Exploitation of AI for the protection of the natural resources in the ADRION region

AINATURE

September 01, 2024 until August 31, 2027 Official web site of the project

Programme: Interreg IPA Adrion 2021-2027.

Programme priority: Supporting a greener and climate resilient Adriatic-Ionian region

Lead partner: Centre for research and technology Hellas (EL)

Project budget: 1.343.155,21 EUR

Partners: 

• Centre for research and technology Hellas (EL)
• Marche Polytechnic University (IT)
• Agency for Innovation in the Agri-food and Fisheries sectors “Marche Agrifood Fisheries” (IT)
• Zadar County Rural Development Agency AGRRA (Croatia)
• Business association for sport, recreation, rehabilitation and business Eco Zone Ada Huja (RS)
• City of Gračanica (BA)
• Municipality of Budva (ME)

Brief project description:

The AINATURE project addresses one of the key challenges in the Adriatic-Ionian region – the monitoring and management of natural and human-induced disasters – by using artificial intelligence (AI) and modern technologies. The focus is on the early detection and monitoring of surface water pollution, floods, and wildfires.

Through the adaptation of AI tools developed in previous European projects (aqua3S, PathoCERT, TREEADS, Silvanus), AINATURE will develop:

• An AI system for detecting pollution in open water sources (sea, lakes, rivers),

• AI tools for the early detection and monitoring of floods and wildfires,

• A mobile application that allows citizens to contribute to the real-time monitoring of natural crises,

• A joint platform for data sharing and improving crisis preparedness and management.

Unlike previous solutions that rely on expensive equipment (sensors, drones), AINATURE uses free satellite imagery and crowdsourced data, which reduces costs, increases sustainability, and ensures long-term data availability.

The project includes 6 pilot actions across three types of crises (water, wildfires, floods), alongside the development of a Joint Action Plan that supports nature-based solutions and encourages replication in other areas. Special emphasis is placed on cooperation among academic institutions, local authorities, the private sector, and civil society (4Helix approach).

AINATURE contributes to the goals of the European Green Deal, including climate action, pollution reduction, and sustainable development, while adhering to the "Do No Significant Harm" (DNSH) principle.

Project's main objective:

The main goal of the AINATURE project is to develop a common AI-based system that enables early warning and effective management of natural crises in the Adriatic-Ionian region, through the collaboration of research institutions, local authorities, the private sector, and civil society.

Project's main results:

RCR104_2.1: Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations

RCR84_2.1: Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion

 RCR79_2.1: Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations