To establish effective climate governance, the Municipality of Lignano Sabbiadoro initiated a participatory process aimed at reimagining and regenerating Porto Casoni, a small harbor overlooking the lagoon that faces risks from sea-level rise and coastal erosion. Over 70 individuals, including representatives from 16 associations and private businesses, participated in the consultation process. This collaborative effort provided local stakeholders an opportunity to actively contribute, sharing their needs and ideas to enhance the safety and usability of the area. The approach emphasized dialogue, inclusiveness, and co-creation, fostering better communication between the local government and the community. This, in turn, built trust and created a conducive environment for Lignano Sabbiadoro’s journey towards a climate-resilient city. The process culminated in the City Council’s approval of the Porto Casoni Master Plan.
The second ongoing pilot action focuses on developing a Green Management Plan (“Piano del verde” in Italian), involving citizen participation. The plan aims to:
- Thoughtfully design public spaces, including tree-lined avenues, green areas, gardens, green roofs, and hanging gardens, to mitigate high temperatures, heatwaves, flash floods, and the urban heat island effect.
- Enhance air quality by selecting vegetation types that effectively remove pollutants, considering initial pollution levels and the size and distribution of green spaces.
- Preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services within urban environments.
These objectives will be achieved through three key strategies: environmental awareness and education campaigns, thoughtful planning and design of green spaces, and a robust monitoring system to track progress.
A Sustainability Festival, set for June 2025, will celebrate this journey towards a climate-resilient future, sharing experiences and promoting best practices.