CoAStal and marine waters integrated monitoring systems for ecosystems proteCtion AnD managemEnt (CASCADE)

Description:

CASCADE is a transnational cooperation project, funded by the Italy-Croatia Interreg Cooperation Programme, that develops concerted monitoring, observing, modeling and management approaches to the Adriatic Sea to enhance the knowledge and assess the vulnerability of coastal and marine ecosystems in Italy and Croatia in order to improve the protection of endangered habitats and species.

The CASCADE project will develop a set of concerted and coordinated actions including monitoring (observing and modelling) and management (Maritime Spatial Planning - MSP, Integrated Coastal Zone Management - ICZM, Land-Sea Interaction - LSI) to evaluate the quality and assess the vulnerability of inland, coastal and marine ecosystems in Italy and Croatia with the final objective to restore endangered species and to support integrated management.

The integrated modelling and observing systems will be developed to design and implement Maritime Spatial Planning/Land-Sea Interaction/Integrated Coastal Zone Management, and restoration actions in 11 pilot areas. Pilot actions will assess and protect coastal and marine biodiversity in degraded areas, set up restoration actions, assess the impacts of extreme events on ecosystems and understand how to avoid conflicts and boost synergies in the areas.

The project will consolidate long-lasting research capabilities in the field through a concrete dialogue with stakeholders and the participation of agencies, research centers and universities in order to enhance inland, coastal and marine knowledge. Such shared information and monitoring protocols are essential for supporting concrete actions dealing with environmental vulnerability, fragmentation and safeguarding of ecosystem services at cross-border level.

Project information

Lead

APULIA REGION

Partners

CMCC Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change Foundation - Italy

IOF Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries - Croatia

ATRAC Adriatic Training and Research Centre for Accidental Marine Pollution Preparedness and Response - Croatia

City of Nin - Croatia

UNIMOL University of Molise - Italy

Marche Region - Italy

Public Institution for the Management of Protected Areas in the area of Split-Dalmatia County Sea and Karst - Croatia

Ruđer Bošković Institute - Croatia

Dubrovnik-Neretva County - Croatia

ARPA FVG Environmental Agency of Friuli Venezia Giulia region - Italy

IUAV University of Venice - Italy

UNIBO University of Bologna - Italy

Arpae Regional Agency for Prevention, Environment and Energy in Emilia-Romagna - Italy

DELTA 2000 Consortium Company with limited liability - Italy

UniSalento University of Salento - Italy

Management Consortium of Torre Guaceto - Italy

Region of Istria - Croatia

Molise Region - Italy

Marine Protected Areas Torre del Cerrano - Italy