Aquileia and Palmanova host cross-border capacity bulding and exercise activities to tackle climate and hydrogeological risks
13/03/2026
On 10 and 11 March, the HANDY project reached an important milestone in its capacity-building path with two intensive days of training, field simulations and equipment testing in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, hosted by the Municipality of Aquileia.
The initiative brought together Civil Protection officers, technicians and volunteers from Italy and Croatia, offering a concrete opportunity to strengthen operational cooperation and improve joint preparedness for climate-related and hydrogeological risks across the Adriatic area.
The first day took place in Aquileia and focused on hydrogeological risk scenarios, emergency response procedures and the use of specialised equipment purchased within the project. Participants were involved in both theoretical sessions and practical activities, moving from the analysis of possible emergency situations to hands-on simulations in the field. Working side by side with local Civil Protection teams, the partners had the opportunity to test procedures, exchange technical knowledge and compare different approaches to risk prevention and response.
The practical exercise represented a valuable moment of joint learning, allowing the participants to better understand how equipment, coordination mechanisms and local operational structures can support a more effective response in case of climate-related emergencies. The activity also encouraged direct dialogue among partners, volunteers and technical staff, reinforcing the importance of cooperation between institutions and local communities.
On the second day, the programme continued in Palmanova with a visit to the Regional Civil Protection headquarters of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, recognised as a centre of excellence for emergency management and coordination. During the visit, participants had the opportunity to learn more about the regional Civil Protection system, its operational organisation and the tools used to manage emergencies at territorial level.
The activity concluded with a joint debriefing session, during which partners discussed the results of the training and field simulations, shared feedback and identified elements that can further improve future preparedness actions. This final exchange was particularly important to capitalise on the experience and to support the development of common approaches within the HANDY partnership.
The event involved the full project partnership: the Civil Protection Section of the Puglia Region, Split-Dalmatia County, Civil Protection Agency of Abruzzo Region, Municipality of Aquileia and Dubrovnik-Neretva County. Their active participation confirmed the shared commitment to building stronger cross-border cooperation and enhancing the capacity of territories to prevent, manage and respond to climate and hydrogeological risks.
Through this activity, HANDY continues to promote practical collaboration, knowledge exchange and joint capacity building between Italian and Croatian partners, contributing to a more resilient Adriatic area and to improved readiness in facing climate-related emergencies together.
