate Change and Protection of the Ozone Layer (OG 127/19). This Law also stipulates that public authorities responsible for meteorology, nature protection, environmental protection, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, water management, energy, construction, spatial planning, transport, sea, tourism and human health protection are obliged every two years report to the Ministry on activities related to adaptation to climate change.

In accordance with the Regulation on Environmental Impact Assessment (OG 61/14, 3/17), environmental studies need to include following chapters:
- Projections of climate change in the wider area of the project
- Climate change with the information on the impact of the intervention on climate change and on the impact of climate change on the project.

If significant negative impacts are identified, measures to mitigate and adapt to climate change should be envisaged.

The Disaster Risk Assessment for the Republic of Croatia adopted in 2015 was revised and the updated version was published in 2019. Three questions were addressed within the risk assessment:
1) How does climate change affect risks?
2) What is the expected timeframe for the effects of climate change?
3) What are the reference documents supporting the conclusion?

Eleven risks have been processed (earthquake, flood, plant diseases, animal diseases, soil salinization, drought, industrial accidents, open space fires, extreme temperatures, snow and ice, and epidemics and pandemics), nine of which are related to climate change. Climate change was treated as a driver for events (such as drought, extreme temperatures, extreme precipitations, soil salinization and floods) and was, therefore, an important factor in the risk analysis, as it affects either the intensity or frequency of the event. In addition to the analysis of threats, the analysis of vulnerability of society to disasters is included.

For the development of the Disaster Risk Assessment, the risks were identified and divided into groups. Each group of risks was delegated to a coordinator, a ministry or other state body. For the overall coordination, the Croatian Disaster Risk Reduction Platform has been established, and its main working group is participating in the development of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy. The Directorate of Civil Protection of the Ministry of the Interior coordinates its work.

Local and regional authorities have established the Disaster Risk Reduction Platform of Croatian Counties and Cities. Given the small number of active members, the Platform has yet to develop its full potential in the field of risk management.
The Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development has a Plan for awareness raising on resilience and adaptation to climate change at national and local levels. The implementation of the plan started through the development of the website https://prilagodba-klimi.hr/ - the central platform for information and education on adaptation to climate change in Croatia. The website provides information on the implementation of adaptation in Croatia, gives information about climate change impacts in Croatia, vulnerable sectors and planned measures, good practices relevant to Croatia as well as an overview or the legislation and guidelines for stakeholders involved in climate change adaptation. Particularly vulnerable groups are not identified, but communication addresses all sectors and stakeholders.
The International Institute for Climate Action (IICA) has been established. It is an association of experts in the field of Climate Change and Policy. The purpose of the institute is to assist the business community in the fight against climate change by reducing CO2 emissions, introducing the Low Carbon Strategy, the Adaptation Strategy and the European Green Plan into their business plans and processes.

Selection of actions and (programmes of) measures

Not reported
According to the Climate Change and Ozone Layer Protection Act, reports on implementation of adaptation measures are to be submitted to the European Commission in line with the EU Regulation No. 2018/1999. For this purpose central, regional and national authorities as well as other public authorities competent for climate adaptation issues (related to meteorology, environmental protection, agriculture, fishery, forestry, water management, energy, protection of human health etc.) have an obligation to submit reports to the ministry responsible for environmental protection on their activities related to adaptation to climate change.

The National Adaptation Strategy proposes impact indicators for different sectors. Some of these indicators are already monitored or partially monitored, but most of them are not systematically monitored and the methodology will have to be developed. The methodology will be developed through the National Adaptation Plan measure ‘Development of impact indicators of the implementation of the adaptation strategy for vulnerable sectors and society’.
Indicators for the monitoring of the implementation of measures and activities of the National Adaptation Strategy will provide answers to the following questions:
- Are the measures and activities being implemented?
- Are there any improvements possible to the climate change adaptation measures and activities?
- Which of the measures not achieving the expected effects?

The MRE is not established.
The first National Adaptation Plan is being developed and will include the implementation bodies and partners of the measures, timeframe, costs and indicators. However, many adaptation measures from the National adaptation strategy are already being implemented through sectoral action plans and activities under local and regional jurisdiction, but are not yet systematically being addressed or monitored as such. With the in 2019 adopted Climate Change and Ozone Layer Protection Act all new sectoral development documents as well as new local and regional environmental protection programmes need to be aligned with the National Adaptation Strategy.
At the time of the adoption of the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy in 2020, the cost of around 3.6 billion EUR was estimated for the implementation of 83 measures, including measures for DRR for the period up to 2040.

