MAIA Adapting to Change event: “Adaptation Challenges and Opportunities for Island Communities”

Event details

Date: August 26, 2025

Time: 18:30-21:00 CEST

Location: Tortolì Municipal Council Hall, via Mamelí, Tortolí, Sardinia.

Language: Italian

Agenda & Speakers: See below

Admission: Free

Limited capacity. Register now to secure your place.

Key messages

On August 26, we will hold the third session of our cross-sectoral space for reflection on climate change: Adapting to Change.

With the participation of local figures, stakeholders and experts, this session will explore the challenges, opportunities and solutions for adapting to climate change in island and coastal communities, with a focus on the specific challenges faced in Sardinia.

Aimed at the public and private sector, communicators, educators and anyone interested in these issues, this is a unique opportunity to get cutting-edge insights from leading experts.

The best ideas are born from dialogue

“Adapting to Change” is an regular meeting that brings together experts in science, business, the public sector and communication to discuss the challenges of climate change, exchange knowledge and explore innovative solutions. An event created to inspire ideas, design strategies and promote solutions that allow experts and communities to adapt and lead innovation.

• We will analyze the social, environmental and economic dimensions of the climate crisis, and the challenges they represent.
  
• We will reflect on how the urgency of adaptation is driving new business opportunities and sustainable models and identify the potential to create or transform business models, based on the opportunities that arise from climate adaptation.
  
• We will understand how companies, governments and researchers are integrating these strategies into their activities and policies, to generate real impact.
  
• We will analyze how high-impact companies are leading the change by integrating economic viability with a strong commitment to sustainability and social well-being.

Agenda

18:30: Guest reception

19:00-20:30: Roundtable followed by Q&A

19:00-19:05: Opening remarks from Riccardo Falchi, Councilor for the Environment – City of Tortolì
• Impacts of climate change and invasive species on the landscape and local activities.
• The role of the City Council in developing shared responses with fishermen, citizens, and scientific entities.

19:05-19:10 | Introduction to the panel discussion: Why are we here today?
Moderation: Journalist Secci
• The two interconnected challenges: climate change and the expansion of the blue crab.

19:10-19:25 | The MAIA project and Mediterranean resilience – OFFC – Partner of the Horizon Europe program
• MAIA project objectives: adaptation and mitigation in island territories.
• The participatory approach as a condition for resilience.
• The Tortolì meeting as a concrete stage of territorial dialogue.

19:25–19:40 | Scientific Communication and Fake News – Livia Paretti, WP5 Coordinator – MAIA Project
• The role of scientific communication in the face of fake news:
o Specific examples of misinformation about the blue crab.
• Importance of trust, data and informed participation.

19:40–19:50 | Innovation and Integrated Strategies for Adaptation – Nicola Pirina, Sardinia Region
• Technological tools for monitoring, forecasting and managing environmental pressures.
• Integration between data, multi-level governance and active participation.
• How to strengthen the adaptive capacity of territories through networks, digitalization, and coherent public policies.

19:50–20:00 | The Voice of the Territory: Fishermen on the Front Line – Donatella Contu, Vice President of the Fishermen’s Cooperative
• Impacts of the presence of the blue crab on fishing, gear, and local species.
• Responses implemented by the cooperative: technical adaptations and operational proposals.
• Future ideas: promoting blue crab fishing, involving young people, strengthening technical support.

20:00–20:10 | Local actions for a more resilient territory – Riccardo Falchi, Councilor for the Environment
• Environmental initiatives underway: selective collection, education, coastal protection.
• Commitment to develop a shared strategy on invasive species, integrated into regional plans.

20:10–20:30 | Audience Questions and Conclusions – Moderation: Journalist Secci

20:30-21:00: Snack and networking session (planned for around 40 people)

Registration details

Limited availability. Please register to reserve your place.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Recording

To follow after the event.