Bari, Italy – October 17, 2024
The IPA ADRION project PREBIODUNES (PREserving BIOdiversity in coastal DUNEs from tourism pressure) officially launched on October 17, 2024, with a successful Kick-Off Meeting held at the DICATECh Department of the Polytechnic University of Bari. The event, attended by representatives from international partners, marked an important step towards protecting coastal biodiversity, which is increasingly under threat from tourism, intensive coastal use, and climate change.
The meeting, hosted in a hybrid format, opened with institutional greetings from Leonardo Damiani, Director of DICATECh and Project Coordinator. Following his address, Matilda Mali presented the general objectives and expected outcomes of the project, providing an insightful overview of the PREBIODUNES structure and vision.
A key presentation by Pietro Picuno followed, outlining the scientific context and technical actions that will be taken to tackle issues such as urbanization, pollution, and the impacts of climate change—specifically rising sea levels and dune erosion.
Each partner in the project had the opportunity to present their strategies and goals:
- The Polytechnic University of Bari – DICATECh, as the lead partner, will coordinate the project and all scientific activities, ensuring a holistic, integrated approach to the initiative.
- The Municipality of Gallipoli detailed its role in managing the pressures of local tourism on the region’s biodiversity.
- The Municipality of Preveza will lead protective actions and work on increasing environmental awareness within its territory.
- The Institute of Computer Technology and Press “Diophantus” stressed the development of technologies for data collection and monitoring, which are crucial for tracking the impact of the project’s actions.
- The Organic Agriculture Association will explore how organic farming can be integrated into dune conservation efforts.
- The University of Rijeka – Department of Biotechnology shared its commitment to studying and safeguarding coastal biodiversity.
- Go Green Studio sh.p.k focused on promoting sustainable practices and engaging local communities in active participation.
- The University of Montenegro – Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics emphasized the importance of environmental monitoring and data collection.
- The Environmental Protection Agency highlighted its role in protecting the territory and the Hydraulic Engineering Institute of Sarajevo will conduct important studies on hydrological impacts affecting the dunes.
A key highlight of the meeting was the formation of the Steering Committee, with selected members tasked with ensuring the efficient management of the project. The afternoon session welcomed contributions from associated partners, including the University of Basilicata and the Scientific Ecological Association MAREAMICO, both of which expressed their enthusiasm for the project’s potential to positively impact environmental preservation.
Discussions also addressed the project’s visual identity and the development of a Communication Tool-kit, with roles assigned to various partners to ensure effective communication efforts. The meeting concluded with remarks from Antonio Agrosì, Program Officer of the Interreg Programme, who offered valuable recommendations and insights for the project’s implementation.
The day ended with a social dinner, providing participants the opportunity to strengthen relationships and foster collaboration as they embark on this important initiative to protect coastal ecosystems.
Steady Meeting of the PREBIODUNES Project Held at Politecnico di Bari
During the meeting, the establishment of the Steering Committee—the project’s strategic decision-making body—was a major focus. The partners also defined the project’s financial rules and agreed on a schedule for Steering Committee meetings to be held in each partner country, aimed at monitoring progress and fostering ongoing collaboration.
In addition, plans were made for a series of public awareness events, targeting local communities to highlight the importance of protecting dune ecosystems. These events will play a vital role in raising awareness and promoting the project’s objectives.
PREBIODUNES is set to make a significant impact in preserving biodiversity in coastal dune environments, and the Kick-Off Meeting marked the beginning of a promising journey toward sustainable coastal management. Stay tuned for more updates as the project moves forward in its mission to protect coastal biodiversity!
