Transnational Knowledge-building Hub and 2nd Transnational Meeting of AIMS Project (Ljubljana-Jesenice, Slovenia) from 10-12.12.2024

A significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance landslide risk management and prediction in the Adriatic-Ionian region was achieved through the Transnational Knowledge-Building Hub organized as part of the AIMS project (Development and testing of a shared, AI-based predictive model for a coordinated use of big data and for a joint Monitoring System of landslides risk in the Adriatic-Ionian region). Hosted over three days in Slovenia, the event brought together leading experts, researchers, and stakeholders to present innovative solutions, share knowledge, and discuss collaborative approaches to tackling landslide risks in this geologically diverse region.

The AIMS project encompasses pilot sites across the Adriatic-Ionian region, including Italy, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and Greece. The event provided a platform for participants to evaluate current advancements, address regional challenges, and refine strategies for the next phases of the project.

The first day of the event, in Ljubljana, featured a comprehensive series of presentations by project partners, each sharing insights into their respective pilot sites. These presentations focused on key landslide-prone areas, including the Ancona landslide in Italy, Koroška Bela in Slovenia, Obarak and Grabovik in Goražde (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Blinishti in Albania, Metsovo in Greece, and the Settefonti pilot case in Italy.

The partners offered detailed reports on the different types of landslides observed, the challenges faced in monitoring these events, and the effectiveness of existing predictive models. A joint transnational assessment of landslide types and risk categories was undertaken to identify patterns and differences across the region, while an investigation into AI-based landslide monitoring and early warning systems was a major point of focus.

The discussions emphasized the potential of machine learning and AI technologies in improving rainfall threshold evaluation, predictive modelling, and landslide risk assessment. Key questions were raised regarding the current state of AI data availability, the feasibility of applying machine learning techniques in real-world monitoring, and the challenges of integrating AI with existing landslide monitoring systems.

The second day moved to Jesenice, Slovenia, where participants focused on the current status of project and organization issues. Presentations provided an update on the implementation and the key results obtained so far.

One of the highlights was a presentation on the landslide in the area of Koroška Bela, Slovenia, which is one of the project’s key test sites. The discussion focused on the lessons learned from local interventions and their relevance to other sites in the region.

The final day of the event was dedicated to a field trip to Koroška Bela, where the participants had the opportunity to observe the specific landslide risks and see the monitoring infrastructure firsthand. The field trip provided valuable insights into the practical challenges of monitoring landslides in real-time.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment to collaboration across the Adriatic-Ionian region. As landslides continue to pose significant risks to the safety of communities and infrastructure, the AIMS project provides a promising pathway to more effective, AI-based predictive models for risk assessment, monitoring, and early warning systems.

The lead partner of the AIMS project is Università Politecnica delle Marche from Italy. The host of the evet was Geological Survey of Slovenia.

AIMS project is supported by the Interreg IPA ADRION programme under the Interreg Funds (European Regional Development Fund and IPA III) and gathers eight partners from Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Albania and Greece.