The Future of the Northern Adriatic Sea Under the Spotlight in Grado
11/06/2026
The future of the Northern Adriatic Sea and the challenges it faces in a rapidly changing climate are at the centre of a two-day public programme taking place on 15 and 16 June 2026 in Grado, Italy, as part of the Goletta Verde 2026 campaign — Non ci fermeremo mai ("We will never stop"). The initiative is organised by Legambiente in collaboration with the Museo Storico e Parco del Castello di Miramare, the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology of the Upper Adriatic, and with the patronage of the Municipality of Grado. It also contributes to the broader objectives of the BRIGANTINE project, promoting awareness and dialogue on marine environmental protection and sustainable coastal development.
On the morning of both days, educational workshops are offered on board or alongside the Goletta Verde vessel at Porto Mandracchio, targeting children and young people aged 6 to 14. On Monday 15 June, a live demonstration of the BRIGANTINE-UNIUD project is also scheduled, showcasing the use of autonomous vessels for biodiversity monitoring in the Adriatic.
The centrepiece of the programme is the public conference on the evening of Monday 15 June, hosted at the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology of the Upper Adriatic (Via dei Provveditori 14, Grado), entitled "The fate of the sea in the Northern Adriatic: an ecosystem and an economy at risk". The event brings together researchers, institutions, and environmental organisations to address some of the most pressing issues affecting the region — including climate change, biodiversity loss and the growing pressures on coastal ecosystems and local economies. Attendance is free, subject to availability.
On Tuesday 16 June, a press conference on board the Goletta Verde presents the findings of Legambiente's water quality analyses for the coastal waters of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Speakers include Giuseppe Corbatto, Mayor of Grado; Domenico Castro of the Grado Coast Guard; Stefano Raimondi, spokesperson for Goletta Verde; Claudia Orlandi, Head of SOS Marine Water Quality and Transition at ARPA FVG; and Sandro Cargnelutti, President of Legambiente FVG.
Together, the two days offer an opportunity to strengthen public understanding of ongoing environmental changes and to encourage cooperation among scientific institutions, policymakers and citizens — supporting the shared goal of safeguarding marine ecosystems while promoting resilient and sustainable coastal communities.