The GREW project builds on the experience of the Interreg IT-HR 2014-2020 “Crew” project, which introduced the Wetland Contract (WC) as a governance tool for integrated wetland management. GREW aims to enhance and expand the WC model to achieve advanced governance for cross-border wetlands, focusing on climate change adaptation. Through eight pilot WC agreements, the project seeks to demonstrate the effectiveness of the WC model in implementing climate adaptation strategies.
The project will implement common and site-specific climate adaptation measures across the pilot wetlands, engaging stakeholders and local communities. Capacity building activities will be provided to managers and experts, along with the establishment of a cross-border memorandum of understanding (MoU) to ensure continued collaboration beyond the project's end. GREW emphasizes the importance of permanent multistakeholder decision-making processes, shared knowledge, and interwoven responsibilities for effective adaptation strategies. It aims to promote the implementation of EU policies and directives related to environmental conservation.
There is a need for tailored initiatives to address the unique challenges of cross-border wetlands, emphasizing the role of the Italy-Croatia "community of practice" in inspiring and guiding management responses to climate change. GREW aspires to be a pioneering project at the Mediterranean scale, testing the WC model as a climate adaptation tool for coastal wetlands and setting a benchmark for cross-border and inter-regional collaboration.
Project details
Project coordinator: IUAV University of Venice
Funding source: CBC Programme Italy-Croatia
Call: Interreg VI A Italy–Croatia Programme - 2021/2027 Standard (First call)
Programme priority: Green and resilient shared environment
Specific objective: 2.1: Promoting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention, resilience, taking into account eco-system-based approaches
Start date 01/03/2024 - end date 31/08/2026
Total budget: 2.619.620,00 €
EU contribution: 2,095,696.00 €
Contribution to Ferrara Plain Reclamation Consortium (Consorzio di Bonifica Pianura di Ferrara): 322.300,00 €
Website: https://www.italy-croatia.eu/web/grew
Participants
- IUAV University of Venice
- Riviera Friulana Community Italia
- Ferrara Plain Reclamation Consortium
- Agency for Employment and Development of the North Barese -Ofantina area Soc.Cons. limited liability
- Javna ustanova Natura Histrica Hrvatska
- Public Institution for the Management of Protected Natural Areas of Dubrovnik-Neretva County
- Zadar County Rural Development Agency Hrvatska
- Public Institution Brijuni National Park