Smart Coast by DDCC-CR, Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università di Bologna

Smart Coast proposes to strengthen coastal early-warning and monitoring systems in Emilia-Romagna by expanding a citizen-science network that combines real-time environmental measurements, education, and community engagement. Building on an existing pilot station at the Rimini port (used both for scientific data collection and for hands-on training of high-school students) the initiative will deploy new low-cost monitoring stations for sea-level and atmospheric conditions along the regional coastline. These stations will be implemented and managed by schools, tourism operators, and other local actors, all supported through dedicated training programmes on coastal risks, ocean literacy, and early-warning systems. The project aims to improve the localisation and detection of extreme events, while fostering public awareness, preparedness, and resilience. By involving technology providers, tourism operators, municipalities, and research institutions, Smart Coast intends to create a long-term public–private partnership that integrates data, education, and innovation. The initiative will also contribute valuable information to regional strategies on coastal management and sustainable blue economy, strengthening collaboration across the “quintuple helix” and promoting a shared culture of adaptation to climate change.