The MONI.CA (air MONItoring aCross Adriatic) project, funded by the EU Interreg Italy-Croatia programme 2021-2027, is the product of the collaboration between RIT University Croatia and the professional training organisation Eduforma Srl that is developing an advanced system for monitoring air pollutants through the integrated use of gliders, drones and sensors. The mission is to create a tool capable of able to contribute significantly to environmental policy for the public health of citizens and territories.
With the aim of testing this solution, the project has a budget of € 213,384 co 80% financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which to date has enabled the development of a first prototype including analysis software. first prototype including data analysis software. The adaptability of this system makes it possible to vary the expenditure required for its implementation, taking into account the type of aircraft used and the specificity of the survey to be carried out.

Innovation
The innovative element of the project consists of the use of a solar glider and a drone (DJI Matrice 210 RTK v2), both equipped with state-of-the-art sensors. The glider, powered by photovoltaic panels, allows
extensive coverage and the initial detection of pollutants. More targeted interventions by the drone will follow in areas with critical levels of pollution. The data collected will then be made available to public bodies, providing them with valuable tools for developing policies based on reliable data collected in the near future.

Training
The project promotes interaction between governmental bodies, sectoral agencies and educational institutions. Through training and exchanges between Italian and Croatian students MONI.CA spreads understanding of new technologies for their use and strengthens citizens’ awareness of the benefits of more sustainable behaviour, also through social campaigns launched on Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin.

Towards a Sustainable Future
The purpose of the press conference held on 22 May 2024 was to inform about developments to date
and to encourage the involvement of key stakeholders: local, regional and national public authorities, agencies, companies, research centres and citizens. In addition, it aimed to disseminate achievements and discuss the application of the developed technologies to the area of the municipalities involved (Padua and Dubrovnik), with the aim of extending the benefits of the project to a wider number of beneficiaries at the national level as well.
In the words of Professor Martin Zagar, technical director of the project for RIT Croatia, “With the introduction of this innovation, designed to be a low-cost and energy-efficient alternative, it provides a flexible and portable solution that can be adapted to the contexts of different areas. A further strength lies in the ability to reach even the most remote areas, reducing the need for costly permanent infrastructure. This initiative is a first step to further deepen potential cross-border collaborations,” echoes Eduforma President Dr. Domenico Laterza.
MONI.CA is an opportunity to open new frontiers in cooperation between Italy and Croatia, thanks to the
active participation of a multitude of actors involved at local and European level that by strengthening partnerships. Training promotes the dissemination of these innovative technologies that impact
positively on sustainability, employment, and bring public interest benefits to the territories involved.”