On May 26 and 27, 2026, within the framework of the INCORE-MED project, RERA S.D. organized a Democracy Lab (DLAB) workshop at the Gojača pilot site in Kaštel Sućurac, Croatia. The two-day participatory workshop brought together local residents, public authorities, researchers, and representatives of regional institutions and civil society organisations to jointly identify local environmental challenges and co-create Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for the pilot area. The workshop aimed to foster inclusive dialogue, strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, and encourage community participation in decision-making related to climate resilience and sustainable coastal management.
Following the DLAB methodology, participants first engaged in a preparatory sensitisation phase through an online questionnaire exploring perceptions of democratic participation, local environmental issues, and expectations for the workshop. During the first day, participants were introduced to the INCORE-MED project, the Gojača pilot site, and the NbS approach through expert presentations, spatial analyses, and examples of good practice. A field visit enabled participants to directly observe key environmental challenges, including stormwater management, coastal conditions, and green infrastructure.
On the second day, participants worked collaboratively in small groups using the DLAB Storyboard methodology to develop future scenarios and propose solutions for the Gojača area. Discussions focused on improving green spaces and biodiversity, implementing Nature-based Solutions for stormwater management, enhancing the coastal zone, and strengthening long-term governance of the area. Participants highlighted recurring flooding, wastewater discharges, degradation of vegetation, and the need for greater transparency regarding the implementation of citizens’ proposals as the most pressing local challenges.
The outcomes of the workshop, together with the evaluation survey and follow-up interviews, will contribute to the development and prioritisation of Nature-based Solutions for the Gojača pilot site. The results will also support future local decision-making processes by integrating community knowledge and strengthening participatory governance. Through the implementation of the Democracy Lab methodology, the INCORE-MED project promotes more collaborative, inclusive, and resilient approaches to managing coastal areas while reinforcing the role of local communities in shaping sustainable climate adaptation strategies.
