This service entails the ex-post evaluation of the 2014-2020 regional programming of the Apulia Region in the "Soil Protection" sector (Objective 5.1: Reducing hydrogeological and coastal erosion risks), included in the ROP/POC Puglia ERDF-ESF 2014/2020. Soil protection includes all structural and non-structural actions aimed at safeguarding people, buildings, and economic activities from risks associated with natural events such as landslides, floods, and coastal erosion. The evaluation seeks to enhance the quality of programme design and implementation by analyzing them in terms of effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence, and added value (as per Article 56 of EU Regulation 1303/2013).

The evaluation focuses on analyzing the results achieved by the interventions in areas at hydrogeological risk and the prevention of damage due to landslides (sub-action 5.1.a) and floods (sub-action 5.1.b), as well as on updating the “Protezione Civile” (civil protection) plans of the affected municipalities (sub-action 5.1.d) to protect people, assets, and economic activities, identifying significant practices for the PR Puglia ERDF-ESF 2021-2027.

The evaluation is based on an in-depth analysis of data and information to describe the results of the 2014-2020 cycle and identify innovative and replicable experiences. Three main areas are examined: governance, intervention implementation, and achieved results.

The methodology integrates qualitative analysis (document review, case studies, interviews, and online surveys) and quantitative analysis (analysis of primary and secondary data) to provide a comprehensive response to the 16 evaluation questions. The evaluation results will be disseminated through workshops and the involvement of relevant stakeholders (scientific community, local, regional, national, and European administrations).