With its widespread impact on the environment, economy, and human health, climate change represents one of the greatest challenges of our time. Rising temperatures, floods, droughts, and sea level rise are just some of the symptoms present in Dalmatia. It is essential to find sustainable solutions that will enable adaptation and protection of our communities and natural resources. In order to adapt rather sooner than later, the DesirMED project was created.

The DesirMED project, funded by the European Union, has recognized nature-based solutions as one of the ways to adapt to climate change. These solutions address the challenges of modern urban life in a sustainable way, preserving the environment and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

The five-year project started on January 1, 2024, and has already implemented various activities, demonstrating that it is possible to act immediately and effectively for a better future for Dalmatia.

Protection and increase of green areas in Split are not our whim

In the TV show “OKRUGLI STOL” on Televizija Dalmacija on June 13, the project manager of DesirMED, Maja Jurić, highlighted the key benefits of green areas for our city. Besides improving air quality by filtering pollutants, greenery regulates temperatures, providing coolness during hot summer months. Parks and gardens become places for recreation, play, and socializing, while the preservation and increase of green areas contribute to biodiversity and rainwater management. Greenery also has a proven positive effect on mental health as it reduces stress and anxiety.

– Protection and increase of green areas in Split are not our whim. Greenery is important for our future! – said Jurić, emphasizing the importance of involving the community in these efforts. She added that every citizen can contribute to preserving the environment, whether by participating in local initiatives or simply caring for the green areas in their surroundings.

In addition to Jurić, the show featured the director of Parkovi i nasadi, Siniša Gašparević, Marin Kanajet from Permakultura Dalmacija, and county councilor Jakov Prkić. Together, they discussed the importance of preserving green areas and the possibilities of increasing them in Split.

Collaboration for climate resilience: Capacity2Transform

The Capacity2Transform Central Europe Interreg workshop, held on June 28, gathered 20 participants from various local and national environmental organizations. The workshop aimed to identify climate and related issues on which these organizations can collaborate.

At the workshop, Sunce presented the DesirMED project and practical examples of nature-based solutions, such as the School botanical garden at Skalice Elementary School. Participants showed significant interest in the activity of creating two new school gardens within the DesirMED project, highlighting its potential as an educational tool and a community initiative for adapting to climate change.

– It is important to note that our educational system lacks systematic planning of such initiatives. The decision on whether children will have a new garden often depends solely on the initiative and motivation of individuals, such as principals and teachers. Instead of such decisions being standardized and systematically supported, they often depend on individual enthusiasts, – emphasized Jurić.

School gardens are not only pleasant areas for children but also have practical benefits. For example, such gardens can be designed to absorb excess rainwater. With vegetation and appropriately designed drainage systems, it is possible to significantly reduce the burden on urban infrastructure, such as sewage systems. This practice is not only environmentally beneficial but also economically justified, contributing to the long-term sustainability of urban planning.

What are we doing today for a better tomorrow? – Sunčana frekvencija

To enhance the project’s communication efforts, Sunce organized a radio show called Sunčana frekvencija, which will air every first Thursday of the month on Radio Sunce. In this show, Croatian DesirMED project partners will provide answers to questions about nature conservation and combating climate change.

This show, funded by the DesirMED project, aims to raise awareness among citizens about the importance of nature-based solutions for a sustainable future. Through Sunčana frekvencija, the activities and successes of the project will be presented, hopefully encouraging the wider public to actively participate in environmental conservation. The show will also provide a platform for discussing current environmental issues, presenting innovative solutions and good practices that DesirMED brings to our community.

In the first episode on July 4, Jurić introduced listeners to the project and tried to inspire them to take an active role in environmental protection.

– Every small action, every planted garden, composting, or urging decision-makers contributes to efforts in the fight against climate change. To make life better in Dalmatia in the future, we must find strength in unity and collective action, – said Jurić.

Meeting of Croatian DesirMED project partners

The project partner, Split-Dalmatia County, held a meeting of Croatian DesirMED partners on July 5. The meeting was attended by the representatives from the Center for regional activities of the Priority actions program (CRA/PPA), the University of Split, the Faculty of civil engineering, architecture, and geodesy in Split, and Sunce.

An initiative to establish a working body was agreed upon. This task was assigned to the Advisory council for integrated coastal zone planning and management of the Split-Dalmatia County, which will significantly contribute to identifying problems and implementing solutions in pilot areas.

The project partner PAP RAC will prepare a summary of the Coastal plan of the Split-Dalmatia County in English and French, which will be available to the public through the knowledge platform for the Adriatic region.

At the meeting, the Horizon Europe Atlantic-Arctic Agora A-AAGORA project, which aims to protect and restore marine and freshwater ecosystems and promote social well-being, was also presented. This project supports the European Commission’s mission “Restore our oceans and waters by 2030.”

Climate change presents a serious challenge to our future, but projects like DesirMED provide concrete solutions and opportunities for a more sustainable and resilient way of life. Partners will regularly meet and carry out various activities as part of the five-year project because community engagement, collaboration with institutions, and public education are key to the success of DesirMED.