Main goal of the event was to connect scientists, public authorities and stakeholders in order to identify sustainable strategies for the exploitation of the Adriatic reefs with the aim to strengthen blue economy and increase touristic offer.
Representatives of local authorities, universities, research institutes, public institutions and stakeholders operating in the field of blue economy gave interesting lectures on the the biological diversity of the natural and artificial reefs and on their uses and possible activities. Adrireef partners presented the project case studies.
Along with other scientists, Assoc. dr. sc. Petar Kružić (Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb) had a presentation on the topic «Coral reefs in eastern Adriatic Sea and their importance for communities», while Ph.D. Bruna Petani contributed with «Pinna nobilis and importance of shellfish for underwater reefs». Presentations were also held by stakeholders. Lucija Uglešić from the Tourist Board of Božava talked about «Lagnjići shipwreck – starting point for Dugi otok blue economy», Morana Bačić from the Natura Jadera Public Institution introduced «The Northwestern part of Dugi otok – Protected landscape»; Filip Vulić from Kayak & Bike Adventure talked about «Kayaking as unique opportunity to experience pilot location Plić Lagnjići» and Ante Kolanović, a representative of sports tourism activities, presented «Sport fishing and importance for the general public».
Project partners from University of Zadar, University of Rijeka and Institute Ruđer Bošković gave presentations about the Adrireef Croatian case studies and the equipment they chose to monitor each pilot location.
On the Italian side, the presentation of the Paguro Wreck case study was held by ARPAE Emilia Romagna, the presentation of the Torre Guaceto MPA Case study was held by ARPA Puglia and the presentation of the Trezza San Pietro case study was held by INOGS.
The ADRIREEF project is funded by the cross-border cooperation program Interreg Italy - Croatia 2014-2020, the total value of the project is 2,814,830.00 euro. The leading partner of the project is the Municipality of Ravenna. On the Croatian side, in addition to Zadar County Development Agency ZADRA NOVA, the project partners are Association for Nature, Environment and Sustainable Development SUNCE, University of Zadar, Public Institution RERA S.D. for Coordination and Development of the Split-Dalmatia County, Ruđer Bošković Institute and the Faculty of Maritime Studies in Rijeka. In addition to the city of Ravenna, project partners on the Italian side are ARPAE Emilia - Romagna, CNR/IRBIM Ancona, ARPAE Puglia, Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisica Sperimentale - OGS.
