Clean and Green minds for an environmental friendly behaviour

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B NEXT Black Sea Basin

Date of latest update: 2026-01-13

Description

Description (EN):

The EcoYOU project aims to address the common challenge of pollution in the Black Sea Basin area by developing joint actions to raise awareness among young people about all forms of pollution. The overall objective is to develop joint actions aimed at making young people aware of all forms of pollution through awareness actions, joint camps, and educational tools in the Black Sea Basin during the implementation period of the project. Public awareness and education regarding problems related to microplastic is identified as a common issue in the Black Sea countries and EcoYOU project is ambitious to provide opportunities for innovative and unconventional solutions. Four organizations unite their efforts in implementing a number of activities, focused on boosting the development of environmental protection in the Black Sea countries. The project's approach involves transnational cooperation among various stakeholders, including environmental NGOs, educational institutions, local public authorities, regional public authorities, and youth groups. By working together, sharing experiences, and pooling resources, the project aims to create a more significant impact and effectively address the shared challenge of pollution in the Black Sea Basin area. Transnational cooperation will enable the exchange of best practices, diverse perspectives, and collaborative efforts, ultimately leading to a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to environmental protection. The expected change resulting from the project is twofold. Firstly, by increasing awareness among young people about all forms of pollution, the project aims to foster a generation of environmentally conscious individuals who actively participate in protecting the environment. Secondly, by engaging local communities and public authorities in environmental protection activities ( Joint Round table events, Joint Camps, Common Clean-up events), the project seeks to achieve a measurable reduction of microplastic pollution along the banks of rivers, lakes, and the sea within the project implementation area. The beneficiaries of the project include young people, local communities, public authorities, and the overall ecosystem of the Black Sea Basin area. Young people will gain knowledge, skills, and a sense of responsibility to contribute to environmental protection efforts. Local communities will benefit from reduced pollution levels, leading to improved environmental quality and a healthier ecosystem. Public authorities will witness increased participation and engagement from citizens, resulting in more effective environmental policies and practices. Ultimately, the project aims to contribute to the long-term sustainability and well-being of the Black Sea Basin area.

Actual Achievements (EN):

