On October 2, 2025, the event “Resilience in Common: Imagining and Transforming Together” took place at Lo Quarter in Alghero. Organized by Anci Toscana and the Municipality of Alghero, in collaboration with the Municipality of Sassari, it gathered institutions, universities and local communities to discuss how participatory approaches can strengthen climate resilience.
Mayor Raimondo Cacciotto opened the session, stressing the importance of cooperation in tackling climate challenges. Giovanna Faedda, representing the Municipality of Alghero, highlighted key concepts such as resilience and local adaptation strategies.
The morning session, “Tools and Methods for Resilient Communities”, featured international and local contributions. Professors Luigi Ledda and Francesco Fatone (Università Politecnica delle Marche) presented CARDIMED, emphasizing the Mediterranean as a living laboratory for sustainable and nature-based climate solutions.
CARDIMED, funded by Horizon Europe, promotes innovative strategies for water management and climate resilience across Mediterranean regions, with Alghero as a key demonstration site. The collaboration among Università Politecnica delle Marche, Università di Bologna, and the Municipality of Alghero focuses on advanced wastewater reuse, circular water management and ecological transition, addressing one of the most climate-vulnerable areas in Europe.
The afternoon technical session deepened the scientific and operational aspects of CARDIMED. Prof. Fatone outlined its European strategic vision, Ing. Lorenzo Tombolini detailed the Alghero demo site with its advanced treatment technologies and compliance with EU regulations, Prof. Ledda discussed sustainable agronomic practices for drought adaptation and Ing. Giuseppe Mancuso (Università di Bologna) presented the role of Nature-based Solutions, such as constructed wetlands and vegetated buffer strips, in improving water quality and reducing pollution.
The day concluded with a roundtable on CARDIMED with Stakeholders and Potential and local community moderated by Prof. Ledda. Local representatives including Giovanna Faedda, Andrea Motroni (Regione Sardegna), Mauro Salis, Stefano Taras, and Paolo Naccari (Consorzio di Bonifica della Nurra) discussed water scarcity, agricultural challenges and the potential of reclaimed water as a strategic resource.
The event achieved strong engagement, clarifying key concepts of climate adaptation and reinforcing the message that collaboration and shared governance are essential to achieve resilient and sustainable outcomes.
