Day 5 in Bertinoro: Field Visit to Rimini

The final day of the “Sustainable Coastal Growth and Resilience” course took the participants beyond Bertinoro to experience first-hand how theory turns into practice. The group travelled to Rimini, a coastal city that has undergone significant transformation through integrated strategies for environmental protection, tourism development, and urban resilience.

The day began at the Rimini Blue Lab, where participants attended a presentation by Assessori Montini and Ridolfi on the city's long-term regeneration strategy. The session provided insight into how Rimini has embraced a holistic approach to coastal redevelopment, aligning ecological, economic, and social goals through coordinated planning and stakeholder engagement.

Next, the group visited Piazzale Kennedy, one of the focal points of the Optimized Safe Bathing Plan (PSBO). Engineers Massimo Vienna (Hera Group) and Massimo Paganelli (Municipality of Rimini) explained the technical and governance aspects of this large-scale infrastructure project, designed to reduce pollution from stormwater overflows and ensure safer coastal waters for both residents and tourists.

After a networking lunch, the group explored the Parco del Mare, a waterfront redevelopment that reimagines public space along the coastline by promoting active mobility, wellness, and green infrastructure. The project is a flagship example of how sustainable urban design can improve both quality of life and climate resilience.

The day concluded with a guided visit to Rimini’s historical center, connecting the dots between coastal planning, cultural heritage, and community identity.

This immersive field experience offered participants a comprehensive view of how local authorities, engineers, and planners collaborate to develop and implement forward-looking strategies for sustainable coastal growth.