The Government has adopted the Disaster Risk Management Strategy until 2030 with an action plan for a four-year period (December 2022). The goal is for the Republic of Croatia to be more resilient to disasters, through risk reduction and increased preparedness for disaster management. It is the first document that presents a comprehensive, unique and proactive approach to disaster risk management, directs activities and investments in the field of risk management, which includes all stages of disaster risk management, from prevention, preparedness to disaster response. The Strategy was drafted by members of the Croatian Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction
coordinated by the Civil Protection Directorate of the Ministry of the Interior. Disaster Risk Management Strategy lists 82 projects with the total value of 1.8 billion EUR.
The MRE is not established so it is not possible to report on this.
The MRE is not established so it is not possible to report on this.
The MRE is not established so it is not possible to report on this.
The MRE is not established so it is not possible to report on this.
The MRE is not established so it is not possible to report on this.
The vulnerability and risk assessments were updated to some extent in February 2023 for the purpose of preparing the Eight National Communications to the UNFCCC.
The National Adaptation Strategy is adopted in 2020 and will be evaluated and updated every five years if needed. The first evaluation and possible revision of the National Adaptation Strategy will be at the earliest after the end of the implementation period of the first National Adaptation Plan. Revision of the NAS will depend on the information that will be collected by the implementation monitoring system as well as the climate change monitoring system in general.

Good practices and lessons learnt

Not reported

Cooperation and experience

Cooperation with competent authorities for the implementation of the Sendai framework for disaster risk reduction in Croatia has been established. The National Strategy for Disaster Risk Management took into account the impacts of climate change on disaster risks. A joint approach to education and awareness-raising is planned to build capacities for better risk management and adaptation to climate change.

Transboundary cooperation in terms of climate adaptation is present in the context of international river commissions for Sava and Danube Rivers, especially on floods (ISRBC and ICPDR).

The Water and Climate Adaptation Plan for the Sava River Basin was developed by the International Sava River Basin Commission (ISRBC) in 2015, as a guidance document for adaptation measures in navigation, hydropower, agriculture, flood protection, economic evaluation of climate impacts and is covering five countries (Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro). Establishment of a joint Flood Forecasting and Warning System in the Sava River Basin and the preparation of the Flood Risk Management Plan in the Sava River Basin are components of the project Improvement of Joint Actions in Flood Management in the Sava River Basin. The Outline of the Climate Adaptation Strategy was prepared in January 2018 for ISRBC as a step towards the full Sava adaptation strategy to climate change.

Croatia also takes part in the implementation of the two macro-regional strategies (EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region, EUSAIR; and EU Strategy for the Danube Region, EUSDR). It is participating in regional cooperation projects to address various climate-related challenges shared in the region, through research, knowledge transfer, capacity building and awareness activities, such as DriDanube – Drought Risk in the Danube Region project.
Relevant scientific institutes from Croatia participate in numerous EU projects financed by the HORIZON 2020, Programme LIFE, INTERREG etc. with partners from Union Member States on the topics that are relevant for the adaptation to climate change and building resilience. The issue of adapting to climate change is very horizontal, and there is no methodology and framework for monitoring such scientific projects.
Interreg Program Italy – Croatia (2014-2020) played important role in raising wider visibility of risks from climate change and adaptation needs in Croatia. With 18 projects funded under the strategic objective Safety and Resilience (SO 2.1) all counties and many municipalities and islands form the Croatian side of Adriatic See, and different experts and stakeholders were involved as partners and actively contributed in the project implementation together with the Italian counterparts. Interreg projects contributed to share information, strengthen science, institutions and adaptation knowledge and it enhanced discussion about risks and vulnerabilities to climate change of coastal communities and islands and talks about adaptation options on local level.

Each project had different specific objective and actions; Climate change information, monitoring and management tools for adaptation strategies in Adriatic coastal areas, a Resilience information platform for Adriatic cities and towns, Adriatic DSS exploitation for MOnitoring and Risk management of coastal Extreme weather and flooding, Adaptation to Saltwater inTrusion in sEa level RIse Scenarios, Climate cHallenges on coAstal and traNsitional chanGing arEas, WEaving a Cross-Adriatic Response, Climate REsponses for the AdriaTic rEgion, Civil Protection Emergency DSS based on CITIzen Journalism to ENhance Safety of Adriatic Basin; FOSTERING IMPROVED REACTION OF CROSSBORDER EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PREVENTION INCREASING SAFETY LEVEL, Green Economy and CO2; DEcision support for Adaptation pLan; Joint strategies for Climate Change Adaptation in coastal areas; Monitoring Sea-water intrusion in coastal aquifers and Testing pilot projects for its mitigation (https://www.italy-croatia.eu/discover?priorityaxis=34090).

