The AdriaClimRisk project is focused on the systematic definition and quantification of climate hazards and risks on land, at sea, and within the Adriatic coastal zone, with the objective of proposing effective adaptation measures in line with the strategic and operational documents of coastal counties. The project is based on the analysis of the latest high-resolution climate projections for the atmosphere and the sea, long-term climate, environmental, and ecological data series, as well as targeted experiments conducted under controlled conditions. This approach will improve the understanding of present and future climate change in the context of the Anthropocene and assess its impacts on natural systems and key economic sectors.
Research activities are structured through several interconnected work packages. The first work package is focused on quantifying changes in essential climate variables of land and sea, while the second work package encompasses experimental and observational studies on the resilience of Mediterranean crops and forest species to climate stressors. Particular attention is given to olive, grapevine and tomato through analyses of phenology, yield, and physiological responses to abiotic stress, including greenhouse and laboratory experiments, as well as the establishment of collection plantations for phenotypic characterization. The adaptive potential of young seedlings of key Mediterranean forest species under drought stress is also investigated. These studies will provide a scientific basis for the adaptation of agriculture and forestry to future climate conditions. The project further examines the vulnerability of tourism and the potential of sustainable energy sources in a changing climate, thereby directly contributing to the mitigation of risks associated with the green transition and blue growth. The communication and dissemination work package ensures the transfer of results to stakeholders and the public through workshops, lectures, professional and scientific conferences, and guidelines for integrating findings into development and planning documents.
Through its interdisciplinary approach, strengthening of research capacities, education of students and early-career researchers, and strong collaboration with regional and national stakeholders, AdriaClimRisk represents an important contribution to understanding and managing climate risks in the Adriatic coastal region, providing a scientifically grounded basis for the long-term resilience of Croatia’s coastal areas.