LIFE NatuReef at the workshop on nature-based solution in the PO Delta Park

On February 28, the Manifattura dei Marinati in Comacchio hosted an important technical workshop dedicated to Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) applied to land management and hydraulic protection. The meeting, aimed at administrators and technicians from agencies responsible for environmental protection, provided an opportunity to share experiences, challenges, and innovative strategies to combat climate change.

The event was attended by over 70 experts, including local administrators, municipal officials, and representatives of national, regional, and provincial institutions, as well as European project partners connected online. The session was opened with greetings from the President of the Po Delta Park, Aida Morelli, and coordinated by the Director Massimiliano Costa.

PRESENTED PROJECTS: INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR COASTAL DEFENSE

During the workshop, several European projects currently underway in the Po Delta Park in Emilia-Romagna were presented, including LIFE NATUREEF, which showcased its activities and objectives.

Specifically, the following projects were shared:

• Interreg Central Europe INACO – Improvement of hydraulic management to address climate change (Comacchio Valleys) – Presented by Alessandro Sardella, CNR-ISCA Bologna.
• Interreg Italy-Croatia Action – Hydraulic management for the protection of wetlands north of Ravenna – Presented by Stefano Ravaioli, Municipality of Ravenna.

• Horizon 2020 Land4Climate – Innovative coastal defense strategy and prevention of marine intrusion and hydraulic risk (Reno River Mouth) – Presented by Silvana Di Sabatino, University of Bologna.
• LIFE NATUREEF – Protection and restoration of coastal habitats with nature-based solutions (Bevano River Mouth) – Presented by Luca Monteleone, technical environmental office of the Park.
• LIFE ClimaXPo – Optimization of water resources in the Po River Basin – Presented by Paola Fagioli, Legambiente Emilia-Romagna.

The adoption of Nature-Based Solutions is crucial to strengthening the resilience of fragile territories against the impacts of climate change. As highlighted by Prof. Riccardo Santolini from the University of Urbino, the Po Delta Park represents a key example where changes in the hydrographic balance pose significant challenges to the safety of residents and local economic activities.

The strategic goal of the meeting was to encourage the sharing of best practices and promote the creation of a network of stakeholders engaged in the sustainable management of protected natural areas at both national and European levels.