ABSTRACT The European Union Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (Eusair) involves 9 countries (4 EU countries and 5 non-EU countries) and is composed by four interconnected pillars: A - Blue growth; B - Connecting the region; C Environmental Quality; D - Sustainable Tourism. The Strategy aims at developing the economies of the Adriatic countries through a sustainable model with the purpose of overcoming the disparities between the countries involved. An updated picture of current funding opportunities for coastal erosion mitigation interventions has been outlined to support municipalities and operators in raising funds and accessing the EIB/EIF/EASME programme.
The management of coastlines must combine the use of coasts with the protection and conservation of habitats and ecosystems. Coastal planning can play a central role in the fight against coastal erosion and in the reduction of anthropogenic pressure; thus, it can prevent the depletion of coastal habitats and facilitate natural forms of coastal adaptation that intense human activities preclude. The thematic regulatory framework at international, European, Italian and regional level (Puglia) on the use and conservation of coastal areas has been outlined, focusing on spatial planning coastal areas. Therefore, Protocol VII of the Barcelona Convention on Integrated Coastal Management (ICZM 2008), Marine Strategy, Maritime Spatial Planning which is a key tool to implement blue growth and is closely linked to the Marine Strategy - and the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Management, as well as rules on the protection and use of the coast in Apulia, have been studied in depth.
For the implementation of instruments within the blue economy, Regional and local authorities can make use of several financial instruments, in particular, the European Structural and Investment Funds (EIF funds), i.e. EMFF, ERDF, ESF and EAFRD. These Funds are intended to create jobs and promote a healthy and sustainable economy and environment.
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