Regional Climate Strategies in the Adriatic: Translating European and National Agendas

This chapter examines regional climate strategies in the Adriatic coastal areas, with a focus on mitigation and adaptation measures within the frameworks of European and national regulations. It analyzes the characteristics of Italian and Croatian regional strategies, which are divided into northern, central, and southern Adriatic strategies. The analysis employs a common and replicable approach. The strategies reflect varying emphases on mitigation and adaptation, which are implemented through governmental decrees and regional plans. Detailed assessments reveal differences in the reliance on climate projections, vulnerability evaluations, and consideration of cross-border risks. Sectoral coverage spans agriculture, biodiversity, energy, infrastructure, and tourism, with strategies employing regulatory, economic, and communication policy instruments. Stakeholder involvement includes public authorities, research institutions, societal groups, and private entities, yet communication often favors top-down approaches. Integration into policies and ongoing evaluation underscore strengths such as technology adoption and interdisciplinary planning, but highlight challenges like funding constraints and data availability. Lessons learned emphasize cross-border cooperation, stakeholder engagement, and integrated planning to enhance resilience and sustainability across these diverse Adriatic regions. The chapter is structured as follows. The initial three sections examine the characteristics of the Italian and Croatian regional strategies, divided into northern (Sect. 7.1), central (Sect. 7.2), and southern (Sect. 7.3) Adriatic scales of analysis. The final section presents a synthesis of the information collected, including discussions and final considerations (Sect. 7.4).