Adaptation of mosquito population control measures to climate change in Croatia

KK.05.1.1.02.0008

Project title

Adaptation of mosquito population control measures to climate change in Croatia (KK.05.1.1.02.0008)

Operational Programme

2014.-2020., funded from the European Regional Development Fund


Project duration

36 months (01.06.2020. – 01.06.2023.)



Host institution

Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Department of Biology, Cara Hadrijana 8/A 31 000 Osijek, VAT: HR-78808975734

Partner institution

Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička Cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, VAT: HR-69715301002



Supported by the European Regional Development Fund

465 154.59 € (376 970.78 € non-refundable funds)


Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund

50 518.23 €


Hardware donation through Applied Research Accelerator Program



Activities

Project summary
Mosquitoes are the deadliest animals on Earth. In the territory of the Republic of Croatia, there is an increase in the populations of invasive and some indigenous species because control measures are not adapted to climate change. In this project a generalized model of mosquito population dynamics will be developed that will enable prediction and simulation of the effects of climate change on mosquito population dynamics. Based on the developed models, a system for adapting mosquito population control measures to climate change will also be developed. Extensive dissemination will ensure the sustainability of results and raise awareness of the consequences of climate change in the Republic of Croatia.

Objective and expected results of the project

The aim of the project is to create a system for predicting the need and methods of control and regulation of mosquito populations in the entire territory of the Republic of Croatia in the context of environmental changes resulting from climate change. The main result of the project will be spatial maps of the Republic of Croatia where, for at least three climate change scenarios (RCP 2.6-8.5), areas where changes in mosquito control methods caused by climate change are expected will be identified, with proposals for specific adaptation and monitoring measures. Based on the knowledge from the model, four strategies of climate change adaptation measures will be introduced:

  1. Proposal for adaptation of mosquito population control measures in areas of importance for biodiversity.
  2. Proposal for adaptation of mosquito population control measures in populated areas.
  3. Proposal for adaptation of mosquito population control measures in tourist areas.
  4. Proposal for adaptation of mosquito population control measures to invasive species.

The project also envisages the development of a computer platform that will consist of several modules, through which the general public will be able to get acquainted with the outcomes of the project:

  • Web interface featuring the project results
  • Web interface featuring interactive simulations
  • Public data base

Links to relevant websites