Between Modugno and Polignano a Mare for a two-day training and operational exercise on oil spill risk management
16/04/2026
On April 13-14, 2026, the project partners gathered in Italy, between Modugno and Polignano a Mare, in Puglia (Italy), for a two-day training and operational exercise on oil spill risk management, hosted by the Lead Partner, the Civil Protection Section of Puglia Region. The initiative was organized as part of the programme of activities related to the Regional Coast Day 2026.
The event represented a key moment for capacity building and operational testing within the project, combining theoretical sessions with practical activities, aiming to strengthen preparedness and coordination in the management of marine pollution emergencies.
The first day was dedicated to a full-scale operational exercise simulating an oil spill scenario in the coastal area of Cala Paura, in Polignano a Mare. Following an introductory session on the equipment - acquired by the Civil Protection Section through HANDY - and on the emergency procedures, participants moved to the field to test real-life response actions. The simulation involved the discovery of a floating barrel and the dispersion of oily substances, requiring coordinated intervention by multiple actors.
Emergency operators and volunteers from Italy and Croatia worked side by side with local authorities, including the Coast Guard of Monopoli and the Local Police of Polignano a Mare, who ensured the realistic coordination of the emergency scenario. The Municipality of Polignano a Mare also played an active role in welcoming the partners, with the Mayor attending the exercise and expressing pride in the local community’s contribution to a European initiative.
The second day took place at the headquarters of the Civil Protection Section, in Modugno, and focused on technical discussions and knowledge exchange. The day included a debriefing session to analyse the outcomes of the exercise, as well as in-depth presentations on oil spill response strategies and the use of specialised equipment. Participants had the opportunity to further explore operational approaches and share experiences from their respective territories.
The event concluded with a guided visit to the Regional Integrated Operations Centre, the core facility for emergency coordination in the region, offering participants a comprehensive overview of the local civil protection system.
The two-day event brought together not only operators and volunteers from Puglia, but also technicians and emergency personnel from the Split-Dalmatia County, the Dubrovnik-Neretva County, the Municipality of Aquileia, and the Civil Protection of Friuli Venezia Giulia. This strong cross-border participation fostered effective cooperation and a highly productive joint effort.
