Sustainable valorisation of Adriatic fortified heritage through transnational networks, the case of Pula, Croatia

The paper presents a preliminary research conducted in the framework of the current project FORTIC – “From remains of the war to the aRchiTecture of peace in cross-border area of Italy-Croatia”, which deals with participatory models of valorization of coastal defensive systems in the Adriatic region through transnational networking and cooperation. The research focuses on the well-preserved Adriatic fortified coastal systems as witnesses of the turbulent past and common European heritage and their transformation into spaces of scientific and cultural cooperation, civil and peace initiatives, intercultural dialogue and promotion of European values. To elaborate the optimal solution for revitalization, participatory research was conducted that included interviews and workshops with representatives of key stakeholders in the project partner cities of Pula, Šibenik, Korčula, Venice, Vieste and Cervia. The analysis of European and national best practice and the field research results confirmed exceptional socio-economic benefits of transnational networking and transfer of knowledge in the framework of European projects.