The EcoYOU project has made notable strides towards its objective of engaging local communities and authorities in environmental protection, with a strong focus on reducing microplastic pollution near rivers, lakes, and the sea. Through hands-on activities and awareness efforts, the project has reached key milestones, involving a wide range of community members and achieving significant outputs across partner countries. Key Activities and Outputs: To create an environmentally positive impact, EcoYOU has organized several joint activities. During this reporting period, three major joint clean-up events were conducted: a Common Clean-up in Cahul on September 24, a Joint Round Table on biodiversity and environmentally friendly behavior in Constanța on September 26, and another Common Clean-up in Constanța on September 27. These events involved over 240 participants, including local citizens, students, and representatives from partner organizations, who actively contributed to cleaning public areas affected by pollution. Common Launching conferences in Cahul and Constanța also helped set the stage for future activities, enhancing visibility and community engagement. Additionally, a comprehensive training session was organized in Galați on September 25, led by PP2 and LP1, focusing on patrol techniques for monitoring pollution. Using tools like the BeECO app, participants learned to identify and report waste deposits in their regions, laying the groundwork for ongoing environmental patrols. These sessions have equipped project partners with essential skills for conducting pollution surveillance and reporting to local authorities. Broader Community Engagement: The project’s impact is especially strong among youth, who have been the main audience for EcoYOU’s awareness-raising efforts. Through 26 environmental seminars, the project has reached over 750 young people, educating them on issues like microplastic pollution, the circular economy, and sustainable practices. These interactive seminars foster a sense of responsibility and environmental awareness among participants, laying the foundation for sustained engagement. Added Value of Cross-Border Cooperation: Cross-border collaboration has been essential to EcoYOU’s success. Partners from Moldova, Romania, and Georgia have shared resources, strategies, and local insights, amplifying the project’s reach and impact. This unified approach has strengthened bonds between communities and created a collaborative framework that can serve as a model for regional environmental protection. As the project progresses, more joint and local events, alongside environmental patrols, are expected to further increase community participation and contribute to the measurable reduction of microplastics in the target areas. Feedback from participants so far has been positive, signaling strong community support and enthusiasm for the project’s objectives. The EcoYOU project continues to make significant progress in engaging communities and public authorities in environmental protection, with a strong focus on reducing microplastic pollution in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. During the second reporting period, project partners expanded on previous efforts, deepening their impact through targeted actions that strengthened local capacities, increased community engagement, and enhanced institutional involvement. Key Achievements: - Enhanced Environmental Responsibility Through Clean-Up Actions Across Moldova, Romania, and Georgia, joint and local clean-ups mobilized hundreds of students, teachers, and residents. These activities not only removed plastic waste but also fostered a long-term culture of environmental responsibility. Continued environmental patrols further reinforced these efforts by systematically identifying pollution hotspots and engaging local authorities for sustainable impact. - Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Environmental Action Training sessions in all three partner countries equipped over 150 public administrators with tools to educate and mobilize communities, ensuring a lasting commitment to tackling pollution. These capacity-building initiatives enabled local authorities to integrate environmental policies into their decision-making processes effectively. - Expansion of Environmental Patrols Land-based and aquatic patrols identified pollution hotspots using the BeECO app. While initial efforts introduced the patrol concept, the second period saw a significant expansion, with 24 patrols (including two at sea). The acquisition of boats and kayaks will further enhance future monitoring efforts, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to pollution surveillance. - Empowering Youth Through Education and Awareness With 39 environmental seminars engaging over 980 young participants, the project significantly raised awareness about microplastics and sustainable practices. The BluE-Map study and youth surveys provided a data-driven approach to engagement, ensuring that educational efforts align with youth perspectives and concerns. - Public Outreach and Digital Engagement A podcast on municipalwaste sorting, a social media campaign reaching over 5,600 people, and various community events expanded the project’s impact, promoting long-term behavioral change. These initiatives successfully disseminated knowledge on pollution reduction and sustainability to a broader audience. Added Value of Cross-Border Cooperation: EcoYOU’s success is deeply rooted in the collaboration between Moldova, Romania, and Georgia. By sharing expertise, resources, and strategies, project partners have created a stronger, united front against environmental pollution. The cross-border framework not only amplified the project’s reach but also provided a replicable model for environmental protection initiatives in the Black Sea Basin and beyond. As the project advances, further joint activities, environmental patrols, and policy engagement efforts will continue to drive measurable reductions in microplastic pollution while fostering a long-term commitment to environmental sustainability. The positive response from local communities and institutions underscores the growing support for EcoYOU’s objectives, reinforcing the project’s lasting impact. The EcoYOU project has made strong progress toward its goal of increasing public and institutional engagement in environmental protection, with a special focus on reducing microplastic pollution in the Black Sea Basin region. The partnership has reached key milestones through impactful cross-border cooperation, youth engagement, and awareness-raising activities. 1. Cross-border Environmental Education & Engagement - 4 Joint Youth Camps held in Georgia and Moldova brought together over 150 young people, educators, and environmental specialists. These camps used informal and creative learning (games, drawing, workshops) to build awareness and empower youth to become environmental ambassadors. - 3 Joint Round Table Events organized in Georgia, Moldova, and Romania gathered over 110 participantsincluding local authorities, NGOs, youth, and experts. These events fostered dialogue on biodiversity, microplastic pollution, and environmentally friendly behavior. - The “8 Hours Overtime for an Environmental Positive Impact” events in Georgia and Moldova mobilized more than 70 participants for hands-on eco-activities like litter collection, reuse workshops, and youth project ideation. 2. Clean-up Campaigns with Local and International Impact - Common clean-up events were carried out in Romania (Brateș Lake) and Georgia (Tana & Tedzami Protected Area) with the involvement of over 90 volunteers, including project partners and residents. - These events removed waste, raised local awareness, and highlighted the importance of active community participation. 3. Youth-Focused Educational Actions - 13 additional awareness seminars were conducted in Romania by PP3 Mare Nostrum, involving 272 youth and 19 teachers, emphasizing microplastic pollution and sustainable behaviors. - The Joint Study and BluE-Map, under development, collected input from over 500 youth through surveys, interviews, and focus groups in Georgia, Moldova, and Romania. The study will support youth-centered environmental education across the Black Sea Basin. 4. Environmental Patrols on Water and Land - All four partners conducted multiple environmental patrols (both land and water-based), identifying pollution hotspots and reporting findings to local authorities. Patrols were held in: o Moldova (Cahul District) o Romania (Galați County) o Georgia (Algeti, Choporti, Tbilisi Sea) o Constanța region by Mare Nostrum - Findings were documented with GPS, photos, and reports, improving environmental monitoring and accountability. 5. Creative Media and Public Awareness - 3 new podcast episodes were produced under the “Green at the Microphone” series, covering topics such as: o Environmental enforcement in Romania o Environmental reforms in Georgia o Social entrepreneurship for sustainability - These podcasts reached broad audiences online, bringing environmental issues closer to the public in an accessible way. Added Value of Cooperation The EcoYOU project stands out for its cross-border collaboration and grassroots involvement. By combining institutional support with youth-driven action across Georgia, Moldova, and Romania, the project: - Enhanced mutual learning between countries facing shared environmental challenges - Fostered long-term partnerships among local authorities, NGOs, and youth organizations - Empowered young people as active contributors to environmental protection Through shared knowledge, co-designed activities, and community involvement, EcoYOU is building a sustainable model for regional cooperation to combat microplastic pollution and promote environmentally responsible behavior.

