Final Thematic Event on Air Quality on air
11/12/2024
On December 5, 2024, the MONI. CA project team hosted a Thematic Event to mark the conclusion of its implementation period. This gathering brought together key stakeholders in air monitoring to reflect on the project’s results, explore follow-up opportunities, and discuss ways to expand the initiative by engaging local communities, policymakers, sectoral agencies, and national authorities.
Held in a hybrid format, the event featured two dynamic roundtables designed to promote dialogue and collaboration among cross-border participants. The first roundtable, titled “The Power of Capitalization: How to Maximize the Results of EU-Funded Projects in Air Quality in Adriatic and Europe,” delved into strategies for amplifying the project’s impact. The second, “Solution-Building: How Air-Quality Issues Boost Opportunities for SMEs in the Cross-Border Area,” focused on fostering synergies between environmental challenges and business opportunities. Together, these discussions enriched efforts to capitalize on the project’s achievements and deliverables.
Professor Zagar, Project Manager from RIT Croatia, underscored the readiness of the technology developed during the project for immediate application, particularly in cross-border data collection. “This technology supports evidence-based policy drafting and enhances decision-making processes,” he stated. Similarly, Marta Tasinazzo, Vice-Communication Manager for Eduforma, highlighted the engagement of young people through Youth Exchange Visits, emphasizing their role in refining UAV technology and ensuring its relevance for lasting change. “This involvement ensures that the next generation takes ownership of the technology,” she explained.
Other key voices further emphasized the significance of the project’s outcomes. Couns. Cristina Caputo Deputy Head of Unit for Adriatic and Western Balkans, Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the importance of regional cooperation and praised the initiative’s role in fostering youth exchange programs and supporting SMEs to promote economic and cultural exchange. Ms. Iva Bacek, from the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition, Croatia, pointed to advanced technologies as essential tools for enhancing environmental monitoring and response capabilities. Mr. Wilhelmus de Wilt, representing the European Commission’s DG Environment, commended MONI. CA for aligning with EU priorities by building networks among public authorities, SMEs, and civil society.
The discussions also highlighted the practical impact of the project. Mr. Marin Miletic, Project Manager from JS Interreg Italy-Croatia, emphasized MONI. CA’s tangible results in air pollution monitoring, which offer solutions that are measurable and replicable across borders. Meanwhile, Ms. Tiziana Grossele from the Municipality of Padua reflected on the role of data-driven decision-making and the integration of systems in achieving shared goals in sustainable urban development. Mr. Karlo Gustin of Ericsson Nikola Tesla discussed innovative approaches to combining environmental, healthcare, and industrial data to create impactful solutions. Finally, Mr. Hrvoje Belani, from the Ministry of Health, underscored the interconnection between well-being and environmental, social, and economic factors.
The event successfully highlighted MONI. CA’s achievements in uniting diverse perspectives and expertise to address cross-border environmental challenges. It leaves behind a legacy of innovation, collaboration, and a foundation for sustainable, long-term impacts.