On November 8, 2024, the Kick-off Meeting of the NBS4RESILIENCE project was successfully held online, bringing together project partners from across the Adriatic-Ionian region. The meeting, hosted by the Development Agency of the City of Prijedor (PREDA) as the lead partner, set the stage for the project's implementation by outlining objectives, responsibilities, and key steps moving forward.
About the NBS4Resilience Project
The NBS4RESILIENCE project, co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg IPA ADRION Programme, aims to enhance climate resilience in the region by implementing Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). By integrating science, policy, and community participation, the project seeks to reduce climate risks, foster ecosystem restoration, and promote sustainable adaptation strategies
Key Highlights of the Kick-off Meeting
Throughout the meeting, several topics were discussed, ensuring a smooth and efficient start to project implementation.
One of the key discussions focused on the introduction and objectives of the project, where the lead partner, PREDA, provided a detailed overview of the project's goal, budget, duration, and expected impact. The presentation emphasized the urgent need for Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to address climate risks in the Adriatic-Ionian region and highlighted the project's role in pioneering innovative approaches to climate resilience.
A major milestone discussed during the meeting was the establishment of Climate Resilient Forums (CRFs). These forums will act as local engagement platforms where citizens, experts, policymakers, and stakeholders will collaboratively design and implement climate adaptation strategies. CRFs will serve as knowledge-sharing hubs, fostering community participation in decision-making and ensuring that nature-based solutions are effectively integrated into local governance.
The meeting also highlighted the implementation of pilot actions across six IPA ADRION countries, each addressing a specific climate challenge:
- Flood prevention in Slovenia
- Erosi
- n and landslide risk reduction in Croatia
- Heatwave mitigation in Montenegro
- Drought and water flow regulation in Italy
- Coastal resilience in Greece
- Wildfire prevention in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Partners discussed the methodologies and expected outcomes of these pilot initiatives, ensuring that the solutions developed will be tested, evaluated, and replicated for broader impact.
Another significant segment of the meeting was the discussion on Work Package responsibilities. Each partner outlined their role in implementing project activities, reporting progress, and coordinating with other stakeholders. The meeting served as an opportunity to clarify expectations, address potential challenges, and ensure that all partners are aligned with the project’s overall strategy.
Lastly, the project management and communication strategy were formalized. The partners agreed on the establishment of a Steering Committee, which will oversee project progress and provide strategic guidance. Additionally, communication channels were introduced to enhance collaboration and ensure transparency across all project activities. The project’s visibility and dissemination strategy was also discussed, emphasizing the importance of reaching key audiences and stakeholders.
Next Steps
The partners will reconvene for the second part of the Kick-off Meeting in December 2024. The project team will continue working on refining strategies, defining specific deliverables, and preparing for the implementation of pilot projects.
Learn more about the project: www.interreg-ipa-adrion.eu