Project outputs: Joint events organized for an environmentally positive impact(EN)
Joint training session for partners(EN)
Joint Study that includes a BluE-Map(EN)
Environmental patrols on water(EN)
Joint Podcast (EN)

Thematic information

Innovation capacity and awareness-raising Waste and pollution

Priority: (VI-B_BSB_P2) Clean and Green Region

Priority specific objective: RSO2.7. Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 171 Enhancing cooperation with partners both within and outside the Member State

Partners (4)

Lead Partner: Agentia de Cooperare Transfrontaliera si Integrare Europeana

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 936864219

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 1023620004938

Address: 31 August 1989 , MD3909 Cahul, Moldova

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.actie.md

Total budget: EUR 127 512.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 114 760.80

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 12 751.20

საქართველოს ადგილობრივ თვითმმართველობათა ეროვნული ასოციაცია

Name: საქართველოს ადგილობრივ თვითმმართველობათა ეროვნული ასოციაცია

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 940990502

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 200125676

Address: Ak. Beliashvili , 0159 Tbilisi, Georgia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.nala.ge

Total budget: EUR 111 888.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 100 699.20

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 11 188.80

Organizatia Neguvernamentala Ecologista Mare Nostrum

Name: Organizatia Neguvernamentala Ecologista Mare Nostrum

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 968769071

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 7015190

Address: Tomis, 900647 Constanta, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.marenostrum.ro

Total budget: EUR 102 614.40

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 92 352.96

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 10 261.44

Asociatia PRO NATURA Galati

Name: Asociatia PRO NATURA Galati

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 897640911

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 29927529

Address: Nicolae Alexandrescu, 800121 Galati, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Total budget: EUR 90 720.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 81 648.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 9 072.00

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

National Association of Local Authorities of Georgia

Clean and Green minds for an environmental friendly behaviour

Partners and Projects info

Ecological Nonguvernamental Organization Mare Nostrum

Clean and Green minds for an environmental friendly behaviour

Partners and Projects info

PRO NATURA Galati Association

Clean and Green minds for an environmental friendly behaviour

Partners and Projects info

Cross-border Cooperation and European Integration Agency

Clean and Green minds for an environmental friendly behaviour

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Clean and Green minds for an environmental friendly behaviour

Project acronym: EcoYOU

Project ID: BSB00532

Project start date: 2024-06-20

Project end date: 2025-12-19

Project status: closed

Relevant linked projects:

