CASCADE is a project funded by the Italy-Croatia Interreg Cooperation Programme. Coordinated by the Apulia Region, the project is developing a set of concerted and coordinated actions that are aimed to enhance the knowledge, to evaluate the quality and assess the vulnerability of inland, coastal and marine ecosystems in Italy and Croatia with the final objective to restore endangered species and to support integrated management. The project is consolidating long-lasting research capabilities in the field through a concrete dialogue with stakeholders and the participation of Agencies, research centres and universities.