About the region

Istarska županija (Istra) is located in the western part of Croatia with a population of just below 200.000.

Main climate risks

heatwaves

Croatia will see a 6°C rise in annual mean surface air temperatures by the century’s end in a high emissions scenario [1]. Summer temperatures could increase by 7.5°C, leading to more frequent heatwaves, droughts, and heat stress. Vulnerable groups, especially the elderly, are at greater risk of heat-related mortality [2]. Urban heat islands will exacerbate the situation [3].

wildfires

Croatia faces regular wildfires, with significant events in 2012, 2020, and 2022 [4]. Istra, previously less affected, also saw a rise in fires in 2022, contributing to a loss of 253 hectares of tree cover since 2001 [5]. Climate change, with higher temperatures and altered precipitation, will increase wildfire frequency.

floods

Flash floods in Croatia, driven by heavy rainfall, can overwhelm local water management and cause significant damage [6]. Changing precipitation patterns, with wetter winters and drier summers, will increase the frequency of intense rainfall events, making flash floods more likely, especially in Istra [7].

Focus during Pathways2Resilience

The region aims to enhance climate resilience by building on existing local initiatives and resources. While initially focusing on Poreč and Labin, the goal is to ensure replicability across Istria and Croatia through knowledge exchange and learning. The project also seeks to strengthen connections between the two cities and attract EU funding to address resource gaps.

Regional Resilience Journey

Istra has medium readiness for the first RRJ step and low readiness for the second and third RRJ step.

Istra has the highest capacities in Capabilities and Skills.

Key community systems priority areas

  • water-management

  • infrastructure

Key enabling conditions priority areas

  • governance-engagement-collaboration

  • finances-resources

  • knowledge-data

References

[1] –

The World Bank. 2021. “Croatia – Current Climate Trends and Significant Change against Natural Variability”. Climate Change Knowledge Portal.

[2] –

Kollanus, Virpi, Pekka Tiittanen, and Timo Lanki. “Mortality Risk Related to Heatwaves in Finland – Factors Affecting Vulnerability.” Environmental Research 201 (June 16, 2021): 111503.

[3] –

European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. “Demonstrating heat stress in European cities”. Last Accessed 29 October 2024.

[4] –

Marchesini, Chiara. July 7, 2023. “Croatia shows how to deal with the worst wildfires”. European Data Journalism Network.

[5] –

Global Forest Watch. “Croatia – Istarska – Fires.” Last accessed October 30, 2024.

[6] –

World Meteorological Organization. “Sendai Framework Terminology on Disaster Risk Reduction – Flash Flood”. Last accessed October 30, 2024.

[7] –

The World Bank. 2021. “Croatia – Climate Projections – Mean Projections”. Climate Change Knowledge Portal