VODIME – Waters of Imotski region

Project leaders:

Assistant prof. Ivo Andrić, PhD, University of Split, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy

For Faculty of Science: prof. Nenad Buzjak, PhD, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Department of Geography

Project duration:

1. 6. 2020 - 1. 6. 2023

Summary:

The intertwined and dynamic links between energy, water and food in the management of these resources are unified by the "energy-water-food nexus" method. It allows the observation of the impacts that a decision in a given sector produces in other sectors and a coordinated approach that takes into account feedbacks, trade-offs and synergies between sectors, which is why it is an important tool in climate change adaptation. Applying the "EWF nexus" approach to implementing research in the covered area will balance the management of vulnerable sectors, and a multidisciplinary, integrated approach will enable comprehensive and effective action on climate change adaptation.

To develop adaptation measures, the applicant will conduct applied research with project partners, the backbone of which will be continuous monitoring of water quality and quantity, climatic parameters, and modeling of the hydrogeological system of the wider Imotski field. Based on the collected data and models, the impact of climate change on water resources will be analyzed, the extent of harmful effects of climate change on the agricultural sector and its vulnerability will be assessed, the use of hydropower potential and the possibility of using renewable energy sources will be studied. The collected data will also be used to analyze the impact of climate change on tourism, which is a promising economic sector in the region.

All data collected will be consolidated into a previously established database that will be available to the academic community and other stakeholders at various levels of security. In addition, the current data on the state of the lake from the established database will be displayed on 3 information boards that will be set up in the town of Imotski and next to the Blue and Red Lakes, making them accessible to the general public.