The FVG Pilot area comprises the Gulf of Trieste and the Grado and Marano lagoon, featuring: peculiar coastal, lagoon and open sea ecosystems; remarkable cultural heritage sites (e.g. Aquileia UNESCO World Heritage site, but also Grado has important archaeological and early Christian evidence); very popular marine tourism sites (e.g. Lignano, Grado) with sand beaches and marinas; traditional and modern economic activities based on sea and lagoon resources (e.g. aquaculture, fishery, slow and nature-oriented tourism, shipyards). All these features are highly exposed to climate change impacts and some ecosystems are extremely fragile and already affected by multiple pressures. The lagoon covers the western stretch of Friuli Venezia Giulia coast: it includes a multitude of tiny islands, traditional fishermen settlements, canals and peculiar habitats characterised by a variety of water salinity levels and an impressive biodiversity, counting notable birdlife, which motivated the establishing of natural protected areas (Natura 2000 sites and Regional Natural Reserves). Relevant productive activities take place near the inner side of the lagoon and also along the coast (e.g. Monfalcone). The eastern coast of FVG region is mostly high and rocky: it features limestone cliffs, the striking Miramare castle and the related Marine Protected Area and at its eastern end lie the city of Trieste and the charming town of Muggia.