Joint actions for environmental protection in Black Sea Basin -BeECO, BSB1107, Finalized (EN) | The main objective of the BeECO project was promoting environmental protection in the Black Sea Basin through common education, awareness and river clean-up campaigns to reduce river and marine litter. Within this project, LP1 together with PP2 were partners in implementation. The complementary activities proposed in the EcoYOU project are related those already implemented in BeECO and the partners have experience in improving future activities, already knowing the approach. Also, within the BeECO project, an application was developed (BeECO App) by PP2 that allows real-time reporting of areas with waste deposits. This application will be promoted within the EcoYOU project and will be used in the following activities: Common Clean-up events, Joint camps and Environmental patrols on water for youth. (EN), Improved online public access to environmental monitoring data and data tools for the Black Sea Basin supporting cooperation in the reduction of marine litter - MARLITER, BSB138, Finalized (EN) | A project in which PP3 was a partner. The overall objective of the project was to promote stronger cross-border integration of information, knowledge, and expertise on environmental monitoring and marine litter issues in the Black Sea Basin.
The EcoYOU project will complement it and will use the tools created by the MARILITER project to increase the impact of Awareness events. (EN), Raising Public Awareness and Reducing Marine Litter for Protection of the Black Sea Ecosystem, Finalized (EN) | The purpose of this project, in which PP3 was a partner, is to solve the problem of marine waste. The EcoYOU project will complement it and will use the tools created by the MARILITER project to increase the impact of Awareness events. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 432 734.40

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 389 460.96

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 90.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyDanubeRegion The project aligns well with the objectives and priorities of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region and can positively contribute to the environmental sustainability goals of the strategy.
Project activities can positively contribute to the following priorities of the EUSDR:
1. Priority Area 4: Water quality - Action 7: Tools
Targets mentioned here refer to the active involvement of and dialogue with all stakeholders, with national and regional, urban and rural decision-makers, public authorities, with sectors (agriculture, industry, mining, hydropower, navigation, nature/biodiversity conservation, etc.), with the general public including awareness raising and education.
Eco YOU contributes to these actions by organizing Joint Public Debates, Common Clean-up events, Awareness events, and Training sessions.
SeaBasinStrategyBlackSea Priority 2: Address marine pollution and plastic litter
In accordance with the actions taken under the Convention on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution, the added value of this priority is to support the change of Black Sea citizens and mariner habits to reduce marine litter production and marine pollution.
EcoYOU includes actions that contributes to this objective: Joint training for partners, Joint round table events, Joint camps, Capacity building sessions
Other Black Sea Strategic and Research Agenda
Pillar 4 - Education and capacity building
Main Goal 2 - Empowering ocean-engaged citizens contributing to a clean, plastic free, healthy and productive Black Sea.
Through its activities: Common Clean-up events, Joint training, Joint camps, Capacity building sessions, the EcoYOU project involves a series of stakeholders and organizations active in the field of environmental protection for a clean, plastic free, healthy and productive Black Sea. Also, within the project will be used the BeECO App, developed in another project by PP2 that will allow every user to pass on real-time plastic waste areas.
Other EU Blue Growth Strategy
Blue Growth is the long term strategy to support sustainable growth in the marine and maritime sectors as a whole. Seas and oceans are drivers for the European economy and have great potential for innovation and growth.It is the maritime contribution to achieving the goals of the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. One of them: The rivers and tributaries take thousands tons of trashes into Black Sea every year or people pollute unconsciously the coasts.
In this project, within the activities regarding prevention of the pollution (Awareness events, Common Clean-up events, Joint Camps, Training sessions, "8h overtime" events) of the Black Sea and the rivers that flow through the Black Sea,we will have contributed Blue Growth Strategy of EU.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:
RCO 115 - Public events across borders jointly organised, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO115) Public events across borders jointly organised: 12.0
(RCO87) Organisations cooperating across borders: 4.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B NEXT Black Sea Basin

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2026-01-13

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

67 / 67 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

296 / 296 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Clean and Green minds for an environmental friendly behaviour

Description

Thematic information

Partners (4)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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