About
SMART GUARD addresses two interconnected challenges affecting climate resilience in the Italy-Croatia cooperation area: fragmented climate monitoring systems and insufficient coordination among civil protection actors. By developing digital solutions for wildfire and urban heat island risk monitoring, the project aims to support data-driven climate risk management and strengthen cross-border emergency response.
SMART GUARD will develop a digital platform integrating real-time data from Internet of Things sensors, weather stations and drones across pilot sites. AI-powered tools will support predictive risk assessment, while standardised methodologies, harmonised data collection protocols and operational procedures will improve cooperation between local authorities, emergency professionals, civil protection services and communities.
The project will establish operational support centres, which can operate as information points in normal conditions and become emergency response centres and climate shelters during emergencies. Training, community engagement and simulation exercises will strengthen resilience. A distinctive feature of SMART GUARD is the “Digital Rangers” programme will involve 100 young volunteers aged 16–25, trained in environmental monitoring and emergency response through residential camps across Italy and Croatia.
