Emilia-Romagna region.
Both the Italian frontrunning and replicating regions extend from the Panaro River in the eastern part of the Emilia-Romagna region (Italy) to the coast of the Adriatic Sea within an area of 3000 km2. The whole area is part of the eastern sector of the Po Valley, an almost flat plain close to the mean sea level height. The target land for the intervention is composed of the riverbanks of the Panaro River bounding agricultural fields in the inner land and a natural reserve at the coast. Despite the vicinity of the sea, the climate is subcontinental with warm and humid summers and cold winters. The implication of climate is that vegetation in the flat inland is similar to central and east Europe. The target coastal area is characterized by the Po Delta where salty wetlands follow sandy areas with low water retention.
Challenges facing the region.
In the Emilia-Romagna region, the challenges of flooding and drought afflict both the river and coastal zones. The vulnerable natural reserve ecosystem is under constant threat from salt intrusion, storm surge, and coastal erosion, leading to the loss of biodiversity. Furthermore, these environmental stressors pose significant dangers to existing natural and artificial infrastructures, compounding the region's multifaceted struggle to maintain ecological balance.
Replicating Region's role in LAND4CLIMATE.
In the context of LAND4CLIMATE, replicating regions play a crucial role as observers and learners, focusing on knowledge and experience exchange with their relative frontrunning region. This approach aims to replicate the success of these measures in a practical experiment, assessing their adaptability in a different regional context. The emphasis is on knowledge transfer and skill development through collaborative efforts with the partner region. To facilitate this knowledge exchange, replicating regions participate in training programs related to the NBS efforts of LAND4CLIMATE. In essence, the replicating regions serve as active participants in the scaling-up process, contributing to the broader goal of extending the reach and effectiveness of NBS initiatives. By fostering collaboration and learning from frontrunning regions, they enhance their capacity to address climate challenges and contribute to a sustainable and resilient future.
Emilia-Romagna region's connection to the Lower Po Delta.
Both the Italian frontrunning and replicating regions span from the Panaro River in the eastern part of the Emilia-Romagna region to the Adriatic Sea coast, covering an expansive area of 3000 km2. These regions share comparable landscapes and climatic conditions, establishing a harmonious correspondence that makes them well-suited and ideal partners for the project's requirements. The similarity in geographical and environmental characteristics enhances the effectiveness of collaboration, enabling the exchange of insights and solutions.