Overview of institutional arrangements and governance at the sub-national level (where “sub-national” refers to local and regional)

The Committee for Inter-Sectoral Coordination for Policies and Measures for Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change was established in September 2018 by the Croatian Government. Its task is to coordinate policy, monitor and evaluate implementation of policies and measures. It consists of two groups: coordination (minister and assistant ministers) and technical group (representatives from ministries, scientific institutions, academia and other dealing with climate change and adaptation issues).
The CREATE project is a cluster that connects people from Italy and Croatia that were working on different adaptation and resilience projects supported by the Program Interreg Italy-Croatia. Aim is to jointly analyze and synthesize results achieved in all relevant projects by organizing conferences, workshops and webinars and provide systematic access to this knowledge to local and regional actors and to prepare the ground for more effective and more efficient partnerships between knowledge providers and local actors. https://www.italy-croatia.eu/web/create/about-the-project
Counties and large cities have a legal obligation to draft planning documents with priority measures for mitigation, adaptation and protection of ozone layer relevant for their area of governance. More specifically, they are required to develop Programmes for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation and the Protection of the Ozone Layer as a part of the Environmental Protection Program.

Out of 21 counties, only four have these programs, and out of 16 large cities, only three have programs that addresses adaptation to climate change. In order to encourage the local administration to adapt to climate change, two public calls were announced by the Fund for Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency in cooperation with the Ministry responsible for climate policy for co-financing the preparation of documents of subnational adaptation plans and reports on their implementation and for co-financing the implementation of climate change adaptation measures from subnational adaptation plans (2021 – 2022).

According to the European commission base many local communities and cities signed Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy-Europe Initiative, however among them 24 local communities from Croatia adopted local action plans that addresses adaptation as well as mitigation and energy poverty (SECAP) (https://eu-mayors.ec.europa.eu/en/action_plan_list).
The Government adopted the Code of consultation with the interested public in the procedures for the enactment of laws, other regulations and acts (2019). It is also required to be applied by the local and regional self-government and legal entities that have public powers in the procedures for passing general acts that regulate issues within their scope, and which directly meet the needs of citizens or other issues of interest to the general welfare of citizens and legal entities in their area, that is, the area of their activity (development of settlements and housing, spatial planning, communal activities and other public services, environmental protection, etc.).
The Government adopted the Code of consultation with the interested public in the procedures for the enactment of laws, other regulations and acts (2019). It is also required to be applied by the local and regional self-government and legal entities that have public powers in the procedures for passing general acts that regulate issues within their scope, and which directly meet the needs of citizens or other issues of interest to the general welfare of citizens and legal entities in their area, that is, the area of their activity (development of settlements and housing, spatial planning, communal activities and other public services, environmental protection, etc.).
Local governance (counties and large cities) is obliged to prepare four-year reports on the implementation of the Environmental Protection Programs, within which it is also reported on the implementation of climate change adaptation measures. The local authority adopts the reports.

It is also prescribed that the counties submit to the ministry responsible for environmental protection available data on activities related to adaptation to climate change every two years for the purpose of national reporting. However, there is no single methodology and system for monitoring and evaluation of adaptation actions and processes.
In order to encourage the local administration to adapt to climate change, two public calls were made by the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund in cooperation with the Ministry responsible for climate policy.
- in 2021, a call was published for co-financing the preparation of documents for subnational adaptation plans and reports on their implementation. Funds are approved for 50 projects with a total value of €584,175, of which about 50% was co-financed by the Fund.
- in 2022, a call was published for co-financing the implementation of climate change adaptation measures from subnational adaptation plans with an emphasis on green infrastructure measures. Funds are approved for 46 projects with a total value of €15,059 mil of which about 74% is co-financed by the Fund.

After the completion of the projects, the effect of these two public calls will be evaluated and a good practice will be selected.
Good regional cooperation between Croatia and Italy was achieved between local bodies and stakeholders during work on projects financed from the Interreg Italy - Croatia Program.
-Interreg Program Italy – Croatia (2014-2020) played important role in raising wider visibility of risks from climate change and adaptation needs in Croatia. With 18 projects funded under the strategic objective Safety and Resilience (SO 2.1) all counties and many municipalities and islands form the Croatian side of Adriatic See, and different experts and stakeholders were involved as partners and actively contributed in the project implementation together with the Italian counterparts.

Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development

Service for General Climate Protection Policy
Coordination of adaptation policies and reporting
Branka Pivcevic Novak
Lead reporter
[Disclaimer]
The source of information presented in these pages is the reporting of EU Member States under 'Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action' and the voluntary reporting of EEA Member Countries.'