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From 17 to 19 March 2026, the 2nd General Assembly and Adaptation Day of the DesirMED project took place in Kavala (Greece), marking a key moment to reflect on how to transform Nature-based Solutions (NbS) from local experiments into concrete tools for climate adaptation.

For MEDSEA, a partner of the Sardinia Region cluster of DesirMED, this meeting marked a clear shift: it is no longer about designing solutions, but about making them work on the ground. The real challenge lies in integrating Nature-based Solutions into territorial systems. NbS are effective, but they do not automatically enter decision-making processes.

Among the main topics discussed during the working sessions, involving both demonstrating and replicating regions, were:

• the definition of adaptation pathways that each region will need to develop within its territory
• how to transform governance and make it effective within existing processes
• increasing funding for NbS by engaging the private sector
• the essential role of stakeholders and how to strengthen their active involvement
• the importance of monitoring the effectiveness of the solutions

NbS solutions already in place at the pilot sites

During the meeting in Kavala, four pilot sites in the Municipality of Paggaion, Greece, were visited, showcasing the concrete application of Nature-based Solutions.

From constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment and reuse, to precision irrigation systems, and interventions addressing coastal erosion and flood risk. Different but complementary cases, demonstrating how climate adaptation can be integrated into territorial systems.

At the heart of the Adaptation Day discussion was a question relevant to the entire Mediterranean: how can adaptation be scaled? It is not enough to demonstrate that a solution works — it must become replicable, financially viable, and embedded in public policies.

The event provided a valuable opportunity for exchange among stakeholders from different European countries, where many positive experiences were shared. For Sardinia, the Regional Water Authority (ENAS) also took part, contributing its experience in cooperation projects and dam management.

Sardinia: a real-world laboratory for climate adaptation

Within DesirMED, Sardinia is one of the demonstrating regions.

The work carried out focuses on territories exposed to real pressures — coastal erosion, sediment and river mouth management, and the evolution of Posidonia oceanica distribution under ongoing climate change scenarios.

MEDSEA’s contribution fits into this context through an integrated approach that brings together coastal and marine ecosystems, resource management, multi-level governance, and community engagement, with the aim of embedding Nature-based Solutions into policies and everyday practices.

“MEDSEA, together with the other cluster partners, is working precisely on this critical step: connecting environmental solutions, governance, and territories. In practice, this means integrating Nature-based Solutions into coastal and marine planning, translating scientific data into concrete and usable decision-making tools, working with public authorities and stakeholders to build replicable models, and linking climate adaptation, biodiversity, and local development. In Sardinia, the cluster operates in an integrated way to build a scientific base that can support decision-making processes.”
 — Francesca Etzi, Environmental Engineer, MEDSEA

An important next step in this direction will be the workshop organized by the entire regional cluster, titled “Adaptation pathways to climate change in Sardinia’s blue areas”, scheduled for 23 April 2026.

On this occasion, stakeholders will discuss the actions to be implemented in climate adaptation processes for coastal areas, lagoons, and river basins across Sardinia.

Among the initiatives that the MEDSEA Foundation will carry out in the coming months, a project dedicated to schools in coastal areas will also stand out: a laboratory where students will be invited to imagine and design their future coastline.

Photo Credits: DesirMed