Italia-Croatia

28/02/2026

On February 25th and 26th, the partners of the STRENGTH Project gathered in Kaštela, Croatia, for the sixth coordination meeting and for a Steering Commitee - an important milestone in the project’s journey toward strengthening climate resilience in the Italy–Croatia Programme area.
The event was hosted by the City of Kaštela, which welcomed partners in the evocative setting of Vitturi Castle.

Over the two-day meeting, the eight project partners reviewed the progress achieved so far and outlined the actions planned for the final phase of the project.

Discussions covered a wide range of thematic areas, reflecting the project’s multidisciplinary approach to risk reduction.
Among the key topics addressed were:

• Early warning systems for improved preparedness;
• Flood impact mitigation and hydraulic risk assessment;
• Meteorological monitoring and data collection;
• Saltwater intrusion and desertification, increasingly relevant in coastal zones;
• Seismic and structural vulnerability of buildings;
• Soil and embankment analysis to support territorial safety;
• AI-based assessment of damage to masonry structures, an innovative tool for post-event evaluation;
• Communication and outreach activities, essential for engaging institutions and communities.

Each partner presented updates on their work packages, highlighting both technical advancements and results achieved. The meeting provided an opportunity to align methodologies, share expertise, and strengthen the collaborative spirit that characterizes the project.

A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to the first results of the sociological analysis currently underway in the territories of Ravenna (Italy) and Kaštela (Croatia).
This research of the DOS Laboratory (UniFE) explores how local communities perceive climate risks, how they access information, and what communication strategies can effectively support preparedness and awareness.
These insights are crucial for designing risk communication tools that are not only scientifically accurate but also accessible, engaging, and tailored to the needs of different audiences.
The findings will guide the development of targeted outreach actions in the coming months.

The event concluded with a guided visit to the meteorological stations installed in the Kaštela area as part of the project. These stations play a central role in collecting real-time data on weather conditions, supporting both scientific analysis and early warning capabilities. The visit allowed partners to observe the equipment in operation and discuss future opportunities for data integration and system enhancement.

The next coordination meeting (the Final Meeting) is scheduled to take place in Ravenna and Ferrara in September 2026.

As STRENGTH moves toward its final phase, the partnership remains committed to delivering innovative tools, shared knowledge, and practical solutions to help communities face the growing challenges posed by climate change.