The kick-off meeting of the HRZZ-funded project “Assessment of Water Availability in Mediterranean Black Pine Forests” (PINE-WATER) was held on 4 March 2026 at the Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation in Split.

The meeting outlined the project’s objectives, scientific framework, and planned research activities, focusing on water availability, water use processes, ion cycling, and the effects of atmospheric deposition in Mediterranean black pine ecosystems.

Particular attention was given to the methodological framework, including sampling protocols and analytical approaches, as well as to the implementation plan for the first project year. Key upcoming activities include the installation of field equipment and the establishment of a comprehensive monitoring and sampling system.

A field demonstration of sampling procedures was also conducted, providing practical insight into the project’s research methodology.

As part of the science popularisation event “Science Comes to Town” held in Diocletian’s Cellars, the official launch of the project “Assessment of water availability in Mediterranean black pine forests (PINE-WATER)” was presented.

We presented the key role of black pine forests in maintaining the ecological balance of our karst to the general public, especially to younger audiences, in an interactive way. Through the presentation, we explained how complex interactions between trees, soil, and precipitation determine the dynamics of water and nutrient cycling, which is crucial for ecosystem survival under conditions of limited water resources.

In this way, through education and entertainment, the public became acquainted with the main goals that our scientific team will achieve within the PINE-WATER project.